Photos and videos

Green Heron doing some panfishing on Pond J. (Mark Hayes 7/17/2026)

One of several large Bullfrogs at Pond J (Greg Courtney, 22 July 2026).

Last Wednesday, RAGBRAI went right by the park. I saw several riders coming into the park and checking out the trail as well. (Tana Tesdall, 7/22/26)

Last Wednesday, RAGBRAI went right by the park. I saw several riders coming into the park and checking out the trail as well. (Tana Tesdall, 7/22/26)

Last Wednesday, RAGBRAI went right by the park. I saw several riders coming into the park and checking out the trail as well. (Tana Tesdall, 7/22/26)

Sunset over south lake (Robin Sinn, 7/22/26)

Wakey wakey…or maybe five more minutes? This drowsy Eastern Wood Pewee wasn’t quite ready to start the day. While sleeping, it closes its eyes by lifting the lower eyelid upward, a distinctive way of napping that’s common across many bird species. Photo 2: The bird is awake, eyes wide open. Woods by Pond F, (Raji Joseph, 06/26/26).

Wakey wakey…or maybe five more minutes? This drowsy Eastern Wood Pewee wasn’t quite ready to start the day. While sleeping, it closes its eyes by lifting the lower eyelid upward, a distinctive way of napping that’s common across many bird species. Photo 2: The bird is awake, eyes wide open. Woods by Pond F, (Raji Joseph, 06/26/26).

Green Heron landing with its fresh fish catch at the edge of Pond J.  [Kirk Moloney, July 23, 2026]

A family of muskrats was swimming around at the north end of pond P (Tana Tesdall, 7/23/26)

A family of muskrats was swimming around at the north end of pond P (Tana Tesdall, 7/23/26)

Green Heron sharing a log with a Western Painted Turtle at Pond J (Greg Courtney, 22 July 2026).

Another lovely summer sunset with interesting cloud formations over the south loop. (Tonya Moore,7/22/26)

A male Dickcissel vocalizing atop an Elderberry bush — easy to spot as he always takes the highest perch on the open prairie. Southeast side of the lake, (Raji Joseph, 06/27/26).

A Great Blue Heron gets a double serving of fish on a wetland weir. (Tana Tesdall, 7/26/26)

Male Orchard Oriole near Jensen Pond (Greg Courtney, 22 July 2026).

Reflections on Pond P. (Dave Johnson, July 23, 2026.)

Female Blue Grosbeaks keep it low‑key — just a flash of blue while the males steal the spotlight. Photo1: Male Blue Grosbeak. Photo 2: Female Blue Grosbeak. Upland trail, (Raji Joseph, 06/27/26).

Female Blue Grosbeaks keep it low‑key — just a flash of blue while the males steal the spotlight. Photo1: Male Blue Grosbeak. Photo 2: Female Blue Grosbeak. Upland trail, (Raji Joseph, 06/27/26).

Immature Bald Eagle sitting in a tree near pond F (Tana Tesdall, 7/26/26)

Male Common Yellowthroat with a morning snack (spider) along the Upland Trail (Greg Courtney, 22 July 2026).

Close call! This Red-winged Blackbird nest was spared during the recent brush clearing. Photo 1: Close-up of the female Blackbird in the nest. Photo 2: Zoomed out view of the area. Can you spot the nest? Pond J, (Raji Joseph, 07/21/26).

Close call! This Red-winged Blackbird nest was spared during the recent brush clearing. Photo 1: Close-up of the female Blackbird in the nest. Photo 2: Zoomed out view of the area. Can you spot the nest? Pond J, (Raji Joseph, 07/21/26).

Male Wood Duck in “eclipse” plumage (bright, colorful breeding plumage has been replaced by drab, female-like plumage) at Pond C (Greg Courtney, 22 June 2026).

Nesting Song Sparrows are relentlessly hunting for grubs to feed their fast-growing young. This one has scored a tiny green one in its beak. Upland trail, (Raji Joseph, 07/18/26).

Fox Squirrel having a morning snack near Pond N (Greg Courtney, 22 July 2026).