May 2nd. Just nice patterns and hints of colors.

 

 

 

The Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) nesting at Cranberry Bog. Note the little ball of yellow beside Mom.

 

Several yellow blobs under her wing...

 

...and one fuzzy head popping up. We have Goslings!

 

Back to Cranberry Bog in mid-afternoon. Five fresh goslings are checking out their world.

 

 

 

I never did get all five in one picrure.

 

 

 

Dad staying close now.

 

 

 

 

 

Mom went back to the nest and the goslings hurried to get under her.

 

At the eastern end of Cranberry Bog, there was another goose family, this one with six goslings. Again, I was not able to get all in one picture.

 

These goslings seemed to be several days older.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 3rd. Nice colors in the trees. Funny how with telephoto, the trail seems to meander.

 

 

 

 

 

Pink Lady's-slipper orchids (Cypripedium acaule) are showing buds.

 

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is up about 6 inches.

 

White Oak (Quercus alba) leaves are starting to expand.

 

The pink version of Morrow's Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) is blooming right beside the white version.

 

Plantain-leaved Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia).

 

 

 

An afternoon stop along River Road at the Day Meadow Brook beaver pond.

 

There was an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) perched far across the pond.

 

 

 

 

 

Bullhead-lilies (Nuphar variegatum).

 

 

 

 

 

A male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).