The Pond is Calling!

It is spring, and this weekend it was all about cleaning up the pond for the coming season. Only 22 fish have survived the winter.  Fred is well over a foot long now, and there are a number of fish sporting large tummies.  The marsh marigolds are in bloom, as is the water hawthorne.

 Donning my gently used hip waders I explored the pond, cleaning out the dead leaves and reconnecting the fountain. The ponds edge is harbouring a good number of Caddisfly larva.  I remember spotting these amazing little critters a few years ago and didn't know what they were since they clad themselves with pieces of bark, and other debris in the pond.  Cute as larva, but creepy as adults.   I also spotted a newt when I disturbed a grassy ledge it was basking on.

 Since we uncovered the pond in 2007 is has evolved into an amazing echosystem, with a little bit of everything. So much happens in and around the pond that you just don't want to leave. As I turned to walk away, a beautiful snake swam across!