October 27th. A lot more leaves on the ground now. No frost despite a temp of only 27 degrees.

 

 

 

A flock of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) passing through.

 

 

 

 

 

Another flock of birds.

 

Some young Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). Thanks Jill for the ID.

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). Thanks Jill for the ID.

 

 

 

Finally, a couple of birds I know: a male Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)...

 

...nd a male Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens).

 

.Meet Janet Coates, about to launch a drone for some aerial views of Raymond Brook Marsh. From Montreal, she is now a freshly minted US Citizen and an avid advocate for the Air Line Trail.

 

Afternoon stops on or near the trail not far from the Brownstone Bridge. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina).

 

The Brownstone Bridge carrying the trail over River Road.

 

 

 

 

 

The bridge over the Blackledge River.

 

A quick check of the only remaining patch of Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens).

 

The waxy leaves remain green through the winter.

 

Flower buds are already formed and survive the winter sheltered under the leaves.

 

White-veined Wintergreen (Pyrola picta).

 

Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata).

 

October 28th. A fraction of the Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) hanging out at Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

The flock of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) was around again this morning.

 

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) was at the pond east of River Road again midday today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pair of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) was around too.

 

 

 

October 30th.

 

A very foggy morning, but no significant rain overnight.

 

 

 

 

 

A few Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) in the fog. (Compare with pictures above.)

 

 

 

 

 

Thick fog at the pond east of River Road too.

 

 

 

 

 

A short midday walk to the pond east of River Road. Fog long gone. A pair of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) I often see there.

 

 

 

Rippled reflections.

 

 

 

The usual Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus).