November 9th. At 15 degrees, Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) taking off from the mostly frozen marsh. Heading for breakfast and south.

 

 

 

 

 

Natural sculptures in the new overnight ice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One cooperative member of a flock of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A juvenile White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). (Thanks, Russ!) Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) behind it.

 

Two versions of essentially the same photo. Wasn't sure which composition I liked better.

 

 

 

 

 

November 10th. What's this?

 

A Muskrat! (Ondatra zibethicus). The ratty tail is the giveaway.

 

I first saw ripples at the right back side of the beaver lodge (abandoned since the beavers were trapped out last March, dammit!).

 

Then a muskrat clambered out to investigate the lodge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh wait, there are two!

 

Time for some communal grooming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make your own caption.

 

 

 

 

 

"Wait, let me roll up my sleeve."