March 14th. A male Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) at the pond east of Route 207.

 

These birds swim forward with their heads dipped, looking for food...

 

...then dive for it.

 

American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) at the left.

 

Here's the female Common Merganser, head dipped.

 

The pair.

 

Male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) at the upper left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A male Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)...

 

...with the female. Her crest looks like a shaving brush. (I'm old enough that I remember using a shaving brush.)

 

A couple of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) drop in...

 

...close to another pair...

 

...causing a territorial scuffle.

 

A male Mallard (Anas platyrhynhcos)...

 

...with his mate.

 

 

 

 

 

March 15th. The first time I've seen a Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) hunting for insects on Common Reed (Phragmites australis).

 

 

 

 

 

Several Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) arrived...

 

...announcing their presence.

 

 

 

Back to the marsh in the early afternoon. Big bird above.

 

More flying things below. Male Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus).

 

Female Hooded Merganser.

 

I'll guess an immature Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With sun and temps in the 60s, I came out looking for Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta). Saw plenty!

 

 

 

 

 

I remember this turtle with the deformed shell from last year.

 

March 16th, Forty degrees and foggy.

 

The usual pair of Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus).