The vernal pool has been dry for a couple of weeks now and probably will stay that way for the rest of the year. It does seem to be a great spot for the various wildlife that pass through, with this week showcasing deer, turkey, and the familiar raccoon family - although one youngster is no longer with them. Still hoping for the black bear to wander along again!
Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral pools, autumnal pools, and temporary woodland ponds, typically fill with water in the autumn or winter due to rainfall and rising groundwater and remain ponded through the spring and into summer.
Vernal pools dry completely by the middle or end of summer each year, or at least every few years. Occasional drying prevents fish from establishing permanent populations, which is critical to the reproductive success of many amphibian and invertebrate species that rely on breeding habitats free of fish predators.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario - Canada Date: July 8 to July 13, 2022 Trail Camera: Zopu
