March 31st. The usual group of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) at their usual gathering spot...

 

...and they're off!

 

Noisy Canada Geese (Branta canadensis).

 

 

 

 

 

Goose in the morning mist at 19 degrees.

 

 

 

 

 

A few Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) around.

 

Four of at least five Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) down towards Old Colchester Road.

 

April 2nd. Blustery winds affecting the Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) at Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

Many found relative shelter amid dried emergent vegetation.

 

 

 

April 3rd. At Cranberry Bog, a male Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)...

 

...hustles towards...

 

...the small island where the female sits on a nest. This spot has been used by nesting geese for many years now.

 

 

 

The male remained nearby until I went away.

 

A single goose elsewhere on the pond.

 

April 4th. Ornamental Daffodils at the Route 85 Trailhead.

 

 

 

A female Midge (Family Chironomidae). Males have bushy antennae.

 

Immature Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus).

 

 

 

A male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)...

 

...not far from a pair of Green-winged Teal (Anus crecca carolinensis).

 

 

 

Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) of course.

 

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in his usual singing spot.

 

 

 

 

 

A warm, sunny, late morning walk west from Grayville Road. Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma). They overwinter as adults.

 

 

 

Males gather minerals from dog poop and pass them to females during mating. Females use the minerals in egg production. This behavior of the male is called a "nuptial gift". (No comment.)

 

Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon); first of the year!

 

Upper wing surfaces are pale blue.

 

April 5th. Hummock grasses are going strong.

 

April 6th. Started off very foggy and pretty warm.

 

 

 

 

 

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) in the fog.

 

 

 

 

 

Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) in the fog too.

 

A short afternoon walk to the Lyman Viaduct as light showers threatened.

 

All the iron structure of the original viaduct was buried under massive loads of fill...

 

...necessary to support heavier trains.

 

 

 

The first Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower of the year.

 

 

 

This 3 inch caterpillar of a Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) was resting under loose bark.