Chris' Camera Bag

A Photo Web log by Chris Young

Wildlife at the water’s edge

It looks like a cry for help.

It’s just a common carp lolling around in the shallows at Sangchris Lake Wednesday evening.

Sangchris is located on the border between Christian and Sangamon Counties, not far from Springfield or Taylorville.

But still, as hot and dry as it has been this summer, it’s hard not to feel sorry for the critters trying to make a living. So forgive me if that fin looks to me like the fish signaling to anyone willing to help out.

Fish, birds and wildlife all have had a tough time of it during the drought of 2012.

Water levels are down, and even the lotus plants, normally with floating leaves rooted to the bottom of the shallows, are growing on dry land this year.

An Eastern kingbird perches on a lotus leaf.

An American goldfinch forages at the water’s edge.

To launch a kayak Wednesday night, it was necessary to start a few yards from shore.

Fortunately, kayaks get along just fine in a few inches of water.

Next entry: Late summer favorites

Previous entry: Herons and egrets converge on Illinois wetlands