Sunday's Swamp Walk

[John_White]

The day started out chilly with temperatures in the mid 50's and bright sunshine. Due to the cooler temps didn't see very many reptiles during the morning, however the amphibians were abundant with American toad and southern leopard frog larvae in almost all standing water. Rolled a few logs and found mainly cicada larvae getting ready for their 17 year emergence scheduled to start on May 20th. It will be interesting to see the effects of having this huge food source dumped on the environment.

The Canada geese chicks are getting big and starting to explore on their own.




As the temperatures started to climb the turtles came out to bask. Below is a large Northern Redbelly Cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris).


Red-winged blackbirds are now nesting and the males are vigorously defending their territory.


While standing in the swamp trying to photograph small blue fish this northern water snake appeared.

[Diablo]

Nice shots John, I saw a bunch of Canadian hatchlings yesterday. It was great to see so many. Canadian geese are one of my favorite birds

[Ed_r]

Canadian geese are one of my favorite birds

I used to agree with you, but the geese in the near Chicago burbs have actually reached a point where they are considered a pest. They don't fly south anymore, due to all the man made ponds all the industrial parks have put in to pretty up the place. if theres a large puddle that lasts for more than a couple days you'll see geese there soon.

A few years ago we had a fairly big outbreak of the 7 yr locusts ( i think its 7 yr) but that summer you saw some REALLY plump birds.

That brings up an interesting question though. Do the locust have any drawbacks as food for reptiles? Just thinking that could really fatten up the Beardies, and the Monitors. Any drawbacks to that?

[Ed_r]

John do you use a polarized lens filter for the water shots? and in the field do you use a tripod?

As usual Nice pics (sounds like a broken record)

[Stormyva]

Great pics.
Wish I had that kind of luck... I did a lot of walking and saw a lot of nothing.

[John_White]

Thanks for the kind words.

Diablo - Beautiful pic!

Ed, I have a polarizer, but normally don't use it. Always use a tripod as I shake like Katharine Hepburn on crack.
I'm going to try and feed the cicadas to my bearded dragon.

Addition info on the cicadas: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/entomolog...6/444-276.html

[Ed_r]

I shake like Katharine Hepburn on crack

ROFLMAO Sorry to laugh John, but that analogy is just TOO funny. I know I shake too, I really need to invest in a tripod.

[haroldo359]

nice pics diablo and john. and john, you must spend alot of time in the wild to all these great pics.

[natedoggSXE]

Nice pictures like everytime. I always look forward to seeing your swampwalk pics.