Spawning

The dogs and I came up to the lake cottage a little while ago. Lots of errands along the way--P.O. to post my dad's Father's Day parcel, convenience store for hard cider and worms for my pet fish, the bank.

It's a gorgeous sunny day, air is pleasantly cool.

After our usual walk, immediately after arrival, we headed down to the dock. I needed to clean the water filter down at the pump and I wanted to throw a worm to Walter my fish.

Walter was busy. With Mrs. Walter. I caught them in the act--of spawning.

A very interesting process.

They swim very close together, around in a circle about 2 feet in a diameter, moving either clockwise or ante-clockwise.

This way...



...and that.



She sometimes would move down to the bottom, sort of on her side. She's the big speckled one.



Clearly he thinks she's hot.



I did throw out a worm, just to see if they'd be interested. (Looked to me like they're working up an appetite.) They didn't even notice it!

Yes, I'm a voyeur. I took many photographs. The dogs didn't notice, they were scavenging unripe blueberries low down on the bush.

I just went to check on Walter. He's by himself now. Evidently the missus doesn't stay after The Deed is done--love him and leave him. Now he just has me...and worms. And spawn to watch over until it hatches.