March 18th. A male Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) at the pond east of Route 207.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've sprinkled some kaleidoscope captures through this page. In these sheltered times, you (or your children?) might enjoy making your own. It's not hard. Samples and links to my instructions and the site where you make them are at the following link. Note, you'll have to instruct your browser to allow Flash.
https://www.performance-vision.com/Kaleidoscopes-2017/index.htm

 

 

 

There's the female at the left...

 

...with the small white cheek patch.

 

 

 

Like the Ring-necked Ducks at the same pond, Buffleheads are diving ducks. (Funny when they pop up, like corks.)

 

 

 

The pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) seem to have settled in.

 

 

 

 

 

Same day. Mid-afternoon. A couple of stops along River Road near or on the trail. That's the Blackledge River Bridge.

 

Then the pond just east of River Road.

 

 

 

 

 

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) leaves have expanded since yesterday.

 

The invasive Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is also budding out.

 

Flower buds already visible on it.

 

March 19th. Spring starts tonight. Meanwhile some afternoon pictures at the marsh. Another day, more expansion of the Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) foliage.

 

Periwinkle or Myrtle (Vinca minor).

 

Moss with fruiting capsules.

 

Epiphytic Lichen, specifically Usnea strigosa, the Bushy Beard Lichen. Gotta love that common name. Thanks to Juan Sanchez for the ID.

 

 

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in roughly the same spot as two days ago at the eastern end of the marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Female Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) on Red Maple (Acer rubrum).

 

 

 

The male was nearby.

 

 

 

Red Maples (Acer rubrum) are flowering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that wraps up Winter 2019-2020. Stay safe, everyone.