May 9

Tuesday, Remi and I returned to Forest Hill Nature Area for our weekly nature hike. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 41 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car, I headed west and paused at the crest of Energy Hill to look at the western landscape. Next, I descended the hill and proceeded past Mallard Marsh where both male and female Redwings were busy tending to their nests, hidden in the cattails. Continuing west through Bobolink Meadow, I noticed a few yellow blossoms of Wild Mustard. I followed the trail through North Woods where the forest floor revealed large patches of Woodland Sedge, a few Wood Violets as well as a single Jack-in-the-pulpit. Exiting the woods, I circled west around Succession Field and passed through Birch Row where I paused to look and listen to a Yellow Warbler, perched high overhead. Turning into South Woods, I stopped on end of the boardwalk on Swanson Swamp to scan this remote wetland. Shortly after leaving the woods and turning east, I noticed an apple tree was beginning to blossom. Following the perimeter trail south and east, I made it to Native Grassland where I paused at the grove of Box Elder trees to listen to the multiple calls of a Catbird. Just ahead, I could see that Grebe Pond was clear and quiet. Continuing north, I noticed to the east across Rich Rd. that construction of the neighbor’s new house was nearly finished. Approaching the barn, I spotted a Pied-billed Grebe swimming near the pond’s shore. Note: the black band on its beak is only there during breeding season. Finally, we found the car and headed for home.

So many hikes, so many times

So many miles, so many climbs

Much we’ve seen, much we’ve heard

Lots of creatures, beast and bird

Memories of vistas, above and below

Clouds of sky and drifts of snow

Memories of wildlife, west to east

Favorite flora, large to least

A need to explore, a place to fulfill

Remi and me at Forest Hill

D. DeGraaf