Our final foray during her recent visit, was an afternoon at Columbia Lake, recently reopened totally, after having restricted access during the early phases of the Coronavirus. The level of the water was exceptionally low and we were literally able to walk right across the bed of the lake.
One of our most exceptional encounters was with four Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), initially a little skittish, but as they went about their frenzied bout of feeding, more approachable.
This is the world's smallest sandpiper, and while not uncommon spring and fall, there is an eternal fascination about it - about shorebirds in general in fact.
Least Sandpipers have returned from breeding in the high Arctic, whereas Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) have been with us all summer and have bred locally.
Birds, always the main attraction, were not the only organisms to attract our attention. Miriam got a couple of very nice shots of this light variant Acadian Hairstreak (Satyrium acadica), nectaring on Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).
The joys of nature are unending!
One would be hard pressed in June or July to visit a suitable body of water and not find a Mallard (Anas platyrynchos) family, with the hen assuming all the duties of parenthood. I thought that this family group presented a particularly charming portrait.
A handsome American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) seemed determined to have a conversation with us, but I fear we did not understand his entreaties.
Since large bullfrogs are prone to eat just about anything they can cram into their mouths, this Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) had better not let down its guard.
This juicy fly, probably Lucilla coeruleiviridis or L. sericata, would make a tasty snack for either species.
Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) more than lived up to its name.
To rename it Abundant Whitetail would not have been unreasonable!
Just before leaving to return home for dinner, we spotted a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) off in the corner of the little bay at the end of the lake.
We thought it a fine bird to end the day, especially when it dove into the water and came up with a fish.
I have spent a lifetime outdoors and have enjoyed every moment of it. At this advanced stage in my life it doesn't get much more enjoyable than to share it with Caroline and Miriam. I am sure it won't be long until we do it again.
