Puddle to Pond City Park Views

Birds sunning on rocks

Labor Day Weekend was not quite the weekend I had planned.  Got up early on Sunday to go visit The American River Parkway only to realize my yearly park pass had expired on 8/31/10. On Monday, armed with a new pass good until 9/30/11, I headed to William B. Pond Park.  It is only about 20 minutes from my house and am so thankful the Labor Day rafting crowds got me out of my comfort zone and caused me to explore new surroundings.   

There were no maps available when I drove in with my new pass shining from the rear view mirror. So, my exploration began!   

Where does this go?

There were many folks out enjoying our unseasonably cool weather and most had fishing poles!   

I was thrilled when I found a little puddle and wondered what the slapping noise was, so ventured closer.   

The noise drew me closer...

The noise was the sound of Polliwogs frantically swimming at the puddles shallow edge–sadly, the wrong direction for survival.  While I was stooped over, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a fluttering and noticed there were dragonflies zooming around.  They would dart through the reeds chasing one another and finally land on a reed.    

Identification is so welcome.  Checked Flickr and Googled Dragonflies–overwhelming.  Think I need to go back to insect anatomy first, then look again!  Too impatient to post this than spend the time needed to ID. Please forgive me, so appreciate those who have knowledge to share!  Special thanks and acknowledgment for @Bosque_Bill for sharing IDs. Feel fortunate to be part of a community with folks who support one another–kudos and gratitude for helping me learn more about nature! Below, a photo of a Common Whitetail. 

Wind blowing wings

Enjoying the sunshine

Pictured above, a Twelve-Spotted Skimmer, enjoying a break from darting around and teasing me.  I sat down and enjoyed their antics for quite some time.  What a fabulous first experience–fun to shoot, due to the fact, they were moving all about.  

Stable place to rest

Lush along the shore

 Two more views of a Twelve-Spotted Skimmer… 

Wings make an "X"

Tip top of reed

Next, decided to see what birds were enjoying the pond. Canadian Geese were on the other side and on the island.  While these birds…found a place to sun via rocks in the middle of the pond.   

Walking and standing on water!

City-fied and smart

 Clearly, the previous dragon, a Widow Skimmer is adaptable and has learned that the metal “reeds” are much sturdier than the green ones!   

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

So thankful my initial voyage caused me to look beyond a puddle in the dry dusty area below the levy and see the beauty beyond.   

I love when you learn as you explore and take photos. I “learned” I would really benefit from a longer lens…used a 70-300mm for these shots and then cropped to bring closer.  Guess I will have to do some research:)  Not too much of a hardship, at all!  My wish list is always growing!