March 14th. A pair of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections in ripples.

 

 

 

No green yet. But no ice anywhere.

 

 

 

The marsh is crowded with male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelius phoeniceus).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 15th. A brief afternoon stop at the pond east of Route 207 turned up at least 16 Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris). Ten in this photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were a few Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) around too.

 

 

 

March 17th. An overnight dusting of snow.

 

 

 

An American Beaver (Castor canadensis) left a distinctive trail with its tail.

 

Some of its footprints survived just left of the tail drag, heading this way.

 

 

 

One male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) and several Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

 

A male Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) showing off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A single male Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) far across the marsh.

 

The subtle maroon collar on its neck gives it its name, not the bright white band on its beak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 18th. East of Route 207. Taking pictures of Ring-necked Ducks, I spotted a Northern River Otter (Lutra canadensis) in the background.

 

No mistaking that tail as it dove! (Sorry these photos are so noisy: very low light and high ISO settings.)

 

It joined a second otter on the shore.

 

Always in motion.

 

There were at least three, maybe four. A family.

 

Some frolicking and then they were gone...

 

...leaving the pond to the Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris).

 

 

 

One of a pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). They soon departed.

 

One of so many simply beautiful sights along the Air Line.

 

Across from the pond, a Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) perched atop the Fish & Game Club shelter.