(click pictures for better detail)

Muskrat

DSCF1290DSCF1291 Prior to taking these pictures I did not know that this animal resided at the lake. Originally, I thought I was seeing young beaver (they were within a couple feet of an actively used beaver house). However, the absence of the obvious beaver tail led me to discovering their actual identity. DSCF1286

Little Black Ant

 

No, I did not make up that name. Not too often is an animal’s given name so simple. I think I will be able to remember this one. DSCF1330b

Toxomerus Hover Fly

or “Flower Fly”

 

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Hop Clover

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Alby

The family cat, Alabastar (Alby for short), is just over a year old and I do believe he considers the lake his home. DSCF1436

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Marsh St. John’s Wort

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Indian Pipe

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Wild Basil

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Teasel

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Red Clover

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Purple-flowering Raspberry

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Bull Thistle

This 6 foot tall plant is not one to mess with, at least not with any skin exposed.

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Virgin’s Bower

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Steeplebush

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Spotted Joe-Pye Weed

named after a Native American DSCF1629

who reportedly used the plant to cure fevers

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