FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RETENTION PONDS DURING SUMMER MONTHS Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer Why is the algae in my pond not being treated? Lake Ashton CDD staff works closely with our aquatics contractor to ensure all treatments are being completed. During the summer months algae is fueled from the warm waters, sunny days, and large amounts of rain. Rain allows for “runoff” to seep into the ponds which provide food for unwanted plants, like algae. The aquatics technician is allowed to treat the ponds with approved chemicals and the frequency is every two weeks, which is determined by Southwest Florida Water Management District. My pond is full — will there be flooding if we have a hurricane? Each pond Lake Ashton CDD owns is designed to prevent flooding. Residents may notice a concrete structure in their pond. This man-made concrete structure is called an outfall structure. This is the discharge point for stormwater that prevents flooding and overflowing. Are algae blooms harmful? Algae is a natural component of the aquatic food chain and is not typically harmful to people. When will my pond begin to look better? The fall and winter months help substantially in reducing algae blooms. Cooler weather and less rain make pond conditions less desirable for algae to thrive. If there are any questions or concerns, email Matt Fisher at mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com. Please view the insert provided in this issue provided by LACDD Supervisor Lloyd Howison for more information. The Little Blue Heron is a tricky one. It isn't always "blue." These small herons start out white and then get blotches of blue throughout their feathers (see above) before they finally turn totally "blue" (dark slaty blue - pictured at right) as full adults (at about a year old). Little Blues "part way through" can be very interesting looking! The way to tell an all white immature Little Blue Heron from a Snowy Egret is subtle at first. The Little Blue has dull yellow legs and feet (Snowy's have the golden slippers). Little Blues also have a thicker bill which is two-toned with a gray base and a dark tip. A bi-colored bill rules out Snowy. If the bird flies away uttering a squawk of annoyance it's probably a Little Blue. There are plenty of Little Blues at Lake Ashton to practice your identification skills on. Getting a photo can help. “If You’ve Got The Time, I’ll Make It Shine!” MOBILE DETAILING 863-440-4220 Derrick Gibson 17
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