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.



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.
A very quiet day but some nice finds. The first two of the mushrooms are birch polypores, great snow catchers in an average winter. The light looks softer than when I was there (10-11ish), perhaps after the high clouds drifted in?
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