Photos and videos

I'm just glad somebody has her ducks in a row. It sure isn't me! (Mama Wood Duck and a whole lot of babies!) (Tana Tesdall, 6/9/25)

Recent fires in Canada have led to some “hazy” sunrises at Ada Hayden (Greg Courtney, 30 May 2025).

Thanks to everyone who came out last Thursday evening for the program on invasive species in the park, led by Paul Domoto.

Thanks to everyone who came out last Thursday evening for the program on invasive species in the park, led by Paul Domoto.

A male Dickcissel sings out.  A member of the Cardinalidae family, their numbers this year appear to be lower than in previous years.

Wolf. Oesterreich (06/11/25)

Snapping Turtle near Pond F. This large female was probably searching for a good spot to lay eggs (Greg Courtney, 30 May 2025).

A pair of Purple Martins perch on the siren located at the Hyde Ave parking lot.

Wolf. Oesterreich (06/11/25)

Trumpeter Swans aren't often seen at the park this time of year, though they do nest in adjacent counties. Two swans were seen last week on 6/10 on pond C (only one shown) and one flew across the prairie on 6/12. (Tana Tesdall)

Trumpeter Swans aren't often seen at the park this time of year, though they do nest in adjacent counties. Two swans were seen last week on 6/10 on pond C (only one shown) and one flew across the prairie on 6/12. (Tana Tesdall)

Western Painted Turtle basking on a log in Pond P (Greg Courtney, 30 May 2025).

A female White-faced Meadowhawk stares at me.

Wolf. Oesterreich (06/13/25)

Common Yellowthroat have returned to the park in good numbers. This vocal male was perched on a willow along South Lake (Greg Courtney, 30 May 2025).

A Viceroy poses on some parsnip, near pond J. You can tell it is a Viceroy, not a Monarch, by the black line near the bottom of its hind wings. (Tana Tesdall, 6/11/25)

Black Terns have been seen around North- and South Lakes in recent weeks. This individual was one of eight feeding over North Lake (Greg Courtney, 30 May 2025).

A Male Eastern Bluebird sits on a nest along the upland trail (Tana Tesdall, 6/15/25)

Male Wood Duck at Pond P (Greg Courtney, 30 May 2025).

A fawn wades through deep water (at least deep for the fawn!) to try to catch up to mama. The fawn did catch up, and trotted off into the woods with its mother a bit later. (Tana Tesdall, 6/9/25)

A Black Saddlebags dragonfly sits on a stalk near pond P (Tana Tesdall, 6/15/25)