Sunny Day Walks

Wednesday was a write-off with the wicked weather, but Tuesday and Thursday I took advantage of the sunny skies and wandered about.

I was overdue for a really long walk to unwind, so Tuesday I opted to head out Rondeau's marsh trail all the way to Long Pond.  It was not as birdy as I had hoped, but the walk did me some good!

Eastern Phoebe

Along the way, this Brown Creeper was busy on a tree beside the trail.

There are still thousands of ducks on Rondeau Bay, but this day they were way out.  Many puddle ducks were in the wet areas along the trail, but always flushed before one could get close.

Insects are emerging, and the most common one lately is Narrow-headed Marsh Fly.

I have always looked at this Eastern White Pine out marsh trail.

I believe this deformity is called a witch's broom, common on pines.

Today we had a complete turn-around in temperature from the previous day.  Quite balmy!

First thing in the morning, I checked out the south shore nature trail at Mitchell's Bay.  I saw my  first-of-year Purple Martins already checking out the nesting houses.

Also new for the year were several Forster's Terns on the Bay.

This afternoon, I could not pass up a walk at Reid CA.  Lots of Eastern Commas were flying.

As well, a couple of Mourning Cloaks were soaking up the sun.

There were lots of Narrow-headed Marsh Flies here as well.

Much smaller, I noticed an Eastern Calligrapher at one point.  They are quite tiny, so difficult to photograph.

Harbinger of Spring is popping up in the usual spots.  This small and delicate plant is easily overlooked.

Not much else in flower yet, but some Virginia Spring Beauty were in bloom.

Reid has lots of Wild Leek, coming along nicely now.

I can never get enough of what Reid CA has to offer!  It is so nice to wander through the woods.  Here are some scenes.

I thought this tree was unique.

Lots of large Black Walnut trees here.

I usually do not go to Reid for birds since it has so much else to offer.  Some early spring birds today included Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (although the last two summers, one was resident).

And of course, the Eastern Phoebe.

As I got back to the parking lot, I heard some croaking.  To the south in the distance, were three Common Ravens.  I am sure they are nesting nearby, but I have not determined where yet.

Simply ravenous!