09-APR-2018
Song sparrow
This song sparrow was in the Backyard Garden (BYG), picking up the fallen seeds from the feeder. Others were found by the pond, the old field and near the old woods.
09-APR-2018
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
I wonder if there has ever been a monthly blog without a red squirrel photo or two or three? I'll have to check that sometime. This is one of 8 reds found today around the garden, most of them appearing very busy.
09-APR-2018
The old woods
As can be seen, in wooded areas the land is still snowy. In open places it is either thick slippery mud or more snowy patches. Some areas are dry-ish, but this is mud season after all.
09-APR-2018
American goldfinch and house finch
Lots of goldfinches singing and calling from various locations around the garden, including a couple at the old woods feeder sharing space with a lone male house finch.
09-APR-2018
Red-winged blackbird
Not as many blackbirds as I was expecting. This was the only one that was visible, though I heard one or two more calling. I was hoping to see grackles as well, and though they have undoubtedly been found at the FWG already this season, I didn't see any today.
Other birds found today: American robin 2, northern cardinal 3, black-capped chickadee 5, american goldfinch 8, house finch 1, starlings 6, song sparrow 6-8, crow 2, mallard 2, and a double-crested cormorant flying over.
09-APR-2018
American goldfinch
At the feeder by the old woods.
09-APR-2018
Groundhog
Every spring a groundhog or two appear, but they don't stick around long in most cases, either they move on or they are killed by dogs, or possibly foxes, though we see almost no evidence of foxes at the garden anymore. In the past we would frequently see tracks and scat as well as the animals themselves.
09-APR-2018
Willow catkins
One day soon when the catkins flower, we should see bees and other insects around this large willow by the pond.
09-APR-2018
Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
09-APR-2018
MAllard, male
While looking at the pond, a pair of mallards flew in and soon settled on the turtle raft for some preening (next photo).
09-APR-2018
Mallards, pair
Engaged in some heavy duty preening, using the turtle raft. Later, I saw them sitting on the shore under the willow.
09-APR-2018
The amphibian pond
Mostly ice-free, except for a thin skin of ice on the eastern portion.
