April 15

April 15, 2009 by OrientSee.

 Once again the wind was strong off the ocean which really had most things sheltering from the blast. It was low tide as well which meant little was around. One of the Ospreys was up on the platform while the other was sitting on the grass nearby. A few ducks were sleeping in the grass on the flats but just nothing was moving. Lawn Ave. was much more interesting. A small flock of birds was loudly chasing each other about. Through my binoculars I could see that it was all about the ladies. They were Brown Headed Cowbirds and the females were being hotly courted by the males but they never slowed enough so that I could get a picture. I found my second dead snake of the week. Something is finding garter snakes and then snapping their necks but not feeding on them. The next day the snake corpse is gone so something feeds on them but what is it that gets them in the first place?

Out on Geoff’s path the bugs were flying around while the RedWing Blackbirds were squawking away. I saw my first Bumble Bee which is always a cheery sight. The Overlook panne was empty except for one duck. I flushed two Snipe when I walked over to the Boardwalk.

I found this Tree Swallow resting on the Boardwalk. There will be hundreds of these birds cruising over the marsh snatching flying insects but for now there just seem to be this one.

There were Green Wing Teal by the Boardwalk and a few gulls. I wasn’t expecting any of the bigger birds because it was low tide. Suddenly this Great Blue Heron cruised into view and started feeding in one of the puddles.

This one patch of Foxtails glowed red gold against the sky. Usually the Phragmites is drab and dull by now but a bit of flattering light brings them to life.

On the path out of the park, a group of Goldfinches  was very active calling and moving about. They are a bright loud bunch that brings a grin to your face. It’s like watching a pack of eight year olds at the playground.

At the entrance to the park, is an old pole. Today this squirrel was sitting on the top. All I could think was hawk bait. If there had been a RedTail Hawk within a mile, he could have had a fresh lunch for the asking. This squirrel was a prime target.

It certainly has started to warm up. Our Magnolia tree is about ready to burst into bloom and the daffodils are terrific. The wind is just too much. I haven’t been out on a bike ride but once in the last two weeks. Usually I’m riding every day by now but not this year. Complain, complain, complain! Actually the day has been gorgeous and after the long winter, it is beautiful outside.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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