Took the kids to the marsh yesterday for a short, but much needed walk in the woods. Our temperatures have risen quite a bit since last weekend, and yesterday it was 15C. Lots of folks are uneasy saying it, but Spring has sprung! I even saw and heard a grackle down at the marsh, which is a sure sign for me. The grackles return with the red-winged blackbirds in early spring, and to hear their chucking call through the bare branches of the trees while the wind is blowing warm air into our faces is just wonderful.
The turkeys were there in great numbers when we walked one way down the path, but when we returned along the same path a few minutes later, they had all melted into the deeper woods. I got a few shots of these comical birds. I like watching them foraging through the leaves of the forest floor looking for food. They blend in so well, that you don't notice them right away.
The geese, swans and ducks were a noisy bunch along the shores of the marsh. All happy greeters if you have brought some food for them! I was taking a photo of the geese in front of me and turned to stand up and there was another one inches from my face.
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| Oh! Hello there Mr Goose! |
There was a pair of Whistler Swans on the other side of the bridge. I like these swans better than the Mute Swans, maybe because they're a little less common to see around here. These two had big ugly yellow tags on their wings. I wonder how far they have travelled to arrive in my town. You can see there is still ice covering much of the marsh water.
The trees don't have any leaf buds on them just yet, but the sound of the warm wind roaring through their branches gives the impression the trees themselves are moaning and stretching after months of winter weather (which quite honestly, seems to have gone in a flash with our relatively mild winter this year).
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| Don't you love it when the tree devours these signs |
Thanks for stopping by!
Spring has sprung here as well, but tonight we will get a hard freeze-my crocus' are even up I should get some photos.
ReplyDeleteI have been hearing the wild turkeys here as well early in the morning during my walks and yesterday by the ponds we had 5 canada geese, which quickly flew off when they saw me-so Sir John must not have been one of them
enjoy your friday
We always get excited when the Canadian geese show up here each year. We get a mated pair in our lagoon, not sure if it's the same couple or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're having such nice weather now, Wendy. You got some great shots of those geese. I have been keeping an eye on the sky here because it will be just a few more weeks until the sandhill cranes fly over my area on their way back from Bosque del Apache in the southern part of New Mexico where they spend the winter. They fly north again in early-mid March, usually. I'm so happy to see the things you do with the children, especially your outdoor activities. I have never needed childcare but I would want my kids to be with a caregiver like you if I did. My husband grew up attending daycares and babysitters' homes and has some negative memories, mostly having to do with being bored and un-stimulated (is that a word) when he was there. You do so much with your kids and I'm sure they benefit greatly from their time with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great walk Wendy so much wildlife to see I bet the kids really enjoyed it, I know I enjoyed your photo's. Our weather is up and down one day freezing and the next warm, I have had roses growing in my front garden all winter and when I left the house this morning a lovely display of crocuses met as I stepped out the door, I potted loads last Autumn and they are in bloom already it really cheered me up. :) x
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see those first signs of spring. We've had a bright sunny day today after a storm yesterday so it feels very springlike.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely walk, Wendy! Beautiful photos! I love it that you always find some outdoor activities for the kids to do in all kinds of weather.
ReplyDelete-Soma
Beautiful shots! That one closeup of the goose is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteHere it's been above freezing, but we still have a good deal of snow on the ground. And we've had one Canada goose in the area over the winter hanging out with the ducks, seems to have gotten through winter just fine whenever I pass by the area.
Always nice to get out in the woods - or marsh. I like those Wild Turkeys.
ReplyDeleteThose early signs of spring are so very welcome. I have seen a couple of Canada Geese and at a valley near me the spring migration of hawks and eagles has begun.Great pictures of all the birds.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and invigorating walk you had. The geese are very noisy on our lakeside walks too, always a sign of Spring. How wonderful to have the wild turkeys visit your woods:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us on a walk in your local woods. Seems a terrible shame that today's society accepts putting things, like the yellow tags on the swans, on animals to track them "for their own good". I'm sure there are reasons for it, but wish there weren't.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that birds are enjoying the warm sunshine. They know spring will come soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm cautiously optimistic that spring will be arriving soon. Another harbinger of spring is Stephanie's upcoming teacup exchange. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful pictures of your area, Wendy! I love to see your Canada geese. They are handsome creatures. I have never seen a real swan. They are such elegant birds. No geese here yet and won't be for another month or so. We still have lots of snow from the storms we had last week. But in another month, Spring will officially be here and I'm looking forward to that. Thanks for sharing and have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
Good Morning Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI always, always enjoy your seasons. We just don't have them here. My region of Texas has 2 and even though I do enjoy our mild Winters I would trade them in a second for heavenly Summers. What a joyful and interesting walk, looks and sounds busy and wonderful!
Jemma
Your weather seems to be much like ours currently. We're going to be getting cold again tomorrow though. I love your photos. That last one of "Slim" made me laugh out loud!! Have a beautiful weekend!! xo
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Wonderful photos Wendy. One has to watch their step where geese have been, if you know what I mean. lol They sure are messy!
ReplyDeleteAre these wild turkeys? Love your photos, it looks very busy near the marshes.
ReplyDeleteThe kids must love seeing the turkeys, swans and ducks. They are learning a lot about nature on your walks.
ReplyDeleteI loved your photos so much, Wendy. The marsh looks like a fantastic place to visit and I'm sure the kids are fascinated. The swans and geese are so beautiful, and your three wide-angle photos are absolutely fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos! Oh what beautiful swans!! ;) We sure had felt Spring-like around here - but now back to a bit colder and got some snow this weekend. Life in the northwoods. Lol
ReplyDeleteBlessings. xoox
Lovely to see all your photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Wendy, Your photos are wonderful! I loved catching sight of those turkeys. And I never tire of our Canadian geese or beautiful swans.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful week ahead...
Brenda
xox
Well it seems like there's Spring to the south of me, and to the east, and now to the north!
ReplyDeleteoh well, it will get here when it gets here, and til then, I'll just keep making soup. I've gotten fairly good at soup-making this winter! :)
How fun for the kids to enjoy going on walks with you, Wendy. I loved seeing the swans!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful day for a walk with many friendly little greeters to keep you company! Love seeing the turkeys and the swans. The little ones must love these little adventures. We are getting snow tonight.....x Karen
ReplyDeleteno more snow? glad to see the sun poking through. love are so many big birds. guess they have eaten well even though it was winter or they are fluffing out their feathers? so cute. ( :
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that this is what you see on a daily walk. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
What a fantastic place to walk... great shots! I love the swans as we very rarely get to see them here. I am looking forward to seeing our geese come back soon. They are really our first sign that spring is here.
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Hello, wonderful post on your outing and all the birds. The turkeys are a cool sighting. I love both swans, they are beautiful. Cute ducks and geese captures. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day and the weekend!
ReplyDelete