One of our ponds is surrounded by a tangle of Pacific crabapple, black hawthorn, Indian plum and Douglas fir. But the most dominant tree is a large, multi-trunked Pacific willow which has changed repeatedly in the decade we’ve been watching – its old, brittle limbs breaking off, replaced by new and vital branches.
The pond is a natural one, fed by surface runoff which fills it to the brim each winter. By July it’s dry, the flattened grass evidence of the soft summer bed it provides for the deer.
Songbirds can be heard year-round in the surrounding thickets, and on warm afternoons a red squirrel often suns itself on one of the willow’s trunks.
In the spring mallards visit and paddle about the tiny bays, feeding on the vegetation – and perhaps on the tadpoles and newts that have hatched in the shallow, warm water. The ducks seem to enjoy this private place, where they are hidden by brush from the view of hawks and other predators.
The day to day changes at the pond are subtle, and to the casual observer it may seem like nothing much ever happens here. But if you watch and listen, you realize there’s really a lot going on – much more than meets the eye.
Eye on Environment 
Laurie – all the best for 2012 and may subtle changes continue to entrance you!
Thanks so much ehpem – and here’s withing you continuing inspiration for 2012 as well!
A very soft and gentle photo and aptly put text to go with it. Far too calming for first thing in the morning. 🙂
I’ve discovered the same joy as you at the pond I visit almost daily, Laurie. I watch buds turn into leaves and flowers. The seeds form and disperse. Watching the changes reminds me of the relentless rhythm of the natural world.
Thanks so much, Doug. I enjoy the photos and stories that you post on your blog about your pond and the antics of the ducks that live there.
Laurie, I would love to see your lovely pond and the red squirrel in person sometime.
loved the picture