April 3rd. Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) leaves continue to sprout. An invasive, but pretty at least.

 

Round-leaved Pyrola (Pyrola rotundifolia) is evergreen, but still a welcome hint of green amid mostly browns.

 

Female flowers, a bit the worse for wear, of American Hazelnut (Corylus americanus). Learn more about it here: https://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/amhazelnut.html

 

 

 

Male flowers release pollen from catkins to be dispersed by breezes. Female flowers are unable to be pollinated by pollen from the same plant so cross-pollination is assured. If you're interested in the details follow this link: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/hazelnut/hazelnut-tree-pollination.htm

 

What do you know, a pair of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) checking out a dead tree as a possible nest site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The female took a look inside the rotten tree...

 

...but she was not impressed and they soon flew off.

 

Despite the bad rap Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) often get, they really are elegant birds.

 

 

 

(My favorite picture of this series.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Robin (Turdus migratorius).

 

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) atop a wood duck house.

 

It soon relocated far out in the marsh.

 

A different Tree Swallow on a different nest box.

 

 

 

 

 

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) at the Route 85 parking lot.

 

 

 

April 4th. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe).

 

At Cranberry Bog, no Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) on the nest island, but when I came near, the pair of geese came close.

 

 

 

 

 

At about 52 degrees, Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) were sunning.

 

 

 

 

 

Next stop, the path from River Road to the Blackledge River Bridge.

 

Perfectly cylindrical burrows surrounded by excavated sand...

 

...were occupied by Cellophane Bees (Colletes inaequalis).

 

Females line their nests with a cellophane-like polymer to keep the burrow waterproof and trap the liquid nectar food for the young.

 

Finally a short walk west from the Brownstone Bridge over River Road, past this waterfall...

 

...to check on the Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens) which is nearly ready to flower.

 

First female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) I've seen at the marsh this year.

 

 

 

One of the usual male Ring-necked Ducks (Aythya collaris).

 

Make that two, out of many.

 

Lilypads are coming to the surface!

 

Periwinkle of Myrtle (Vinca minor).

 

April 8th. A bit misty after overnight rain.

 

Green hummocks and high water... oh, Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) too...

 

...two.

 

American Beaver (Castor canadensis). Though trapping season ended March 31st, I won't say where I saw it.

 

April 9th. Momma Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) on her nest at Cranberry Bog in East Hampton.

 

Hopefully now she's finished laying her eggs.

 

Dad on the nearby embankment keeping watch.

 

A short walk east and west of Grayville Road, looking for green. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale).

 

Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).

 

 

 

 

 

Violets are leafing out. Flowers soon. This is likely Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), which I see at this location every year.