April 7th. The resident Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) at Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of a pair of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) east of Route 207.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Checking out a nest hole.

 

 

 

 

 

A very odd duck. Cross between a Mallard and a Black Duck maybe?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking further east, I found Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens); neither a rattlesnake nor a plantain. It's an orchid. Not last year's dried bloom stalk. Flowers are white.

 

Leaves are evergreen.

 

High water where the power lines cross the trail. To the right...

 

...Beavers (Castor canadensis) have raised their dam.

 

 

 

On my way back, I spotted a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) on the Rod & Gun Club dock.

 

Until it flew, I thought it might be a plastic replica.

 

At the pond nearby, a pair of Great Blue Herons perched not far from last year's abandoned nest.

 

The male (at right in the previous photo) was trying to impress the female with a variety of moves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She studiously ignored him.

 

 

 

 

 

Nope, not interested.

 

Maybe if I wipe my beak on this branch?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nope. She flew off with the male in hot pursuit.