August 7th, a hawk perched in the marsh quite close to the trail. Best guess: an immature red-tail, or perhaps a red-shouldered hawk. (Birders, if you can give me a positive ID, please get in touch.)

 

 

 

 

 

August 17th. A different hawk in roughly the same spot on the marsh.

 

 

 

With water levels in the marsh the lowest I've ever seen, ATVs have reached spots normally impassible. The result: a beautiful patch of cardinal flowers trampled. There is simply no excuse for such lack of consideration.

 

This is what ATV vandalism destroys.