"Out & About" Photo Blog: Oshawa Second Marsh <br/>January 3rd, 2016

I didn't make it to the marsh in December but I bundled up and went down today. It was cold but there was some late day sun... not that it helped much, other than to lift the spirits a bit.

I've learned over the years not to expect to see much in mid-winter. I assumed I'd see chickadees, maybe a white-breasted nuthatch and maybe a downy woodpecker. I saw all three but not much more.

After a few very mild months, winter crashed through the door. I ran into a few others. They were all feeding the birds. Chickadees always show up in good numbers in winter.

And you can usually count on seeing a nuthatch too. Both eat from your hand quite happily.

It might be time to rename the Beaver Pond as the Cattail Pond. That's about all you ever see there now.

It seems to me there are only one or two pair of nuthatches in Ghost Road Bush. In the years I've been going there I've never seen more than two at one time.

A tree that's made to order for some small creatures.

We haven't had an extended deep freeze yet so the vernal pools (can we still call them that?) are a mix of ice and some very cold water.

Or in this case, just water.

Here's an odd one. Frozen on one side of the boardwalk, water on the other. Must be shallower on the frozen side. Or maybe it's because it's 4 feet further north. :-)

A snow patty on a moss covered stump. The edges must be warmer. Or is it a wind effect?

This wild cucumber pod was a more golden color than the rest.

Once you're on the berm you're in full sun. The water channel is mostly frozen. This is the area the turtles frequent. They're enjoying a long rest in the mud somewhere now.

Late day sun definitely adds to a scene.

Not much to see along the berm for now. It was about here that I turned around and headed back to the car, while my fingers were still attached.

I do wear warm sheepskin gloves and take hand warmers, but I take the gloves off so much that my fingers still feel like they're slowly turning into icicles after a while.

Interesting patterns on a birch tree, along with some holes from a visiting woodpecker .

Rather odd snow pattern on the boardwalk. Could be man-made but I doubt it.

My guess is air currents from under the boards. Any other ideas?

Leaving Ghost Road Bush.

Certain plants hold their leaves through the winter, still green.

Winter, summer, spring or fall, I love Second Marsh.

A good way to end an outing to the marsh on a cold day... take some fries home for Jane & I to enjoy — in a warm home.

I did see a white-tailed deer today... at least its white tail, as it flashed it at me 70 yards or so away in the woods. I was alert from then on, hoping to get a second look, but it wasn't to be.

Winter outings are becoming more of a challenge for me these days, but once I'm out I'm always glad I went.

- fini -

The Friends of Second Marsh web site...