After the glaciers receded the valleys of New Hampshire were drowned by numerous freshwater lakes. Many species distributed themselves during the period before the landscape drained off to become scattered lakes and ponds. During this time the above crayfish would have found its way into Mirror Lake. They have a knack for finding food. Crayfish inhabit streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Desmids (above and below) are only found in fresh water and could easily stick to the feathers of water birds. Their reproductive zygospores are tough and can blow in the wind and travel from lake to lake in that way. There are a number of different kinds of these beautifully shaped algae in Mirror Lake.

The smallmouth bass is thought to have been native to the Great Lakes and the upper Mississippi . It is considered a prize game fish and after the Civil War it was introduced by railroad to lakes throughout New England including Mirror lake. They love crayfish and would often watch as I photographed my specimens!