December 4

 Although warm by December norms, the wind was overpowering today. I expected a few gulls who love to soar in high wind but little else.  On walking into Rosie’s Thicket, I immediately saw this Cooper’s Hawk through the branches with his breakfast meal.  The pond was empty except for a few ducks popping in and out of the smaller puddles by the train yard.

There were a few Crows and some starlings along Lawn and Palermo. I did catch a glimpse of what must be the last milkweed fluff of the year.

The path out to the Overlook was deserted except for the noisy wind and one Downy Woodpecker. The Overlook panne had a small flock of Mallard.

The Boardwalk and the park were pretty much empty as well. Leaving the parking lot, I got a lucky shot of a Chickadee in mid wingstroke.  I didn’t see this until I got home to Photoshop.

The Bennington St. bridge had a bigger flock of Mallards and I am always impressed by the intense colors of the males.

Besides the ducks, the bridge sheltered a Great Blue Heron which startled me when it took off practically beneath me.  I didn’t get the camera up fast enough. All I got was its retreat.

Today was fun even with the withering wind. I am eagerly awaiting the first snow which is forecast for this weekend. While there is less activity with snow on the ground, the marsh is completely transformed and the lack of leaves and green can be forgotten.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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