March 26th. Cool but pleasant at the marsh.

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius), far away.

 

As I walked east from Route 207, I heard a female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) calling. To my surprise, I found it atop last year's heron nest.

 

It soon quieted down, then left, only to return with a male and swim near the exit dam.

 

A male Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)

 

...and a female, following. Lots of other Ring-necks around, of course.

 

Mid-afternoon, a male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) across the trail from the pond east of River Road.

 

Followed by the female.

 

March 27th. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) in about the same spot where it has been for the last few mornings.

 

The usual pair of Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris). No sign of the Bufflehead.

 

Cattle at the barnyard east of Cook Hill Road in Lebanon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hmm.

 

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) across the trail from the barnyard.

 

Heading further east towards the marsh.

 

Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)...

 

...with a damaged shell.

 

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) near the bridge over the marsh's exit stream.

 

March 29th. A male Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) at the little pond near the Colchester Spur junction.

 

The female nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

The male with its crest down.

 

 

 

The pair of Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) at the main marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

A chilly Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) caught out on the trail.

 

 

 

A male American Robin (Turdus migratorius).

 

 

 

 

 

The usual male Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola).

 

 

 

 

 

A lone Canada Goose (Branta canadensis).

 

 

 

The Bufflehead in the background.

 

Daffodils planted near the Route 85 parking area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East of Route 207, Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) leaves are unfurling. (Note that at the pond there, I saw no Ring-necked Ducks this morning. Have they departed as they usually do after a few weeks here.)

 

Mid afternoon at the pond east of River Road, twelve Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta).

 

Five more.

 

Two more across the trail for a total of nineteen.