While out for a walk along the creek, I was fascinated to watch little creatures that appear to be from a science fiction movie. Water Striders:

Water Strider legs are covered in thousands of microscopic hairs scored with tiny grooves. These grooves trap air which makes the striders very buoyant. Even in a rainstorm or waves, the striders stay afloat.

Striders have 6 legs. The front legs are shorter and allow the strider to grab prey on the surface. The middle legs act as paddles and the rear legs are for braking and steering.

Mosquito larvae is one of the most important foods for the strider.

Striders are preyed on by birds and some fish.

Other flying life:

Creek views:

Some botany:

NATURE POETRY

Lady! in this night of June
Fair like thee and holy,
Art thou gazing at the moon
That is rising slowly?
I am gazing on her now:
Something tells me, so art thou.   – Alfred Austin (1835–1913)

Miles Hearn