Signs of Spring: Pond Addition

With record snowfalls, colder temperatures than we’ve experienced in years and long winter months finally behind us, we can now begin to focus on the time spent outside enjoying our backyards and ponds. The return of robins, tulips pushing their way skyward and the possible smell of mulch or freshly cut grass being the average sign of Spring. Those lucky enough to live on, or work around ponds on a daily basis, may also welcome the signs of Spring that our ponds have to offer:

Nesting geese – with our service area being located in the heart of the Atlantic flyway, we are no strangers to Canada geese. Large flocks of these migratory birds can often be seen feeding in large agricultural fields which checkerboard the region; however, when not feeding, these birds can be found loafing in ponds. By this point, those birds which are leaving to migrate to other areas have left, and we are left with a relatively small local populations which are now looking for suitable nesting locations to raise their young. Often, these nesting locations are focused on ponds and may be perennial locations with the same birds returning year after year. A nuisance to some, welcomed by many these pairs are a tell-tale sign of the warmth to come.

Spring Peepers – One of nature’s most accurate thermometers, this tiny amphibian gets its name from the chorus of chirping which it produces to sound the start of Spring. Found throughout much of North America, the Spring Peeper, Pseudracis crucifer, prefers to inhabit the low grassy areas around ponds and the surrounding wetlands.

Early season algae, Spirogyra – Springtime often means runoff, and large seasonal showers. Many times, this water is nutrient rich, and may lead to significant algal blooms. The most common culprit of these large early season blooms is Spirogyra, or silk algae. These filamentous, green algae can often be observed in cool water forming large mats which can resemble clouds. Overwintering in the pond as dormant cysts, Spriogyra can often be observed actively growing under the ice and will “pop” or come to the water’s surface soon after ice out causing your pond to become rather unsightly and require management.

Early season aquatic plants – Similar to early season algae, there are several plants which thrive in cold water. The two most common early season aquatic plants that can be observed are Curly Leaf Pondweed, Potamogeton crispus, and Water Starwort, Callitriche spp.. A nonnative aquatic plant, Curly Leaf Pondweed has a unique life cycle which begins reproduction which begins in the autumn months and throughout the winter. Easily identifiable by its brown/dark green, lasagna-noodle esque leaf appearance curly leaf pondweed will often outcompete other vegetation and form a dense aquatic canopy on the water’s surface in the early Spring. On the other hand, Water Starwort, is a native plant, with bright green, oval leaves (which can be mistaken for duckweed). This aquatic plant has adapted to cool water, and prefers to grow in quiet, often times spring-fed, ponds.