PPL Wetlands, Always Something New, But You Got To Look.

The forecast this morning called for a chance of severe thunderstorms throughout the day so I decided to hike in the PPL Wetlands again. There are a number of looping trails along the canals and ponds. This allows me to stay close to the car and still enjoy the peace and quite and see what kind of critters I could find.

Well the storms never came so I was able to roam around for a couple of hours. And I did see a lot of critters. Some eluded my camera including some deer, squirrels, chipmunks, many song birds, frogs and turtles. But I was able to capture a few too.

The most exciting where a couple of families of wood ducks. I loved how the mommy ducks herded their  large broods through the waters. The ducklings swim almost single file at times, with their moms prodding them along. 

Also saw a female catbirds and red winged blackbirds  gathering caterpillars, probably for a breakfast treat for their chicks in their nests. I was only able to get a god photograph of the red winged blackbird. 

Was able to get some not too good photographs of a cardinal, catbird and cedar wax wing. And also got some photographs of some dragonflies. I love to watch these ancient, delicate creatures that can fly and dart about in all directions at will. They are very territorial and are constantly fighting off invaders from their turf.  Amazing that these insects flew in the swamps millions of years before the first dinosaur appeared. 

And, although there was so much wildlife to observe, I enjoyed walking under the ancient oak, maple and beech trees just taking in all the new green plant growth.

I also came across quite a few green “swampers” or high bush blueberries. There was no killing frost this year and it looks like it will be a real good crop. all we need now is some rain and I will be picking these delicious berries in late July or early August.

I just love how everything is so greenand alive this time of year. There is so much to see and photograph one forgets how beautiful even the a single, simple blade of grass.  Every living thing really is a true miracle. Glad we have this beautiful place to explore and enjoy.

Here is a link to some more of the photos I took in the wetlands this morning. The red highlighted words above also link to more photos in my galleries. Please feel free to ask questions or comment. https://keepyoureyespeeled.net/photographs-5/nggallery/blog-photos/ppl-wetlands-may-31-2015

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”