Wednesday last, grandson Sam, three years old at the time, and I wandered the landscape, catching the sights of summer. Eventually, we visited Sapsucker Woods, a Cornell University nature preserve. There, a boardwalk over the swamp is a proven venue for frog spotting and, this day, we had some success.
We found this cooperative golden-eyed beauty calmly squatting and croaking.
In this 30 second clip, reflected light off the water surface captures proto-croaks that did not quite escape from the source. There is a successful and full croak finale.
Off the boardwalk, we took a short detour to view an elaborate cairn built of local rock by a famous artist. The dappled sunlight across the surface is especially enjoyable.
At the furthest extent of the preserve is this pond where the residents were notably raucous in this 30 second clip.
About this time the mosquitoes descended for a determined attack on Sam’s legs. “Itchy,” he said. Myself, protected by deet, they left alone. Sam’s Mom prepared him for the trip with natural mosquito repellent that was not up to the task. Next time we visit, Sam will wear long pants and sleeves fortified with deet.
Just before picking Sam up for a quick retreat, I caught this turtle encrusted in duckweed sunning on a narrow branch. The head is retracted for the moment, can you imagine someone wading through that muck to place a rock? It is possible, but I witnessed the head, so am absolutely sure.
Special thanks to blogger shoreacres for the identification of duckweed. In my original posting I called it algae.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 
good one
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Thanks
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Love the sounds of nature!
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Those frogs should be on contract.
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Wonderful! Loved the sculpture.
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It is about 6 feet high and solid.
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I love that sapsucker cairn!
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It is fun to walk the trails and see it there.
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Its always cheering to see wildlife about and about!
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Agreed!! Thanks, Emma
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I meant to comment on this when you first posted it. I often keep the bird cam from Sapsucker woods up on my computer, to listen if not to watch. It was fun to see some of the other features of the place. You might take another look at your ‘algae.’ I think it might be duckweed, which I thought was algae when I first met it in Louisiana. Looking at the photo, it seems to be a mass of tiny plants — duckweed is about a quarter-inch across, and can create great masses of green like this.
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Thanks for the tip, will do. I am no expert. The resolution on the IPhone may or may not support a review in this detail.
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I took a look and believe your identification is correct. Will make a correction with thanks. Most appreciated!!
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Poor Sam, mozzie bites are unpleasant. Great photos btw
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Yes, his parents have found an effective bug repellant that is acceptable to them. Thanks for the compliment, Sheree.
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Pleasure Michael
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A precious moment with nature and your grandson. The photo and video of the frog stands out to me because I seldom see one.
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Oh no!! That is bad news. Tree frogs are all around our house, every once in awhile I rescue one from the pool to save its life.
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