Some New (to us) Species Come to Light in the Wetlands

Students, groundskeepers, and these avid teacher/naturalists made some new discoveries in the final days of school......

Among the many macro invertebrates at various stages in their life cycle in mid-June are loads of damselfly nymphs.  

Look carefully along the dock for their exoskeletons still clinging to the wood long after the adult has flown away with fresh wings.  In the water they can be easily found avoiding predacious diving beetles and gnawing on detritus.  

How about that swarm of thousands of tiny black fish?  These Brown Bullhead fry are under the protective care of an unseen parent.

Schools of these little guys were observed by canoeing 5th graders and Kindergartners.  We were alarmed to see an occasional pink one as well. Teachers of young children cannot help but to recall Leo Lionni's "Swimmy" .

Yes, alien Snapping Turtles have pulled their hulking masses up the banks of Fanno Creek to lay clutches of up to 60 leathery eggs.  Luckily this one was spotted by Mark in the early morning and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife came to take it away.  

These invasive predators spread disease, evict native turtles, and eat everything in their path. Maybe we could set up some formal surveys (or offer a bounty to energetic middle schoolers).

...and then there is the subtle little planarian (aka flatworm) who presented itself to a group of critter catching 5th graders. They were delighted to see its comic eyespots and graceful movements.

Other aquatic species observed that day; copepods, leeches, water boatmen, snails, backswimmers, water scuds, mites, various nymphs and larvae and a diminutive freshwater clam.