Mallard Nest Tubes

Late March, made a few Mallard nest tubes. Was able to set up one nest tube. Harder than I thought it would be. Had to hold off a day or so, before putting up 2 remaining tubes. Watch my Nest Tube Video at the link on the bottom of the page.

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Buffelhead Duck speeds by as I cross the marsh.

I had this feeling of being watched.

Mother Goose giving the EYE.

Mallard Duck Nest Tube.

The Muskrat, the keepers of the marsh.

Ring-necked Ducks.

Migration stop-over.

Moving to another hole in the marsh.

Click the link below to view my YouTube video:

Mallard Nest Tube: 
Making and Setting-Up 

Thanks for the view.

American Robin

The American Robin ( Turdus migratorius ) is a sign of the coming spring to many in the northern United States. Late February and early March sees large flocks of Robins searching for berries, worms and insects during the late winter thaw. One of the earliest birds to nest and lay eggs, with many having more than one clutch of eggs in a season.

Marsh Walk, 06/29/11

Hot morning walk, temp in the 90's. revisited the Goldfinch nest that had two eggs in it several days ago. One has hatched, the other did not make it. Here's the rather large chick, getting plenty to eat. When the shutter clicks the chick flinches. Took 3 quick pics and let it be.

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 Chick in GoldFinch nest.

Not long ago, the Snowy Egret was non-existing in this far north. The clean air and water regs must have worked to these birds benefit.

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Snow Egret drenched in sunlight.

Scare one duck you scare them all. These Mallards have no intention to hang around any longer. One wing beat and they're doing 30 mph up and away.

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Love the sound of whistling wings.

First time seeing a bird like this. Black head, red body, I think it's an Orchard Oriole, Icterus spurius. 

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A Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, sizing me up!

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Horsetail, Equisetum, also called the puzzle plant. A living fossil, has been on earth since the coal age, back then it grew 30 meters tall or 90 feet, as large as most trees alive today. One of the plants that we depend on for our fossil fuel needs. Funny, old rotten plants power space age civilization.

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Bee Balm ~ Oswego Tea ~ Bergamont, Monarda didyma, a pleasant smelling plant in flower now. Will try to transplant to my garden. Thru the years it has been used to treat a number of ailments.

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Wood Ducks, Aix sponsa are in eclipse, shedding old flight feathers growing new. Unable to fly,  they run across the water to avoid me.

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A large colorful Garter Snake in my path. I've been bitten by Garter snakes many a time , now wiki tells me that they are mildly venomous. Learn something new every day.

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