Saving the Spider (5/20)

I had a busy day on Saturday. It started a Wells State Park in Sturbridge. I got there early, parked at the main entrance, and did some exploring of the pond and nearby powerlines. Every log and stump on the pond was covered with Painted Turtles even though the sun was barely over the trees. Dozens of Tree Swallows and at least one Great Crested Flycatcher were swooping down along the water. As I hiked along the water I could make out a few warblers but when I got to the powerlines they were everywhere. There were lots of Common Yellowthroats and Blue-wings but by far the most prevalent were Prairie Warblers. The Prairies were everywhere... high in the trees and feeding low in the bushes. I've never had such nice looks at this bird. I even got a few nice photos which I hope to post when I get the chance.

After a few minutes I had to leave for my next stop. But, as I was making my way back to the parking lot I spotted some movement in the water. It was a nice size (maybe 2 inches long or so) spider. He was struggling against the current which was carrying him toward a breach in the beaver dam. He was really in trouble so I leapt into action. I quickly picked up a large stick and angled it in the water directly in his path. As he floated by he was able to grab a hold and I lifted him to safety. Before I left him to dry off, I took almost a whole disk full of photos.

Birds: American Robin, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Yellow Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Blue Jay, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Blue Wing Warbler, Gray Catbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Northern Cardinal

Herps: Garter Snake, Painted Turtle