Patsy Pond

Patsy Pond Nature Trail - 8/6/2016

A recent burn has yielded new life evidenced by a vibrant green forest floor (wire grass). As the path winds through the Croatan the ponds, perhaps formed by sinkholes, dot the immediate landscape. A flurry of Red-cockaded Woodpecker calls echo across the canopy of Longleaf Pine as we hike up to our first stop.



Can you guess the species of this silhouette?

Cottonmouth

Glass Lizard

A successful excursion to the breeding grounds afforded great looks at the coveted species of damselfly we came to assess. It did not take long for the furnace in the sky to warm up the dormant wildlife. A pair of Downy Woodpecker joined the pond party as they whittled their way around a leafless shrub rising from the sandy pond bed. Nearby, a Glass Lizard and Cottonmouth shy away from the wilderness paparazzi.

Swamp Spreadwing

I was busy and never finished this post so here are a couple of photos. The silhouette was Carolina Spreadwing. 

Banded Watersnake