After the rain comes flowers

The plants are looking very luxuriant after the recent rain burst. Even that tiny amount we received is enough to kick start a growing frenzy. Each species of plant is working on a different strategy to compete: some plants are just growing, others are flowering and others are fruiting.There are many many critters around as well, or it could simply be they are more noticeable now with changes is behaviors.

I actually am a fan of dogs, but also am not blind to their numerous downsides, such as this "guard dog" that has suddenly decided to become a chicken killer. Dogs and cats kill huge numbers of native wildlife in so many ways. You can get away with a lot when you are cute, I guess.

With a little moisture in the air, there is a change in the balance of insects. I think there are more pollinator insects around. Of course, insects never follow the rule book, and this is a deer fly. Some pollinators such as mosquitoes are definitively under appreciated.

The tall plants in the scuzzy ditch; especially the cattails near Huff road, are a haven for wildlife, such as this night heron that was flushed from the reeds during the day by dog walkers. I see these birds hunting mosquito fish that abound in the shallow waters. This individual seems to have taken up hunting during the day.

This is not a great shot of the night heron, but if you look closely, you can see the "queue" head feathers down the back. For some reason I find those pretty fascinating

These are the first blackberries of the season that I've seen

This is a poor shot, but shows the germination of the cottonwood seeds. On the left is the seeds floating, and on the right is the seeds sprouting at the bottom of the (birdbath). The willowy tufts with the seed attached sticks to puddles of water, where the seed detaches and sinks to the bottom and sprouts. Presumably the seed then grows as the puddle shrinks. In experiments, I have not been able to get the seedlings to grow once the water recedes and I think it has something to do with needing fine mud sediment, which raises the localized humidity. The elm seeds, of course, seem to have no such problems growing!

Its unusual to see bullfrog in the concrete lined ditch, just because they stand out so much. This big male looks a lot like Kermit to me, with his ridges especially pronounced.