The Ponds Burst with Life

The dip nets are coming up full as spring progresses.
Our pond life survey turns up more than seven crayfish of various sizes.
Willow determines that this active crustacean is female.

A water boatman makes its first appearance in our net since 2008.

Its legs do remind us of oars.


Lorin demonstrates Zen pond-stalking technique.

Maia and Olivia take their turn, but Zen is not their style.
Foot stomping, full-body immersion would be their preference if not restrained by a loving adult.

Sybil and Olivia come up with yet another crayfish!

Scarlett and Maia are mesmerized by the wiggling bullfrog tadpoles.

Father and daughter discuss the catch.

A damselfly nymph, one of the many aquatic insects that stalks the pond bottom.

First and second year bullfrog tadpoles.

Whoops! Better give these two eastern red spotted newts some privacy!


Even the mosses sense the urgency of spring.
Bright red stalks hold up lime green spore capsules.