Thankfully, Patricia MacQueen had been there Saturday and had Cherrie alert her mailing list to bring our "Wellies". Unfortunately, for those weren't on her mailing list, it was a very short distance before they needed to decide if they were going to proceed cold and wet or remain warm and dry back at the car.
Right near the water control gate on the Cross Dike trail, on the right hand side of the trail we encountered the Sora. This may be the latest one has been seen at Great Meadows. A small crowds appearance didn't seem to bother it.
The water was probably only six-eight inches deep at the deepest point. Most of the trail was "dry". However you do have to be careful where you step. There were several places where muskrats tunnels into the dike had collapsed. The water will have to recede a bit before they can get out to mark them with cones.
The wildlife was limited. Except for the Sora, it was the usual suspects. The rain and flooding combined with cold temperatures resulted in ice forming in low lying areas. In some areas the ice was a grayish frosty type coating floating on the water, while in a few places it was clearer with more interesting formations.
Reminded me of a topographic map
Oak Leaves under Frosty Glass
After circumnavigating the lower impoundment we arrived back at the tower to enjoy the colors of the setting sun and the return of geese and ducks to the safety of the impoundments
Geese Returning Home
Tree Silhouettes Against Setting Sun
End of the Day
