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April 3rd. Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) leaves continue to sprout. An invasive, but pretty at least.
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Round-leaved Pyrola (Pyrola rotundifolia) is evergreen, but still a welcome hint of green amid mostly browns.
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What do you know, a pair of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) checking out a dead tree as a possible nest site.
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The female took a look inside the rotten tree...
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...but she was not impressed and they soon flew off.
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Despite the bad rap Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) often get, they really are elegant birds.
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(My favorite picture of this series.)
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American Robin (Turdus migratorius).
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Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) atop a wood duck house.
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It soon relocated far out in the marsh.
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A different Tree Swallow on a different nest box.
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Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) at the Route 85 parking lot.
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April 4th. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe).
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At Cranberry Bog, no Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) on the nest island, but when I came near, the pair of geese came close.
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At about 52 degrees, Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) were sunning.
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Next stop, the path from River Road to the Blackledge River Bridge.
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Perfectly cylindrical burrows surrounded by excavated sand...
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...were occupied by Cellophane Bees (Colletes inaequalis).
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Females line their nests with a cellophane-like polymer to keep the burrow waterproof and trap the liquid nectar food for the young.
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Finally a short walk west from the Brownstone Bridge over River Road, past this waterfall...
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...to check on the Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens) which is nearly ready to flower.
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First female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) I've seen at the marsh this year.
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One of the usual male Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris).
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Make that two, out of many.
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Lilypads are coming to the surface!
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Periwinkle of Myrtle (Vinca minor).
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April 8th. A bit misty after overnight rain.
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Green hummocks and high water... oh, Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) too...
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...two.
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American Beaver (Castor canadensis). Though trapping season ended March 31st, I won't say where I saw it.
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April 9th. Momma Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) on her nest at Cranberry Bog in East Hampton.
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Hopefully now she's finished laying her eggs.
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Dad on the nearby embankment keeping watch.
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A short walk east and west of Grayville Road, looking for green. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale).
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Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).
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Violets are leafing out. Flowers soon. This is likely Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), which I see at this location every year.
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