Mud Lake, Ottawa revisited

Given that school begins tomorrow and I now have a valid bus pass, I decided to go to Mud Lake today to do some wildlife-watching before the hectic school semester begins.  The last time I was there was almost nine months ago, so everything are different now, especially temperature-wise.  To read more about the different types of wildlife one can encounter at Mud Lake at different times of the year, read this post at the blog The Pathless Wood.

A true summer (sunny, hot, and humid) day today.


A syrphid fly flying towards a New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae).

Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) enjoying the cool water.

In addition to the common Mallards, there are also many Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) in the lake.

A male White-Faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum).

Walking through the well-shaded forest.

I think people have been feeding the ducks because as soon as I crouch down to take their photos, they quickly run towards me.


A handsome juvenile male distinguished by his white neck patch.

A juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) waiting patiently for prey.

Another view of the lake.

Today, I saw a lifer - a Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)!  This species is one of the first migrating warblers to leave Canada in the fall, so I am very fortunate to see it today before it migrates south soon.


Encountered a few Leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) jumping out of the path as I was walking.

Great start to a new month.  Hope it gets better from here.