Quote: Willow Lake is a few miles outside of Prescott off the same traffic circle as Watson Lake except west in direction. A long expanse of marsh is the first thing you notice after taking the exit from the traffic circle. Small dirt parking lots are located frequently along this stretch as it is a very important birding area recognized by the Audubon Society. Several well-worn paths wind around the area.

We continued to follow the road to the main entrance by the boat ramp to park and head off on one of the many trails. Paralleling the shoreline seemed to be a no-brainer. The bath tub rings around the lake indicated the water level was low so blazing a new shoreline trail was necessary.

Large granite stones creating nearly perfect reflections in the clear water. There wasn't much of a breeze and what little there was refreshed during the heat of the day. Making our way to a sheltered area with a shady tree we being bumped into or perhaps it was us bumping into, lots and lots of small blue dragonfly. Having notice upon entering the park that Wednesday was fee-free my sister offered it that it was date night for the dragonflies.

In the bushes and the boulders on the shore, dragonflies were dating and mating. Watching more intently, shortly after the mating act, one of the pair would hover over the water until a suitable piece of vegetation was found protruding from the water. The dragonfly would light on the plant and being climbing down the anchor line for some 6 inches or so before stopping. Curling its body into a backbend, it would lay a sac of eggs. Wow, was all I think. I didn't know dragonflies could hold their breath like that I mused. Can they always do that or just when it is time to lay eggs I thought. Now I understood how the wet dragonfly with wings yet to open we found had come about. We had watched a version of National Geographic unfold right before our eyes.

Note to oneself, "stop to smell the roses, take your time."
From journals Nature-iffic Hikes