April 24

Friday, Remi and I hiked once again at Forest Hill Nature Area. Arriving at 7:30am, we were greeted by clear, sunny skies, calm winds and a temperature of 25 degrees. Walking north of the storage garage, I paused at the pile of wood chips to check out the Killdeer eggs that I’ve allowed the students to observe the past few days. I headed west down Energy Hill past Mallard Marsh where I spotted an American Coot or Mud Hen swimming among the cattails. Passing through Bobolink Meadow, I was pleased to see the Bluebird box had a Bluebird on it. I followed the trail through North Woods and paused at the boardwalk where freezing temperatures overnight created some striking ice patterns on the vernal pond. I continued west and paused at the circle of Beech trees to look around and listen. I exited the woods and immediately caught a glimpse of a nesting pair of Cowbirds perched high above me. Circling Succession Field, I entered South Woods where new plants of May apple and Woodland Sedge were greening the forest floor. Exiting the woods, I arrived at Artist Overlook to enjoy the song of a male Field Sparrow announcing his breeding territory. Most of the time these birds are difficult to identify as they secretly hop through the grasses and shrubs of the meadow. Following south trail, I turned south at Frog Fen, passed Brady Cemetery and turned north into Native Grassland where the Box Elder trees were flowering. Scanning Grebe Pond to the north, I noticed a few Tree Swallows swooping just above the water looking for flying insects. I continued past the barn and returned to the wood chip pile where the well-camouflaged Killdeer was now sitting on her eggs. Finally, we hopped in the car and left for home.

Waning days of April

Searching for spring

Nature’s reluctant

For warmth to bring

Looking for blossoms

Yellow or blue

Looking for Bobolinks

In the meadow view

Welcoming shadows

From the vernal sun

Longing for green

Where there was none

D. DeGraaf