It’s fortunate that I have not had time to write this post in the last couple of days. Had I written it the day I took the above photo, the theme would have been – how did a baby lobster make its way to the pond?

But, this puzzling discovery, sitting just six or so feet from shore in about ten inches of water, was so unnerving to my knowledge base about ponds (or lack thereof) that, over dinner the following evening, I asked friends what on earth I had seen. I’ve been informed that what I have captured in the photo above, is a crayfish. And, crayfish live in fresh water. How do I not know this?

I am embarrassed to admit I had no idea what this thing was. I almost wish I’d turned the camera on myself as I stood at the edge of the water. I suspect the look on my face would be as interesting as the image of my mystery creature. I’m not sure anything has ever so confounded me.

At first, I thought that neighbors had had a lobster feast and, as happens along the coast of Maine where folks throw their shells offshore, my neighbors had tossed their shells in the pond. But, this was a whole baby lobster. Who would catch one and not return it to the ocean? Who snuck this one past the weight regulation folks? Who would buy one? Why did they throw it away? Did they cook it first? These are the questions that puzzled me.

So, I was relieved to learn that what I saw was where it belonged and is not a baby lobster.

Here’s the next question in this puzzling discovery. I thought it was dead. But, the next day it was gone, without a trace.

I think only the Heron is big enough to carry it off. I wonder where it leaves the shell. Probably off the coast of Maine.