Bog Slogging Season Begins!
In honor of Fish Week on iNat, I decided to take what I refer to as a Bog-Slog (which is sort of a shallow water hike) through a marsh wetland at the upper end of Lake Ray Hubbard. I didn't expect to see much, as the water is still pretty cold, and the wind was pretty stiff (which can degrade water clarity). I was pleasantly surprised at how much activity there was. I found lots of fat female gar already in the shallows,but the water still needs to warm up some before spawning will begin. A few turtles cruising around. Near the end of the slog, I came across a big fish in the shallows. I almost dismissed it as another spotted gar, but the I noticed it had a snub-nose, and long dorsal fin. I was a BOWFIN! Gars and Bowfins are some of my favorite fish (not for eating of course) and seeing them is always a treat.
On my way out of the marsh, I flushed a bittern, but couldn't get my camera out in time for a photo. Shucks!
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
3 turtles swimming in tight formation, through about 2 feet of clear water. I detained 2 of them for mug shots. Neither one cooperated. So no diagnostic red ear visible. This is turtle #1.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Three turtles swimming in tight formation in 2 feet of clear water. I detained two of them for mugshots. This is Turtle #2.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
A third Red-ear. This one was alone, in cloudier water. Markings were a lot cloudier too.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
First of two Snapping Turtles seen today. In less than a foot of water, very near cover. Apparently basking in warm clear water.
Photos / Sounds
What
Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Female gar detained for ID photos, then released.
Photos / Sounds
What
Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Another good-sized female. I didn't detain this one.
Photos / Sounds
What
Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Numerous Spotted gar in this shallow, weedy area bordering the open water of the lake. Mostly solitary females, though some had smaller male escorts.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Second Snapping Turtle of the day. This one was a little grumpier than the first.
Photos / Sounds
What
Frogs and Toads (Order Anura)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Unidentified egg mass. Southern Leopard Frogs have been calling here like crazy for several weeks.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eyetail Bowfin (Amia ocellicauda)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Male found in about a foot of clear, weedy water. No nest construction noted. Detained long enough for ID photos, then released in the same location.
Photos / Sounds
What
Canadian Beaver (Castor canadensis)Observer
bogsloggerDescription
Possible scent mound, or aborted lodge construction. Fedding signs all around.
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