I visited Shelter Harbor Golf Club on June 22nd to assess the property’s conservation values as part of developing a Baseline Documentation Report to support the stewardship of this conserved land. The course was closed to play and it was a beautiful (if hot!) summer day to be outside. My most interesting discoveries occurred near the ponds... ...which were all ringed in White Water-lilies (Nymphaea odorata). ​ ​ White Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata) is a native species of aquatic plant found in shallow lakes and ponds throughout North ​ ​ ​ America. The genus name (Nymphaea) is a reference to water nymphs, evoking the plant's watery habitat, while the species name ​ ​ (odorata) derives from the fragrance of the flower. These flowers open in the morning sun, but typically close again by mid-afternoon ​ ​ and remain closed all night. This site has a great summary of this species’ many favorable attributes. ​ ​ All around the pond were American Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), not the least bit camera-shy! Although this is a native species for ​ ​ ​ ​ us, bullfrogs are quite assertive and can out-compete other native frog species. They are so good at what they do they’ve become invasive in many other parts of the world. There were lots of Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) calling from the lilies as well. What an iconic sound of summer! Interested in ​ ​ ​ ​ learning all your frog calls? Check out this website. ​ The dragonflies were the best part for me. Spectacular! And quite a bit harder to photograph given my generalist gear. :-) This one is a species of pond damsel, and I’m pretty sure it’s an Azure Bluet (Enallagma aspersum). This is a common and wide-ranging ​ ​ eastern species. You can learn more and see better pictures here - including a wonderful nod to the uniqueness of being the color ​ ​ blue! This one was a little more cooperative. A female Spangled Skimmer (Libellula cyanea). ​ ​ ​ ​ Another common species, though no less stunning for that! An Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) slipped away upon my approach. ​ ​ This photo is blurry because this one was on the move! You can see better photos of this migratory species, a Common Green ​ Darner (Anax junius), here. ​ ​ ​ Can you find the dragonfly in this picture? It’s a Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia) and is widespread and abundant in our area. You can see better photos here. ​ ​ ​ ​ I saw several of these on the course and I’m pretty sure it is a Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina). This is a migratory species, ​ ​ occasionally seen along the coast in summer and early fall. This link has a great guide to identifying migratory dragonflies. And ​ ​ much better pictures! This Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) swam away when I approached and I’m wondering if I disturbed his plan to lunch on ​ ​ ​ ​ that nearby Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)… ​ ​ Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) are common and not venomous, though they can grow up to several feet and look a lot ​ ​ scarier than they are... this one was too shy to even stick around for a decent photo op. Happy Summer! Hope you are able to get out and visit a pond near you! -Carol .