We did the entire walk in the upper bluffs area today so had no ducks or swans but did have geese and gulls in the sky at times. The 1 degree, overcast threatening rain and very windy conditions kept bird song to a minimum.

Some views of the area:

Stinging Nettle is already showing leaves:

Some other leaves which stayed green through the winter:

Other botany:

Today’s group:

A few birds:

Species list: Canada goose, red-tailed hawk, ring-billed gull, mourning dove, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, blue jay, American crow, black-capped chickadee, brown creeper, winter wren, American robin, European starling, house sparrow, red-winged blackbird, common grackle, northern cardinal, house finch, song sparrow.  (19 species)

NATURE POETRY

The wild and windy March once more
Has shut his gates of sleet,
And given us back the April-time,
So fickle and so sweet.       – Alice Cary (1820–71)

Miles Hearn