The osprey have returned to the northern edge of Hoover reservoir. Osprey are brown and white birds of prey measuring two feet (61 cm) tall with a wingspan of almost six feet (183 cm). They build nests near water and feed on fish.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) photographed March 17th of this yearThe video below shows a group of Whirligig Beetles that I filmed swimming on the water’s surface at Hoover Mudflats. They are called “whirligig” beetles because of the way they whirl around in circles when disturbed as seen near the end of this short video.
When I first saw these, I had no idea what I was looking at. Since then I’ve learned quite a bit about them, and they are fascinating little critters. Below is a photo one in profile showing off a number of the way these insects are adapted for aquatic life.
Continue reading
Heron photographed last month
One of our favorite locales for bird watching is Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk. We’ve previously posted about it here. This locale is constantly changing with the season and the level of Hoover reservoir, but it rarely disappoints.
Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk is part of the Hoover Nature Preserve operated by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. It is one of the best birding sites in central Ohio. In the fall the city lowers the water level in Hoover Reservoir, so it’s more hospitable to migrating shore birds. The area around the boardwalk is also used for fishing and launching kayaks, and I’ve seen crew teams training here. Beyond that, the site is just lovely.
Sunset
Cormorants perching on a log
Posted in Central Ohio, Nature
Tagged "Delaware County", "Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk", "Hoover Nature Preserve", birds, boating, photography
Bob Platt
Deb Platt
ODNR State Wildlife News
