Along the Air Line...

Spring 2007, Part 1

March 22nd. A slight warming has begun to melt the ice on the marsh. Standing water on the ice forms ghostly reflections.

A Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) dismembering a dead catfish. Despite the calendar, winter has not given up just yet.

March 24th. First time in over five years walking this trail that I've seen an eagle at the marsh.

Lots of waterfowl out today.

March 25th. Walked the Colchester Spur. Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangifera, a lichen) is at its best in March's cool damp conditions.

Here it is again, mixed in with Haircap Moss (Polytrichum juniperinum, a true moss).

Ground Pine or Tree Clubmoss (Lycopodium obscurum) represents one of the earliest groups of land plants.

March 26th. Four beavers active around the lodge.

March 27th. Fog on the marsh today.

Great Blue Herons are back.

March 30th. A warm afternoon brought turtles out to bask in the sun.

Mates.

April 1st. Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) active.

April 5th. A pair of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) in the marsh.

Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodius) are a daily occurrence now.

April 6th. A chily 22 degrees, but swelling buds prove spring is coming.

April 7th. Twentyone degrees at dawn. Fresh ice on the marsh.

Geese and ducks active.

April 8th, Easter, late afternoon. Cold, windy, and raw. Male of a pair of Black Ducks (Anas rubripes).