Bog Slogging Season Begins!

In honor of Fish Week on iNat, I decided to take what I refer to as a Bog-Slog (which is sort of a shallow water hike) through a marsh wetland at the upper end of Lake Ray Hubbard. I didn't expect to see much, as the water is still pretty cold, and the wind was pretty stiff (which can degrade water clarity). I was pleasantly surprised at how much activity there was. I found lots of fat female gar already in the shallows,but the water still needs to warm up some before spawning will begin. A few turtles cruising around. Near the end of the slog, I came across a big fish in the shallows. I almost dismissed it as another spotted gar, but the I noticed it had a snub-nose, and long dorsal fin. I was a BOWFIN! Gars and Bowfins are some of my favorite fish (not for eating of course) and seeing them is always a treat.

On my way out of the marsh, I flushed a bittern, but couldn't get my camera out in time for a photo. Shucks!

由使用者 bogslogger bogslogger2016年02月26日 00:41 所貼文

觀察

照片/聲音

什麼

紅耳龜 (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

3 turtles swimming in tight formation, through about 2 feet of clear water. I detained 2 of them for mug shots. Neither one cooperated. So no diagnostic red ear visible. This is turtle #1.

照片/聲音

什麼

紅耳龜 (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Three turtles swimming in tight formation in 2 feet of clear water. I detained two of them for mugshots. This is Turtle #2.

照片/聲音

什麼

紅耳龜 (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

A third Red-ear. This one was alone, in cloudier water. Markings were a lot cloudier too.

照片/聲音

什麼

擬鱷龜 (Chelydra serpentina)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

First of two Snapping Turtles seen today. In less than a foot of water, very near cover. Apparently basking in warm clear water.

照片/聲音

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Female gar detained for ID photos, then released.

照片/聲音

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Another good-sized female. I didn't detain this one.

照片/聲音

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Numerous Spotted gar in this shallow, weedy area bordering the open water of the lake. Mostly solitary females, though some had smaller male escorts.

照片/聲音

什麼

擬鱷龜 (Chelydra serpentina)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Second Snapping Turtle of the day. This one was a little grumpier than the first.

照片/聲音

什麼

無尾目 ( Anura)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Unidentified egg mass. Southern Leopard Frogs have been calling here like crazy for several weeks.

照片/聲音

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Male found in about a foot of clear, weedy water. No nest construction noted. Detained long enough for ID photos, then released in the same location.

照片/聲音

什麼

北美河貍 (Castor canadensis)

觀察者

bogslogger

日期

2月 25, 2016

描述

Possible scent mound, or aborted lodge construction. Fedding signs all around.

評論

尚無評論。

新增評論

登入註冊 添加評論