July 12, 2026 — Dane County
The Pheasant Branch Creek runs through a mature wooded park bounded by Century Avenue on the northeast and Parmenter St on the west. The banks of the creek are very sandy. There are some gaps in the trees that make small open glades along the stream, which has some rapids and some pools. I include a retention pond that is behind the Middleton Police station in this location, as it drains into the Pheasant Branch Creek and produces odes that I find along the creek, such as Azure Bluets.
The Pheasant Branch Creek runs through a mature wooded park bounded by Century Avenue on the northeast and Parmenter St on the west. The banks of the creek are very sandy. There are some gaps in the trees that make small open glades along the stream, which has some rapids and some pools. I include a retention pond that is behind the Middleton Police station in this location, as it drains into the Pheasant Branch Creek and produces odes that I find along the creek, such as Azure Bluets.
Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata)
Photographed
I hope this single male marks the return of this species. They have been absent or uncommon since a flood in 2018 and subsequent major work on the creek.
Photographed
I hope this single male marks the return of this species. They have been absent or uncommon since a flood in 2018 and subsequent major work on the creek.
Blue-fronted Dancer (Argia apicalis)
Observed
This species has become common here since 2024, uncommon/rare along this creek before. I hope it is a good sign.
Observed
This species has become common here since 2024, uncommon/rare along this creek before. I hope it is a good sign.
Stream Bluet (Enallagma exsulans)
Photographed
the most common damselfly, abundant
Photographed
the most common damselfly, abundant
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
Observed
Observed
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
Observed
Observed
Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis)
Observed
Observed
Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)
Observed
Observed
Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
Observed
Observed