April 27

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 43 degrees and no wind. I stood at the crest of the hill and noticed Max perching and singing in a Honeysuckle bush before he flew to his usual willow on the east side of Mallard Marsh. Descending the hill, I saw Mike, Mark and Bob flying in and out of their territories chasing females who would stop and perch on cattails. On the pond, Leopard Frogs croaked while a muskrat swam on the smooth surface making a V-shaped wake. I passed through Bobolink Meadow and entered North Woods where I noticed a few green shoots of Wild Iris poking through some standing water. At the vernal pond, a large tree had fallen over the boardwalk. Following the trail, I spotted a few leaves of Trout Lilies sticking up through the leaf litter. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I heard the loud call of a Pileated Woodpecker as it flew overhead from North Woods to South Woods and landed in a tree nearby. Entering South Woods, I spotted my first crayfish chimney of the year. I hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I was pleased to see Mother goose was still on her nest. Also, I saw a juvenile Fox Squirrel lying dead next to a tree with no indication of a cause. Exiting the woods, I turned east where I saw twigs on an apple tree that had been chewed by deer. I turned north and made it to Willow Wallow where Will was moving around chasing females and bachelor males. Hiking east along the edge of the pond, I spotted a nesting pair of Tree Swallows perched on a bird box. I climbed Reflection Hill and circled around to gaze at Grebe Pond. Heading south, I descended the hill and approached Frog Fen where Fred was perched in a tree without any females around. I headed toward Brady Cemetery where I could make out the croaking of Chorus frogs coming from a shallow pond to the south. I passed the cemetery, entered Native Grassland and hiked north to Grebe Pond where Gus was perched in his favorite tree. Gabe was in his tree along with a female. When I arrived to check Gill’s territory, he was flying around chasing bachelor males and females. Further along, Gordy was not around. Approaching the barn, I was surprised to see a fresh turkey carcass west of the trail. Also, I heard the tweeting sound of Spring Peepers. These tiny, well-camouflaged frogs are rarely seen. They’re tan or brown in color and about an inch long. These nocturnal amphibians are carnivores feeding on beetles, ants, flies, and spiders. Passing the barn, I admired the wigwam the school children had covered this past week. Next, I walked over to the picnic tables and recalled my shock last Sunday finding a Killdeer nest with 3 eggs in the fire pit that we planned to use during the coming week. Despite a protest from the mother, I moved it to a safer place. Finally, we made it to the car and headed home.

A remote swamp far to the west
Found your spot on an island nest
In cattail reeds where you reside
You lay very still. You easily hide
I quietly approach. Stop very near
Symbol of spring, glad you’re here
I marvel at you. Respect your ways
Hope you survive the coming days
Mother goose, instincts are strong
Goslings will come. Won’t be long

D. DeGraaf