Unexpected Wonders Discovered
On Camera in March 2025 at Duckweed Pond
Text and Photos by Bob Ihlenburg
When you enter the Preserve from the parking area, or as I do from a path off Placida Road near Fiddlers Green, Duckweed Pond can be found after a winding trail walk at the southeasterly corner by special interest point I. Formerly completely covered by a thick mat of green duckweed the water was of low water quality, receiving effluent from a neighboring sewage treatment plant. The pond now is quite clear and supports varied vegetation. Conservation planners added a shallow wetland area to the pond that previously only had steep banks. The high water depth is regulated by an overflow pipe that leads to Long Pond.
The spring of 2025 saw an osprey build a nest just to the north of the bench overlooking Duckweed Pond, beyond the higher spoils mound and a cormorant could often be seen perched on the white water-depth gauge if you approach quietly. Other birds along the shore include great blue and tri-colored herons, as well as egrets and kingfishers. Do you ever wonder why this diversity of wildlife exists here? Could it be its more remote location? Does the vegetation contribute to the attraction? Do they rest or perhaps feed here?
In hope of answering these questions and of getting a few close-up action pictures, I deployed a trail camera at the shore near the shallow north end of Duckweed Pond last March. The following activity all took place during four days in the third week of March.
Boat-tailed grackles find easy access to water, insects and nesting material
A royal kingfisher just got a meal
A tri-colored heron makes its way to some unseen minnow
Then appears to walk on water to grab for a meal
This cormorant’s belly is bigger than its neck…or is it?
The osprey picked a perfect spot for its nest.
Don’t walk too quickly to this corner gem. Along the way you may encounter other unexpected treasures
Bob Ihlenburg is a longtime dedicated LBC volunteer who has done much work at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. His camera was set up last spring with the approval of the board.
Photos copyright © Lemon Bay Conservancy and Bob Ihlenburg
Please note:
- Trail cam images are the property of the photographers and Lemon Bay Conservancy, and may not be copied or re-used without permission.
- Our wildlife trail cameras are motion-sensitive and set to take still images or videos. They’re situated in off-trail locations not likely to be traversed by preserve visitors. If you happen upon a wildlife trail camera, please do not disturb it or the area being photographed.
- This project has been approved by the Directors of Lemon Bay Conservancy to help learn more about wildlife matters at Wildflower Preserve, and to engage LBC members by publishing images of wildlife at the preserve. Individuals are not permitted to set up their own motion-sensing trail cameras.