Kip’s Comments - January 9, 2025
@ Things I Wonder
During my nature therapy today I hiked along a section of the Wapsipinicon River that I have not visited for decades. Part of my trek include a large sandbar surrounded on three sides by frozen river. Littered across the sandbar were many clam shells. I cannot tell if the mussels were all the same species or different.
Clam Shell on Sandbar - Image 937537
I have studied our outdoor world for many years, but have not dedicated much to learning about the clams/mussels inhabiting our rivers. My belief is the presence of clams generally is indicative of healthy water. But, the presence of zebra mussels would be a bad thing. (No zebra mussels have been documented locally).
Clam Shell on Sandbar - Image 937446
As of now I do not know the species of mussels that were on this sandbar. I also do not know, but have wondered, how the shells end up on the sandbars. Do the mussels move around and then become stranded when water levels drop? Might animals that feed on mussels bring them to the shore for lunch? Is there another explanation? I do not know.
Clam Shell on Sandbar - Image 937461
Further on in my travels I found an opossum that appeared to have sat on something sticky. The northbound end of this southbound possum had a nice collection of leaves stuck to it. Even after dropping its back end and dragging it the leaves remained attached. I stopped to try to see what the “sticky” was, but the possum disappeared when I parked my truck.
Opossum with Sticky Tail - Image 937587
Finally, you may have noticed the “@” symbol in the title of today’s thoughts. I thought of that symbol when I saw this pattern in the ice in backwaters of the Wapsipinicon River. What makes the many interesting patterns in ice?
Pattern in Ice - Image 937593
