Wildlife at Home, the Wetlands and Lakeside Park

I was headed to the top edge of Lakeside Park this morning. I had noticed a small predator flying from the treetops as I looked over the lake while standing at the main seated area: Whatever the predator was, it was small and very fast. I observed it chasing the smaller resident birds, matching their movements with unerring accuracy. The bird of prey was unable to catch anything this time and after flying restlessly from one perch to the next, it eventually settled in the branches of a dead tree in the top corner of the lake. Of course, it would be in a really boggy area. I snapped a few photos, edging my way closer until I had to give up any thought of keeping my boots dry, and ventured into the reeds. Through the blurred leaves of a willow tree, I was able to capture a photo of this beautiful little merlin: The merlin attracted the attention of a blue jay who also seemed well aware of my presence: The blue jay soon flew off, as did the merlin on another hunting fo...

The photo you're about to see appears to show a bumblebee clinging to a beautiful goldenrod flower, but look closer: The bumblebee was actually lifeless and was being prevented from falling by the vice-like grip of an ambush bug. There are two mating ambush bugs in the photo, the larger female is feeding on the bumblebee! I had wondered where all the frogs had gone. I hadn't heard any croaking for weeks now. A little attention to detail on my part and I found the frogs were all around me, although not croaking: A close-up of another green frog: This photo was not taken at Lakeside Park but at my home. I took the opportunity to bring out my oldest Pentax camera with only 6 megapixels onboard while I barbecued a little something to eat. It's an old camera, but it can still perform in the right light. The bird in the photo is a house finch: Copyright  ©  wildlakeside.blogpot.com 2019 Scott Atkinson All Rights Reserved.