The Hidden Pond
Pond OSSpot It

Spot It by The Hidden Pond

Notice more. Remember more.

Photograph the wildlife and nature you discover, build your personal field guide, and earn Ripples when your finds are approved.

Today’s challenge

Red-winged Blackbird

A marsh-loving bird whose males display vivid red shoulder patches.

BirdSpring through fall+90 Ripples

Field guide

Things waiting to be found.

Frog+100

American Bullfrog

A large pond frog known for its deep, resonant call.

Something to notice

Its call can carry surprisingly far across still water.

Late spring through summer
Dragonfly+75

Blue Dasher Dragonfly

A quick blue dragonfly frequently seen resting near the water.

Something to notice

Dragonflies are excellent natural mosquito hunters.

Summer
Butterfly+125

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

A large yellow butterfly with black tiger-like stripes.

Something to notice

Females can appear yellow or nearly black.

Spring through summer
Bird+200

Great Blue Heron

A tall, patient fishing bird that may visit quiet water edges.

Something to notice

A heron can remain almost motionless while waiting for prey.

All seasons
Frog+75

Green Frog

A shoreline frog whose call sounds like a plucked banjo string.

Something to notice

Green frogs often stay close to the same patch of water.

Spring through early fall
Butterfly+125

Monarch Butterfly

A bright orange-and-black visitor often seen near nectar-rich flowers.

Something to notice

Monarchs make one of the longest insect migrations in North America.

Summer and early fall
Pond Life+100

Painted Turtle

A familiar basking turtle with colorful markings along the shell and skin.

Something to notice

Painted turtles regulate body temperature by basking in the sun.

Spring through fall
Bird+90

Red-winged Blackbird

A marsh-loving bird whose males display vivid red shoulder patches.

Something to notice

Males may defend several nesting territories at once.

Spring through fall