Exercise and phenology

Today I supplemented my bike ride of eight level miles with a walk of about one level mile, or once around Edgewood Lake. It was good to get some weight-bearing exercise, and I didn't feel too achy at the end of it. Besides, I saw interesting things. Three common but showy butterflies -- painted lady, monarch, tiger swallowtail. A number of dragonfly-like things -- slender needle-like fellows in neon blue, and a whole bunch of those fat double-wing bombers in green and nondescript colors. Then this new to me plant, growing at the water's edge. I believe it to be Ludwiga grandiflora, a troublesome perennial on whose knees mosquitoes love to breed.

I saw a little green heron overhead, along with the usual assortment of pigeons, cowbirds, and 737s.


But the real novelty is this one, a pair of mute swans. Okay, they're nothing really out of the ordinary, except that I've never seen swans on the lake before. I doubt they were introduced by the Park folks, nor by any neighbors. More likely, they're on stopover on the way south. Possibly they're thinking of wintering over in Philly. I don't know much about them. The Canada geese were keeping a respectful distance. The swans appeared to be feasting on duckweed, which in and of itself should make them welcome visitors...

EDIT: The Blackberry sucks as a field camera. From now on I at least take the Kodak!