Students encounter new pond denizens

HOLDEN – School groups exploring the wetlands this week have discovered several interesting sights. Along the path to the swamp, a fairly large garter snake has been putting in a regular appearance. This snake has been reported to rise up and look at curious students, as well as follow them as they walk along the path. It is odd behavior from a snake that usually immediately slinks away. Interrupted from its basking, perhaps it wants to join in for a guided tour!

Another recent sighting was a small snapping turtle in our frog pond. It is not often seen, but then, snapping turtles spend a fair amount of time resting at the bottom of a pond. Our pond is alive with insects, frogs and tadpoles, so there is plenty of entertainment available for those patiently watching for the snapper.

Whirligig beetles spin around on the surface, dragonflies swoop and speed by overhead, while a water scorpion – long and stick-shaped – travels stealthily through the water.

Gray tree frogs have started singing and one was recently seen on the back porch of the nature center. This beautifully camouflaged frog looks more like a patch of lichen than a frog. If you are lucky enough to see one, look for the suction cup toes that allow this frog to climb and live in trees. During the summer we sometimes find them clinging to the back of the building, where they are easily mistaken for a blemish on the siding.