While in the woods at Marie Curtis Park, the afternoon group came across two slow-moving Garter Snakes. They have likely just emerged from winter hibernation:




A turtle was also seen enjoying full sun by a pond:

and a chipmunk was spotted:

Both morning and afternoon groups had a good look at a Horned Grebe:



Other birds:



















10 am group:




1 pm group:



NATURE POETRY
Would you think it? Spring has come,
Winter’s paid his passage home;
Packed his ice-box—gone—half way
To the arctic, they say. – Christopher Cranch (1813–92)
Miles Hearn
Thanks Miles, I’ve often seen Garter snakes at nearby Col. Sam Smith Park sunning themselves on or near the paths and once or twice at Marie Curtis Park but never this early in springtime. Loved the poem, Bon Voyage Winter see you in December!