Aug 31, 2020: August 2020 AHHP Photo Collage

August 2020 photos from the blog by Wolf. Oesterreich, Kevin Kane, and Tana Tesdall.

Aug 30, 2020: Spotted Sandpiper

A Spotted Sandpiper and its reflected image in Pond G.  Females of this species mate with up to four males, leaving each to care for a clutch of eggs.  This is known as "polyandry". (Wolf. Oesterreich, 7/16/20)

August 29, 2020: The Rock of Ada Hayden Heritage Park - Erv Klaas

 

One week ago, on Saturday, August 22, 2020, the City of Ames and the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park honored Erv Klaas with the dedication of the10th heritage stone at the park for his "contributions to conservation in Iowa," and his "efforts in getting the park established and his continued effort in renovating the park to its native habitat." Below are several links that help document Erv's leadership and legacy in establishing the jewel of the Ames park system.

City of Ames press release

 Photos of the dedication

Video of the dedication

Ames Tribune dedication article 

 History of Ada Hayden Park with Erv

A 2013 Interview with Erv at Ada Hayden Park

 

 

Aug 27, 2020: Fiery Skipper

The first Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) of the season that I have observed was found today along the lakes trail (east side of the north lake).  These small butterflies visit a wide variety of flowers. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 8/18,20)

Aug 25, 2020: Otters at Play

 

Otters at the north end of pond H (Tana Tesdall, 8/9/20)

Aug 23, 2020: Plains Garter Snake

A Plains Garter Snake curled along a willow branch about 2 to 3 off the ground.  The snake was observed along the lakes trail, just north of Pond N's outflow channel (SW corner of south lake).  Note that the lateral (cream to yellow) is on scale rows 3 and 4 above the belly.  The lateral line is on rows 2 and 3 on the Common (Eastern) Garter Snake.  The snake stayed in this position for several morning hours. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 8/15/20)

Aug 21, 2020: White-tailed Deer

 

A White-tailed Deer buck showing at least 7 points.  Found in the presence of a doe and her twin fawns. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 8/1/20)

Aug 19, 2020: Eastern Tiger Swalllowtail

 
A black form female Eastern Tiger Swalllowtail is nectaring on the flowers of a Cup Plant. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 8/4/20)

Aug 17, 2020: Belted Kingfisher

 

Belted Kingfisher by pond P. (Tana Tesdall, 8/3/2020)

Aug 15, 2020: Painted Turtle

 

A painted turtle found in pond P. (Tana Tesdall, 8/2/20)

Aug 13, 2020: Lake Afire

A paddleboarder passes the bluff point (south lake) while mists rise from the water and the sun's rays set the air on "fire." (Wolf. Oesterreich, 8/4/20)