March 26th; afternoon. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) on her nest at Cranberry Bog.

 

 

 

 

 

As he did yesterday, the male saw me and came close in case his mate needed protection.

 

Perhaps the same photogenic male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) as yesterday.

 

He occupied the same shallow perch for grooming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A horse at the barnyard to the west right across Smith Street.

 

The barnyard is surrounded by electric fence which I feel is a danger to children who don't know to avoid it. Additionally, the barnyard waste washes downhill and makes a muddy mess across the trail.

 

March 27th. Daffodils at the Route 85 Trailhead are fully open now, despite iffy weather.

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in the distance.

 

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis), female Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) and a male Bufflehead (Bucephalus albeola).

 

Territorial irate Canada Goose.

 

 

 

 

 

An afternoon walk east of Cook Hill Road. The horse comes over for pets.

 

 

 

Grazing in last year's corn field.

 

A female Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) atop a woodpecker holed stump.

 

The male was on the other side, checking out possible nest cavities.

 

Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) leaves are unfurling.

 

Green Reindeer Lichen (Cladina mitis).

 

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara).

 

 

 

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media).

 

A Speedwell (Veronica sp.).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring-beauty (Claytonia virginica).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) at the pond east of Route 207.

 

Lots of them as usual there.

 

 

 

 

 

Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) behind this female Ring-necked Duck.

 

 

 

 

 

Splashy bath time.

 

 

 

 

 

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) up close.

 

Check out the claws.