Along the Air Line...

Spring 2008, Part 1

March 27th. Despite the frost, spring is coming. Mallard mates...

...literally.

First Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) of the year.

Poor bird has quite a scar across its face.

March 30th. Nineteen degrees. Wood ducks in the distance.

A few more tree swallows are back.

Mallard mates.

April 10th. Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon).

April 11th. Distant Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), a rare sight at the marsh.

April 12th. Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are nesting.

Hummock grasses have really greened up.

Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) keep their distance.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) males are getting territorially aggressive.

Victory song.

Stinkpot (Sternothaerus odoratus).

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta).

Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon).

April 13th. A pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) off to enforce their territory from another nearby pair.

Clouding over after early sun.

April 14th. Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) were active today.

Psst...

Exploring woodpecker holes in this dead tree.

Red Maples (Acer rubrum) are in full bloom.