SWAN POND ๐Ÿ˜Ž 2nd part

in nature โ€ขย  6 years agoย  (edited)

Left off at the pond outlet where an old concrete wall was constructed between the pond and a canal feeding a once cranberry farm. Cranberry is grown in acidic wetlands.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry ...............................................................................................................SWAN POND 1st part https://steemit.com/nature/@manorvillemike/swan-pond-1st-part
DSCN3214.JPG

DSCN3216.JPG

Lets paddle on in our Kayak, we're only less that half way around the perimeter of the 57 acre pond.

DSCN3217.JPG

The pond averages about six feet deep according to the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) charts but even with all the rain we had that brought the level up, you could stand in most places and still have your head above water.

DSCN3219.JPG

Can you see the turtle just at the surface with it's head above the water? Hard to see with the reflections.

DSCN3219 (2).JPG

Pond is full of wildlife. Many turtles. You will only see their little heads sticking up above the calm open water. They dive away before you can get close enough for a picture. The "Painted Turtle" is the one you see the most. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_turtle

DSCN3220.JPG

We are at the far side looking back across the pond where I launched the kayak. On this side there is open water free of Water lily pads.

DSCN3221.JPG

DSCN3222.JPG

There are 70 some species of Water Lilies in both tropical and temperate climates. There are quite a few right here in this little pond. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaeaceae

DSCN3223.JPG

DSCN3228.JPG

Only a pair of swans having the pond, named after them, to themselves. You would think there would be many more swans here. Plenty of food and Privacy. The reason most likely is interference by the DEC. Mute swans, Cygnus olor, are a non-native, invasive species who's population is contained by State and Federal agencies. They use to just outright kill some off each year. Now they destroy the eggs in the nests by jabbing them with thin rods.

I'll do a post on these beautiful white graceful birds to tell their whole story.
DSCN3229.JPG

DSCN3235 (2).JPG
Big guy showing me his flipper

Gee we haven't got far and this post is getting long. Lots more to see, please hang in there. ๐Ÿ˜‰

As I was watching the swans some Geese in the sky were honking as they circled the pond. Took a quick video. Came out fuzzy but thought I would include it. I ended the video abruptly as they flew right over my head. Didn't know if I was a target or not. ๐Ÿ˜’ Could have got them landing just behind me....

DSCN3238.JPG

Continuing on in open water. Must be deeper here, Water lilies only grow in shallow water.

DSCN3239.JPG

DSCN3243.JPG

Coming up to some logs. Where there are logs there should be turtles sunning themselves.

DSCN3244.JPG

Look close, there are 3 on the log

DSCN3250.JPG

DSCN3255.JPG

Heading back to the launch site I encounter what looks like an endless ocean of small lily-pads.

DSCN3253.JPG

DSCN3257.JPG

The kayak glided over the pads with little resistance. The stems on the pads being small let the paddles do their work....

Thanks for putting up with this long post.. hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

leafy.png

camera ... Nikon CoolPix W100 ...waterproof to 30 feet .. just don't try it ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order: ย 
ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

What a beautiful journey! Thanks for taking us along!

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

Thanks for joining. Places like this we usually view from afar.. So much more to see when you jump in... :-)

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

Gosh such a lovely place really like the Lilly pads and turtles, those geese could of been after human fingers for breakfast you just never know @manorvillemike.

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

I was the only thing that didn't belong in the pond :-)

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

I love seeing the turtles because we don't have them here where I live. And I am shocked to see all of those lily pads; another thing that we don't have here. So thanks for showing them. : )

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

I don't see them here either...unless I get my butt out there :-)

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

ROFLOL! Good one! : )

ย  ยท ย 6 years agoย 

Goodness! The story about the swan!! Incredible! Such a large pond with lots of food and space!

Posted using Partiko iOS