Sun lovers

The painted turtles were obviously enjoying the sun's warmth so much this morning that I had to get a few shots for the blog, as doubtless they will be returning to the mud at the pool's bottom when the temperatures drop tomorrow.  In the top shot, the turtle's bright yellow bottom shell (plastron) is clearly visible.  The turtle in the bottom shot was slowly swimming toward the pool's edge, with just its head above the surface of the water.

Going by temperature, not the calendar

When I neared the pool below the sewage lagoon this morning, I heard a scurrying in the reeds that bordered the pool.  It was a good-sized painted turtle, that quickly sank into the water.  I saw two more basking in the sun's warmth at the pool's edge, then this one at another spot.  I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that the warm temperatures brought them out of their winter's bed, but a whole month early??  Last year's first sighting was April 23rd.

Flowers first, then leaves

These cheery coltsfoot blossoms greeted me as I walked the trail this morning, the earliest I have ever seen this spring wildflower in bloom.  Last year my first sighting was April 12th.

Worm hunting

These robins, which I saw on Monday the 19th, were my first sightings of robins this year.  There were actually four of them.  As I approached I saw a couple high in a tree, and at first wasn't sure what they were, as one of the birds was making a decidedly un-robin-like sound.  They were in the same spot where robins have been nesting for at least the last two years, so likely are returnees.  Sprigs of green grass are already poking through, brought on by the unusually warm weather.

Heading for home

My first muskrat sighting of the season.  This one was heading toward a large lodge, just out of sight to the right, one of at least six that exist at the marsh. 

'Tis the season

Susan & Harry Jost had four wood duck nesting boxes set up along the edge of the marsh several years ago.  This afternoon I happened to come across them rehanging the boxes after cleaning them out and adding fresh sawdust.  Since the ice went out early this year, Harry had to wear his hip waders to do the job.

Mouser with feathers

I happened to spot this red-tailed hawk perched in a tree on my walk around the marsh this afternoon.  Its greyer tail leads me to think it is an immature bird.  These hawks are our most common buteo.  Rodents make up the majority of their diet, but red-winged blackbirds and pheasants are frequent fare, making the marsh habitat a favored hunting ground.

They're back!

Today was a banner day for me.  I heard some familiar commotion when I approached the marsh this morning, and sure enough, there on their island - the pair of Canada geese that have been coming to the same spot - how many years now?  I think it was 2006 when I first saw them.  At least I'm assuming they are the same birds.  Apparently the average lifespan of the Canadian goose is 10 - 24 years, with some records of over 30 years.  Anyway, I was elated to see them back.


If you look closely at this shot, you'll notice a female bufflehead standing rather nonchalantly at the left - while two males were performing their antics in the water to impress her.

Ah, the sweet songs of spring

Birdsong filled the air this morning at the marsh.  First it was the song sparrows perched atop bare saplings singing their hearts out, then a competing chorus of male red-winged blackbirds, posturing among the cattails.  What a delight.

Of furry coats and fancy feathers . . .

My first chipmunk sighting of the year - the same day as last year's first sighting.  I kept my eyes pealed as I neared the spot where I know they have their burrows, and sure enough, there was this flash of movement, and then - when he saw me - he immediately froze in postition.

And here's a much better shot of a pair of wood ducks up on the sewage lagoon.  Last year's first sighting was March 15th.

Spring is in the air

Today was my first walk around the marsh in at least a month.  The last time it was so icy in the wooded section I decided to wait before attempting it again.  The bright sun today and the absence of any snow was a strong enducement to do so.  Besides, I didn't want to miss the arrival of the red-winged blackbirds, for me, a definite harbinger of spring.  I was greeted by the sight of lots of open water on the marsh - the sweet notes of song sparrows - the presence of black ducks and buffleheads in the open water - and, among the many buffleheads on the sewage lagoon, several wood ducks!  I was heading back toward the entrance when I heard a familiar repeating chek sound.  When I tracked it down, I found my harbinger - my morning was complete.