The small lily ponds that dot a local nature park are springing to life. These water features add to the biodiversity of the park, hosting amphibians, attracting dragonflies, and providing the aquatic insects that a variety of species feed on. Teeming with life, the ponds are a magnet for park visitors.
A Green Frog can be identified by the ridge that runs from its eye down the length of its bodyThis male Common Whitetail dragonfly was darting about, protecting its pond territory. At two inches long and conspicuously marked, Common Whitetails are eye-catching.The Variable Dancer damselfly aka Violet Dancer is little more than an inch in length.
What are the clues to distinguishing a dragonfly from a damselfly? Dragonflies have thicker bodies than more delicate looking damselflies, hold their wings spread when perched, and their eyes touch — differences that can be seen in the above photos.
Water-lily
It seemed early to see a Water-lily in bloom, so this might have been a beginning of the season transplant. Such a pretty sight!
A blue-eyed Periodical Cicada (Magicicada septendecim) is said to be a one-in-a-million rarity. I’m not sure if that statistic has ever been substantiated, but the cash reward for finding one is most certainly a myth, one that cycles every 17 years, just as reliably as these cicadas.
With 1-1.5 million cicadas per acre in the densest areas of Brood X concentration, according to entomologists who counted nymphs in soil samples in April when cicadas were nearing their emergence, it makes sense that I would eventually see a blue-eyed cicada somewhere in the neighborhood. This one was in my backyard.
Click here to learn more about the current Brood X Periodical Cicada phenomenon.
Brood X Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada septendecim)
It’s hard to imagine there’s a concentration of Brood X Periodical Cicadas anywhere in the eastern US greater than what is here on my patch in Maryland’s Piedmont. The combination of mature maple trees, ground that has been basically undisturbed for almost 100 years, clay soil, and a southern exposure seems to provide the perfect habitat. By my estimation, this is the sixth 17-year cicada emergence since this neighborhood was built — giving generations plenty of opportunity to expand their numbers.
Piles of discarded shells from newly molted cicadas are a common sight
When the entomologist predicted billions, they weren’t kidding. Cicadas in various stages are everywhere.
Brood X is the largest of the several Periodical Cicada broods found in the Mid-Atlantic area. The Brood X range is concentrated in central Maryland, southern Pennsylvania and northern Virginia.
Periodical Cicadas are fascinating and THE topic of conversation in the neighborhood.
Left to right: empty shell, newly molted, adultNewly molted
Brood X Periodical Cicadas live as nymphs underground for 17 years, feeding on tree root sap and undergoing several growth stages. When they near their final adult stage and the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees, they emerge from underground, shed an exoskeleton exposing a vulnerable stage as they molt into adult form. It’s a short life above ground. Males call to attract mates. Females lay as many as 500 eggs in slits made in trees. Adults die soon after mating. After six weeks the eggs hatch and nymphs drop undetected from the trees and burrow underground to repeat the 17-year cycle. This massive-scale synchronized cycle is a wonder of nature.
Periodical Cicadas are native, harmless and benefit the ecosystem. They don’t bite or sting and, not to be mistaken for locusts, they don’t damage crops. Their massive numbers provide plenty of food for natural predators like birds, squirrels, raccoons and various amphibians while ensuring species survival. It’s a strategy called prey satiation. There is evidence that bird clutches are larger during cicada emergence years. Cicadas aerate and fertilize soil and the damage caused by egg-laying performs some natural pruning, although that pruning can be harmful to small trees and shrubs and unwanted by homeowners.
Every cicada nymph emerged from a tunnel like theseExpect to see another Brood X cicada emergence in 2038
It is said that male cicadas are the loudest insect in the world. Click here to listen to the din of calling cicadas on a hot, sunny afternoon. Warning: it’s loud!
Pileated Woodpecker and Belted Kingfisher on the trail
Pileated Woodpecker. The lack of a red cheek stripe tells us this is a female.
The flashiest bird in the woods isn’t always the easiest to spot. This Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) was quietly foraging for insects on an old snag. Only the occasional sound of bits of wood debris hitting the forest floor gave her away.
Pileated Woodpecker probes for insectsBelted Kingfisher
On the other hand, this Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) made her presence known with a distinctive noisy rattle call. Even though this park is crisscrossed with streams, I’ve never spotted a Kingfisher here before. This female was disturbed by something. I wonder if she has a nest burrowed in the banks of the stream below.
Female Belted Kingfishers sport a rusty belly band
Five seems to be the magic number on my bluebird trail this early May. There are currently five active Eastern Bluebird nests in the nest boxes I monitor, each with a clutch of five.
Take a look.
The eggs have hatched in two of the boxes. The Eastern Bluebird nestlings pictured are about six days old.
Clutches of four Eastern Bluebird eggs and young are typical on my nest box trail. I wonder if birds can anticipate the Brood X Cicada food bonanza that will be available here soon in Maryland’s Piedmont.
Note: All photos were taken quickly, without flash, as part of the monitoring process. The well-being of the birds is always paramount.
Elev. 401 