January 12

 So another year begins in cold and snow. I haven’t been out to the marsh in a while. We’ve had some snow and bird tracks are abundant. I noticed this half buried hard hat. It was the brightest color around in all the glare of white and darks.

Close by, I found this delicate lichen on the side of a tree. It was a delight.

Further along Rosie’s Thicket, the woodpeckers have been busy again. This is a brand new den carved out of a slender dead tree into which two other holes were carved last year. Neither hole was used. I wonder if this one will be filled soon or not.

Some of the neighbors heave their holiday pumpkins out into the marsh and they last very well in the cold. I’ll probably bust them open so that the birds can get at the flesh and seeds.

Another bright touch of color was this cluster of sumac fruit.

In the Long Thicket besides the crows harassing a hawk, a pair of Downy Woodpeckers were flitting from one tree to the next feeding on the bark bugs.

My camera does not like glare filled high contrast scenes but the effect can be quite nice. This is the Overlook panne frozen up and free of the ducks that usually clump together here.

The Boardwalk was quiet. In the distance a small group of Brant were paddling over by the old Osprey nest. A large flock of Canada Geese honked their way over Winthrop. The park was quiet as well.  I noticed that a winter gust had topped off this tree which was mostly dead. While looking, a Northern Flicker hopped on the top to preen itself.

The parking lot and Bennington St. were also very quiet. The creek was nearly frozen over, except where the flooding tide had carved a sinuous path. It was an elegant turn.

I was warmly dressed and thoroughly enjoyed my walk today. Cold weather is no reason to pass up a visit. I’m as guilty as everyone else. I have to get out more. Belle Isle is well worth the effort.

Ciao!

-Jorge

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