Here in the Midwest, we are privileged to fully experience four distinct seasons. Summer brings endless encounters with our natural world, especially within our wetlands, perhaps my favorite nature-embracing environment on a sultry summer day.
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Whether poised motionlessly in the protected wetlands of Rose Oaks County Park, or along an urban creek amidst the bustle of the City of Pontiac, one thing remains certain about the Great Blue Herons: they are a majestic sight. Bird migration is well underway in these crisp days of autumn, but our Great Blue Herons, the largest and most common of the North American herons, are not going anyplace soon. Some will loiter in Oakland County into early November. Others may never leave.
Kayaks provide a perfect viewing platform to watch for wetland ambush hunters from early spring to the end of Autumn. Buhl Lake, Addison Oaks County Park
Great Blue Herons, northern water snakes, snapping turtles, Great Egrets and American bullfrogs all share a common trait. They are five of the most commonly seen ambush predators of Oakland County wetlands. Ambush predators are masters of stealth and patience, remaining motionless as they wait for potential prey to come within pouncing or striking range. It’s a very effective strategy for hunting. For by staying motionless, they are less exposed to their own predators. The lying-in-wait strategy gives them the advantage of a surprise attack without the need for an energy consuming and perhaps risky chase. Now, at the dawn of summer, thick carpets of duckweed coat the shallow wetlands and the scene is set for the next lightning-fast strike.
