Bog Slogging Season Begins!
In honor of Fish Week on iNat, I decided to take what I refer to as a Bog-Slog (which is sort of a shallow water hike) through a marsh wetland at the upper end of Lake Ray Hubbard. I didn't expect to see much, as the water is still pretty cold, and the wind was pretty stiff (which can degrade water clarity). I was pleasantly surprised at how much activity there was. I found lots of fat female gar already in the shallows,but the water still needs to warm up some before spawning will begin. A few turtles cruising around. Near the end of the slog, I came across a big fish in the shallows. I almost dismissed it as another spotted gar, but the I noticed it had a snub-nose, and long dorsal fin. I was a BOWFIN! Gars and Bowfins are some of my favorite fish (not for eating of course) and seeing them is always a treat.
On my way out of the marsh, I flushed a bittern, but couldn't get my camera out in time for a photo. Shucks!
Observaciones
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Tortuga Pinta (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
3 turtles swimming in tight formation, through about 2 feet of clear water. I detained 2 of them for mug shots. Neither one cooperated. So no diagnostic red ear visible. This is turtle #1.
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Tortuga Pinta (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Three turtles swimming in tight formation in 2 feet of clear water. I detained two of them for mugshots. This is Turtle #2.
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Tortuga Pinta (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
A third Red-ear. This one was alone, in cloudier water. Markings were a lot cloudier too.
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Tortuga Lagarto Norteña (Chelydra serpentina)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
First of two Snapping Turtles seen today. In less than a foot of water, very near cover. Apparently basking in warm clear water.
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Catán Pinto (Lepisosteus oculatus)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Female gar detained for ID photos, then released.
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Catán Pinto (Lepisosteus oculatus)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Another good-sized female. I didn't detain this one.
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Catán Pinto (Lepisosteus oculatus)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Numerous Spotted gar in this shallow, weedy area bordering the open water of the lake. Mostly solitary females, though some had smaller male escorts.
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Tortuga Lagarto Norteña (Chelydra serpentina)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Second Snapping Turtle of the day. This one was a little grumpier than the first.
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Ranas Y Sapos (Orden Anura)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Unidentified egg mass. Southern Leopard Frogs have been calling here like crazy for several weeks.
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Amia ocellicaudaAutor
bogsloggerDescripción
Male found in about a foot of clear, weedy water. No nest construction noted. Detained long enough for ID photos, then released in the same location.
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Castor Canadiense (Castor canadensis)Autor
bogsloggerDescripción
Possible scent mound, or aborted lodge construction. Fedding signs all around.
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