April 8th, afternoon and the partial eclipse of the sun. These pictures taken through eye-safe "glasses". First picture taken well before the start.

 

Underway shortly after 3:30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A timeout to take some male Bufflehead (Bucephalis albeola) photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sky had darkened and clouds rolled in. Spring Peepers (Hyla versicolor) started to chorus.

 

 

 

Maximum coverage.

 

Clouds softened and darkened some images.

 

Cheshire Cat grin?

 

A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) flew in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By then, clouds were pretty thick.

 

April 9th. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) flowers are opening.

 

 

 

Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata). Looks pretty old based on shell wear.

 

The usual pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis).

 

An afternoon stop at Cranberry Bog. Momma Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) on her nest as always.

 

 

 

Checking her eggs. Sadly, I couldn't see to count them.

 

 

 

She was panting to release body heat on this very warm day.

 

Tucking in the down around the eggs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 11th. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). The leaf curled below will open after the flower is gone.

 

This blossom was not fully opened.

 

As soon as it is pollinated, the petals will fall.

 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

 

An early source of pollen for bees.

 

Slightly better pictures of Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in bloom.