Wildlife at South Pond, Chicago
Jul 18, 2022 07:26:37 #
When originally built in 1908, Lincoln Park’s South Pond was a reflection the Victorians’ romantic and recreational concept of 'nature' in the city. Today the pond offers benefits that extend beyond the visual spectacle. A Nature Boardwalk has been added around the entire pond. South Pond has become a connective habitat for resident and migratory animal populations, a popular outdoor destination, and a learning landscape for city residents and visitors alike.
South Pond, Lincoln Park
Chicago, IL
June 2022
Twelve Spotted Skimmer by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Although a man-made pond, Lincoln Park's South Pond is now a lush, natural, prairie-style garden filled with native plants and brimming with wildlife. Lincoln Park Zoo manages this fully functioning ecosystem. A renewal project was completed in the summer of 2010 that removed invasive species. The Zoo's Horticulture staff now annually surveys and maintains native plant diversity around the pond.
Blue Dasher
All images shared in this post were captured in RAW using an EOS 5DIII, the files were processed in Lightroom 6 and Topaz DeNoise 6. The EF 500mm f/4L IS II was used with the EF 2x III tele-extender, creating an effective 1000mm focal length.
Red-eared slider
The Renewal 2010 project transformed the polluted and neglected South Pond into a native wildlife refuge, with a boardwalk and education pavilion.
American bullfrog
The Halloween pennant is a new species for me. This species occurs in eastern North America. They perch at the tips of plants, waving in the breeze like pennants, in their Halloween-inspired colors.
Halloween pennant
South Pond, Lincoln Park
Chicago, IL
June 2022
Twelve Spotted Skimmer by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Although a man-made pond, Lincoln Park's South Pond is now a lush, natural, prairie-style garden filled with native plants and brimming with wildlife. Lincoln Park Zoo manages this fully functioning ecosystem. A renewal project was completed in the summer of 2010 that removed invasive species. The Zoo's Horticulture staff now annually surveys and maintains native plant diversity around the pond.
Blue Dasher
All images shared in this post were captured in RAW using an EOS 5DIII, the files were processed in Lightroom 6 and Topaz DeNoise 6. The EF 500mm f/4L IS II was used with the EF 2x III tele-extender, creating an effective 1000mm focal length.
Red-eared slider
The Renewal 2010 project transformed the polluted and neglected South Pond into a native wildlife refuge, with a boardwalk and education pavilion.
American bullfrog
The Halloween pennant is a new species for me. This species occurs in eastern North America. They perch at the tips of plants, waving in the breeze like pennants, in their Halloween-inspired colors.
Halloween pennant
Jul 18, 2022 07:42:47 #
Jul 18, 2022 07:52:29 #
Well done Paul. Nice to see the beauty in this city that seems to have taken a turn for the worst.
Jul 18, 2022 07:52:30 #
Jul 18, 2022 08:04:48 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
When originally built in 1908, Lincoln Park’s Sout... (show quote)
Excellent Paul, I appreciate the visit to South Pond and the closeups of these species.
Jul 18, 2022 08:17:40 #
Jul 18, 2022 08:45:03 #
Jul 18, 2022 08:49:43 #
Thanks, Paul! I really enjoyed the narrative and your beautiful photos! The 500 f/4 II is on my wish list!
Patty
Patty
Jul 18, 2022 09:53:08 #
Jul 18, 2022 09:54:58 #
Jul 18, 2022 10:19:01 #
Thank you Elliott, Gene, John, junglejim1949, Warhorse, Jim, Patty, Flyguy, Larry! I used to live in walking distance from South Pond, before moving north within Chicago. I only have vague memories of the location before starting to come back on the bus with camera. Glad you enjoyed.
Jul 18, 2022 13:53:43 #
Jul 19, 2022 05:40:03 #
Jul 19, 2022 07:08:57 #
Jul 19, 2022 07:53:24 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
When originally built in 1908, Lincoln Park’s Sout... (show quote)
Very nice shots...love the bullfrog !
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