One Hot Day I Went to The Pond and This is What I Saw

The Fire Pond

This is the “fire pond” at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. In the center the aerator bubbles fresh oxygen in the pond.

I wanted to photograph a few dragonflies that live at the pond. But, there was plenty of activity at the pond to catch my eye.

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)

The Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) was in full bloom. It is a tropical-looking native flower. In a garden with a few other plants like Magnolias, a very topical-looking garden could be created.

Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)

A Northern Water Snake hid in the tall grass near the shore, digesting food or waiting for its next meal.

Northern Water Snake (Neroda sipedon)

The thick body hints at how large the snake actually is beneath the water.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

A Bullfrog hides in the grass. A Northern Water Snake is near.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

A Ruby-throated hummingbird sips nectar from native Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Raccoon scat

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) scat on a rock beside the pond. Raccoon have a habit of washing their food in water before eating it. Perhaps, this is why the scat is near the water.

A Peck’s Skipper (Polites peckius) and Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon)

Skippers – A Peck’s Skipper (Polites peckius) and Zabulon Skipper (Poanes zabulon)

Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)

And I took some stunning photos of the Blue Dasher dragonflies.

Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)

This is a Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis). No, I did not make up this scientific name.

Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)

Look for my post on dragonflies on Thursday.