A Quiet Visit

I wasn't planning on stopping by Great Meadows today. In fact, I drove into Mt Auburn Cemetery with one of my friends to see if we could photograph the Great Horned Owl. Unfortunately, the owl was not very cooperative in its choice of location, so it was a short day. Frustrated that I was wasting such a sunny day, I stopped by the refuge.

Great Meadows was exceedingly quiet. The impoundments were frozen over except for the flowing water near the bridge. I was amazed that I couldn't see any coots, either at the impoundments or in the river. However, just as I was leaving, I saw one on the backside of the reeds near the bridge.

Looking out over the lower impoundment, I noticed the tops of the trees were much redder from last year's new growth and the early signs of budding.



One animal you are almost always guaranteed to see is the Downy Woodpecker. Today was no different. I decided to include one photo with its nictating membrane (third eyelid) which descends whenever it is pecking wood.







Down by the river I spied an Eastern Screech Owl sunning itself. Unfortunately there were too many branches between the path and the tree to capture a good photograph...but the discovery made the walk worthwhile.

Most of the geese and ducks have relocated down to the river. Even there ice is starting to encroach on their territory.






A pair of black ducks


To amuse myself and to ensure I came back with a couple photographs, I did snap off a couple shots of mushrooms growing on trees.







All in all, it wasn't a spectacular day for photography, but it was a pleasant walk and a positive move towards keeping my New Year's resolution of getting more exercise. Hopefully, this will help tide you over until your next visit.