Pond views

Turtles were out yesterday on the first sunny day after many days of rain. Color is creeping into the leaves.

Local Food

Great Blue Heron at the pond the last two days. This gorgeous creature is the master of patience--rewarded by a tasty bullfrog.

Hurrah! Hooray!

Jumping for joy! I have finished the art for my new book, Rainbow Stew, and delivered it to my editor at Lee & Low Books. It will be released next Spring!

Dragonfly Metamorphosis

I've been seeing these strange creatures on our little cabin. They look a bit like a cross between a cicada shell and a spider. All of them are hollow (as in not alive) and have an opening on their backs. Finally, finally, the mystery was revealed! They are the remains of dragonfly nymphs. Here are some photos of one "hatching" this morning. The process is truly amazing.

And here are two other dragonflies, in various stages of their transformations:

A new brood of ducklings!

These are a new batch of mallard ducklings. They were on their way from a little overflow area back to the pond.

Baby Day at the Pond!

Mama Mallard brought her ducklings---lots of them!--out for a swim and a visit with the basking turtles.
Update: Twelve ducklings! Photo at top only shows eleven, but tardy one joined soon after.

On my way back to the studio, I found this teeny one in the grass, en route to the pond.

School Visit Season

A busy and delightful spring school (and library) visit time is winding down. My travels have taken me to seven schools in three states where I had the wonderful honor of meeting terrific students, teachers and librarians while presenting a variety of programs. 

Here are a few photos of kids from Bath and Portland, Maine.