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.