The Ruddy ducks have returned to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
Archive for March, 2009
Ruddy duck
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009Spring peepers
Monday, March 30th, 2009One of my favorite spots within walking distance of home is the Lost Pond in Brookline. A path of wooden planks leads to a small opening in a swampy pond that is otherwise shrouded by forest. At this time of year, the chorus of Spring Peepers is in full gear. Although they must have numbered in the hundreds, I could not find a single one of them. I gave up looking, lay down on the plank, pulled my cap over my eyes, and started to doze off…
Until one of them sang just to my left. Beep beep beep beep triiiiiiill. And then, to my right. Beep Beep BEEP!!! Honestly, these things were no further than one or two feet from me, but I still could not find them. Can you?
If you want to imagine you are at the Lost Pond, click play and close your eyes.
Hooded merganser
Friday, March 27th, 2009Several pairs of Hooded mergansers take up residence at the Hammond Pond.
Taking a breather between dives.
Time to swim.
Beaver (or nutria?)
Thursday, March 26th, 2009Either a beaver or a nutria nibbles on something at the Cold Springs Park in Newton.
Eurasian green-winged teal
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009A Eurasian green-winged teal finds himself on the wrong side of the Atlantic at the Cold Springs Park in Newton.
Crocus
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009A Crocus signals the start of spring.
Ring-necked duck
Monday, March 23rd, 2009Hammond Pond hosts several Ring-necked ducks.
Mute swans (meet Molly)
Saturday, March 21st, 2009Molly, the dog, respectfully investigates a pair of Mute swans.
American wigeon
Friday, March 20th, 2009Two male American wigeons enjoy the newly thawed Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
Red-tailed hawk (with jesses)
Sunday, March 15th, 2009This Red-tailed hawk, photographed near Chandler’s Pond in Brighton, wears falconry jesses — an unusual sight in Boston.
White-throated sparrow
Friday, March 6th, 2009A White-throated sparrow forages beneath a tree at Peter’s Hill. What first got my attention was a lone Dark-eyed junco in the tree above. I watched them for a while and I got the impression that they were hanging out together. Later, I found the following in the description of the White-throated sparrow in my Peterson’s Field Guide: “Has been known to hybridize with Dark-eyed Junco.” So, be on the lookout for a hybrid this spring!
Red-winged blackbird
Thursday, March 5th, 2009A Red-winged black bird sings his heart out at the Arnold Arboretum.
American coot
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009A pair of American coots dives for food at Leverett Pond.
House finch
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009The House finches are out in force at the Arnold Arboretum.
Mute swan (feeding)
Monday, March 2nd, 2009The pair of Mute swans has returned to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, but there is not yet much open water, so searching for food means looking under the ice.
