December 26th. Ice on Cranberry Bog cleared for skating...

 

...and hockey.

 

 

 

The animal shelter just a bit east of the bog was buttoned up.

 

Further east, the ice I expected to see in the rock cut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back at the barnyard, one of the sheep has ventured out.

 

 

 

Ah, looking up towards the house, wondering when breakfast will arrive.

 

Wreath ands stockings on the doors are a nice touch. These are very caring owners.

 

Meditation? Omm.

 

Back at Cranberry Bog with warmer morning light.

 

 

 

December 27th. Seven degrees.

 

 

 

A few minutes later as the sun was higher. Sun flare in the camera. Check out the "lightning bolt" crack across the ice.

 

 

 

The falling tree hung up in branches is getting lower. So... I contacted Craig Bryant, Hebron's Park & Rec director.

 

December 29th. Craig got someone out on Friday after my message, and this morning the tree was down...

 

...and cut up.

 

Very foggy this morning with temps well above freezing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) hips wet with mist.

 

A Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapella) was going in and out of a tree hole, emerging with what might have been insects.

 

With the warm temps, the upper trail surface had melted, allowing footprints to fill with water.

 

A horse had been on the trail.

 

Make that two horses, or a horse and a pony I assume.

 

December 30th. Well above freezing with patches of fog.

 

Best guess is an immature Northern Pintail (Anas acuta).

 

Although there were mallards around, I think the female may be another Northern Pintail.

 

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trail sign at Route 207 has extensive damage from a vehicle hitting it.

 

It ripped out the heavy concrete support from the ground, and tore off several portions of the frame.