April 9

Wednesday, I returned to Forest Hill Nature Area for a hike with my dog, Remi. The noontime weather was sunny with a temperature of 50 degrees and a steady wind out of the west. At the crest of the hill, I gazed west at the ever-changing landscape. Descending the hill to Mallard Marsh, I spotted two male Redwing Blackbirds perched on cattails and my first female Redwing perched in a willow tree. I continued through Bobolink Meadow where a pair of noisy Sand hill Cranes flew past me. Entering North Woods, I spotted a few shoots of Wild Iris poking up through the mud. The trail was covered with dry leaf litter after finally being free of snow while along the edge a few Nut Sedge began to green up the forest floor. At the boardwalk, I noticed the vernal pond was overflowing from the spring thaw. Approaching the exit to the woods, I was surprised to see my first reptile of the season, a garter snake slithering among the leaves. Leaving the woods, I turned west where I saw that the deer carcass I found a few weeks ago had been dragged into Succession Field where it continued to be scavenged. Entering South Woods, I paused at Swanson Swamp to hear my first amphibians of the season, Spring Peepers. Exiting the woods, I turned east and walked over what I assumed would be the last patch of snow for the season. I arrived at Artist Overlook and was pleased to spot my first sighting of four Tree Swallows swooping above Sora Swale. On the path was a pile of rabbit fur indicating an earlier predator kill and consumption. I followed the south trail to Frog Fen and turned south to Brady Cemetery where I noticed one of the small White Pines next to the road was dying. Turning north into Native Grassland, I arrived at Grebe Pond where the water was finally open and clear of ice. I followed the trail past the barn and ended our hike at the car.

It’s that time of year

Spring shows its face

You finally returned

From a winter place

You swoop and dive

You fly with ease

Above the pond

A sight to please

One of nature’s best

Showing white and blue

I’m glad you’re back

Tree Swallow, I welcome you

D. DeGraaf