Saturday, July 20, 2019


Water Lilies and Lily Pads
(Nymphaea/Nymphaeaceae spp.)


I'll never forget the first time I saw Stricker Pond's beautiful lily pads and water lilies. It was a warm summer's day. The sky was blue, the birds were singing and turtles were hanging out on the lily pads as well as on tree stumps that had fallen into the pond.

Water lilies and lily pads create shade for those living in the pond. They are also hiding places. I've seen numerous Wood Ducks with Ducklings hiding beneath the plant. They were so well protected from predators as well as cool from the summer's heat.

Some birds do not like to land in the water when they are out fishing for their next meal. One such bird is the Green Heron. Instead of landing in the water, they land on a lily pad. They reach out their neck to capture their meal and then stand on the lily pad and eat it. This is one way they eat.

How do lily pads and water lilies grow? If you look at the bottom of the lily pad, you will see that it has a very long stem that goes down into the water. Several lily pads stems go down to the same place. Their roots in the pond's bottom. They grow in a circle. When the lily pads have grown, the water lilies are soon after. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.

Some say that the lily pads are invasive and have cut them down. By doing this, they have taken away shelter, shade, resting places, and ways for birds to drink and eat. I recently went to my favorite pond and noticed that the lily pads and water lilies were not growing. The floods of the previous year caused havoc and this, in turn, is causing havoc to the pond. How? Now, there are far less birds on the pond. The Wood Ducks, once plentiful, are down to maybe one or two adults with ducklings.

To the left you will see Wood Ducklings drinking off lily pads. The water on the pad is like a puddle.

Do you enjoy water lilies? Lily pads? Where do you go to see them?

Enjoy the beauties they are. Take in the pollinators that love to pollinate the water lilies. I have seen many dragonflies and bees enjoying their feast.

Thank you so much for visiting!

Judy


References:
None needed. This is all from visiting the ponds and watching life.




Friday, July 12, 2019



The American Goldfinch
(Carduelis tristis)


Goldfinches are beautiful singers. The male's yellow feathers are so bright that they make me smile. Such a cheery bird. Where have you seen goldfinches? Do they make you smile?

America is lucky to have a large population of Goldfinches. Goldfinches are 4.5 inches long and have a wingspan of approximately 8 inches. Seeds and thistles are their foods of choice. As you see above, the bird stands on a plant and goes in different directions to reach its meal.  Not only do they eat thistles, they also use them when making their nest. What's funny is that they do eat insects but that is only by mistake. How did you get your name? The American Goldfinch got its name because they eat thistles. It's that simple.

Did you know that they can live up to 20 years? They live in many areas including anywhere sunflowers and thistles live, forests, fields, and by the road. As you drive, you see thistles growing by the side of the road.Goldfinches are probably close by.

I have never called Goldfinches wild canaries, but some do. They have other nicknames, such as King Harry.

Life is sweetened by their presence. They bring us joy when they sing or just when we see them on a tree, bush or hopping on the ground. After a long winter, it is truly a blessing to see theses feathered friends. One thing I just learned is that they shed all of their feathers and regrow them twice a year. 

Here you see a Goldfinch right after it flew off a branch. When you watch birds, you will see many of its habits. It's in this way that you learn more about the bird so that, when you have a camera with you, you know what it's going to do. This is the same with life outside your window. For example, have you watched a bee? Take in how it flies and where it goes and, in that way, you will know more about them.
The next time you take a walk, keep your eyes and ears open for the American Goldfinch. Seeing them will brighten your day. Hearing them with make you sing.

Thank you for visiting!

Best,
Judy

References:

Kaufman, K. (1996). Lives of North American Birds.
Wells, D. (2002). “100 Birds and How They Got Their Names.”
Dunn, J.L., & Alderfer, J. (2011). National Geographic: Field Guide to the Birds of North America.