It was warmer than usual so, being quite dumb sometimes, we decided to check out the local dens. Of course, we got almost two feet of snow less than a week ago, but let's look. Well, the paths were pretty treacherous so after a short hike, we just decided to just walk around the cemetery on the cleared pavement. It was rewarding because on the walk, we heard the true sign of Spring, a call of Red-winged Blackbirds. I couldn't see one, much less get the camera on one, but it still warmed our little hearts. I got a distant shot of a Wood Duck (#31) for a good consolation prize.
Tuesday, March 10th.
The temps had been amazing but this Tuesday, it was in the 60s! Andrea said I should go check the dens, so I did. No snakes yet, but I saw my first Eastern Chipmunk of the year.
And then I flipped my First of Year Redback. Actually, I flipped three but they were all really on the move so I had to grab this one and get a shitty shot as it ran away.
Saturday, March 14th
Since this spot adjoins the place that holds what we call our local dens, we said "why not?"... we'd actually checked one den on the way into the park. But we were closer to a different one now and threw caution to the wind and went for it, knowing we'd fail.
We didn't. Andrea pointed out our First of Year snake, a fine Garter.
I audibly gasped when just three feet away, another Garter was out and it was posed in almost the exact same position.
We considered ourselves very fortunate. And we were. It was only 42°- 45°.
Sunday, March 15th.
We'd hoped for another day with at least a little sun. But we didn't get it. We knew that the day before we could have seen some brave turtles up basking as well as snakes, but our den spot isn't much of a turtle place. Knowing we'd fail, but hoping for the elusive Red-winged Blackbird shot, we went over to our spot in Norfolk County with the best chance for an early turtle. My car thermometer said 39°, though.
Well, I wouldn't have mentioned anything if we'd failed so, here is our First of Year turtle... a brave Spotted. It has a leech on the shell... maybe it was hoping to bake it off but there was absolutely no sun.
You never know what you'll see. You'll see nothing if you don't try.
Tuesday, March 17th.
Last night, conditions were perfect for an actual Big Night. It was in the 50s, rain had been pouring and there was a buzz in the air. But we didn't go out. I went out early in the morning the day after (about 3 hours ago, as I type) and hit the local spots to see if I could see any sign of movement. I'm not sure which ponds there get the action but I checked out three vernals and saw no salamanders, packets or eggs and I heard no Wood Frogs so my inspection was inconclusive.
I saw a very cold Leadback (first Lead!) and held him in my hand long enough to warm up and get his butt underground. (It's going to be cold tonight.)
On the way out, in a deli parking lot, there were a bunch of American Crows so I pulled in and got #34 on the year. Sharing is caring! (More like stealing, I suspect.)
That's it so far. We've heard both Red-wings and Common Grackles, so Spring is near. We blew it by not going out in the rain on Monday night where we could have seen salamanders and Wood Frogs, but what can you do? Hopefully, we'll have a decent year, but only if we actually get out and try. I plan on trying.
