A Watery Niche

 

Looking eastward across the quarry pond to the ocean in the distance, water is the most arresting feature of the scene. It is a dramatic and beautiful element as well as the medium of life. Not so obviously it is home to diverse creatures with legs, on certain segments along the rim of the quarry.

Spotted Sandpiper

Microhabitats that support animal life have formed in a few places where shallow aquatic depths facilitate muddy root zones. The foraging possibilities have drawn a Spotted Sandpiper up from the ocean shoreline to investigate.

Bullfrog

Biologic life has moved into these favored places and taken hold on the barren granite. Stands of cattails slowly expand their sheltering habitat.

Green Heron

Like ecological niches everywhere the inhabitants and visitors form a food chain from minute to mighty.

Swamp Sparrow

Secret life in the cattail colony can be visible to quiet observers from the quarry road overhead, especially in the early morning hours when the sunlight is just coming over the palisade.

Common Yellowthroat warbler

Mid-spring affords the best opportunities as emergent cattail foliage is just starting to provide hospitality but has not yet filled in densely. The area is a haven for perky Yellowthoats that gravitate to low wet places.

Eastern Phoebe perched on a Cattail spike

Fly-catching Phoebes keep a sharp lookout for insects in and around the developing niche.

A Belted Kingfisher above the Cattails

Minnows breeding in the nutrient-rich shallows draw the attention of Kingfishers.

Each of these creatures represents a spectacular frame on the cinematic progression of life.