March 22nd. Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are back in some numbers now...

 

...but remain very shy and distant. A pair of Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) are still further away.

 

All the waterfowl seem to have paired off. A pair of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) heads away through the mist.

 

A pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) also seen through mist.

 

 

 

 

 

This Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) cocoon was attacked, probably by a mouse, and the overwintering pupa eaten. (See my Cecropia Life Cycle pages.)

 

April 1st. Sunrise. Back on the trail after a week away.

 

A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was singing up a storm.

 

 

 

 

 

Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) a little closer this morning.

 

April 5th. Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) are back...

 

 

 

...and checking out favorite nesting holes.

 

 

 

 

 

The dead maple trunk on the right has a nest hole about 18" down from the top.

 

April 6th. A Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is visiting the marsh...

 

...and attracting a crowd of spectators (Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles).

 

Clouds rolling in. Rain expected later today.

 

April 8th. A Tree Swallow seems to have claimed the prime nesting place.

 

 

 

A pair of Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris) showed up yesterday.