Hidden Surprises

©pralinanmi

There are two ponds on campus...and both of them are slimy and murky. The life which unbelievably calls these ponds home...however...couldn't be more content... slithering and darting through the thick green algae for food...following a visitor...or each other...around...and doing whatever else their day consists of...
A few weeks ago...I was thinking of interesting places to take my grandchildren...and remembered the ponds. Ever ready for an adventure...the young ones were eager to start. Shortly after setting foot on the grounds...my granddaughter noticed an unusual looking dragonfly land on a boulder. As we crept slowly and silently towards it...I could see the amazing pattern of black squares on each of its wings. Sensing us close it flew off in the direction of the ponds...and we followed...anxious to get another...hopefully closer...look...
While at the pond we also witnessed an incredible sight...a large blue dragonfly chasing an annoying goose into the water! I thought my eyes had played with me until my granddaughter said "did you see that...."
I used to visit these ponds years ago...but they were nothing like they are now. For one thing...they were a lot less dark and green...and the only wild life I remember passing time there were geese and ducks. Now...the area teems and swarms with many different kinds of dragonfly...fish...huge and small...turtles...birds...and countless others hidden in the thickness of the water and the bordering vegetation. The place is a photographer's and "nature" observer's heaven........and I'm selfishly thankful that not too many people seem to have noticed.....


©pralinanmi