"Out & About" Photo Blog: 2nd Marsh -- May 13th, 2012

I was curious what the marsh would look like two weeks after the fire. The grass is growing back but it's going to take a while before all evidence of the fire is gone.

Maybe one or two of these Spruces will survive.

A pair of Cowbirds greeted me at the start of the path by GM but they were camera-shy.

There was a pair of Trumpeter Swans in Wilkinson's Pond.

Stop and smell the flowers.

With their heads underwater most of the time, it's no wonder their heads & necks don't stay white.

These Dryad's Saddles were in Cool Hollow.

The Warblers (a guess on my part) and others were singing their hearts out in Cool Hollow.
Have a listen... (20 seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyTcOVBMqrQ

I went right to the lake today. It was quiet & misty.

... other than this guy on the bay.

Beach flowers... Silverweed. Thanks John.

The marsh is big enough that I usually drive from one side to the other on days that I check out "both sides". Even so, I walked about 5 miles. I parked at the pump house, and as you enter Ghost Road Bush you're greeted with a forest floor covered in Garlic Mustard... an outcast, but a pretty one.

The trail is bordered by Garlic Mustard and Dandelions (another outcast)... it makes for a scenic walk.

The Mayapples have opened their umbrellas.

I always look for Mallards on the vernal pools this time of year but didn't see any today.

The birds were singing in Ghost Road Bush too.
If you'd like to have a listen... (24 seconds)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=D79efogfUqk

It was Mother's Day today and I was wondering if I'd see a "marsh mother". I was in luck. The goslings were stretching up to nibble on the grass.