26 February
Spring is definitely approaching in the Wetlands and Forest, despite icy temperatures today. There had been wild weather yesterday, and patches of hail remained.
As we entered the forest, the light was a brilliant contrast to the darkness of the previous weeks.
It struck and transfigured this huckleberry vine.
My walking partner spotted and identified a rarity--hair ice emerging from downed alders.
This mossy stump is becoming a nursery for two little huckleberry vines.
There were unmistakeable sounds of spring. A pacific wren, still secretive, trilled its song, the first we've heard after the winter's chip notes. Approaching the Marsh, we were greeted by an exuberant chorus of frog song.
In addition to their songs, it appears they are starting to breed.
Although clouds covered the sun, and it grew colder, the Marsh showed clear signs of spring.
A tree, often favoured by red-winged blackbirds last spring, is starting to bud.
In the water of the Marsh, water lilies have surfaced,
and on the south-west shore, a stand of alder is showing its early blush.
Mount Arrowsmith had a fresh covering of snow from the previous day's weather.
The snow level is still disturbingly high, but we can hope that the cold and snow forecast for the coming week will lower it.
The water level has dropped slightly. Again, perhaps the coming week will bring it back up. The weather system arriving as we watched brought snow and rain in the afternoon.
Waterfowl, mostly mallards, occupied the open water at the southeast end of the Marsh.
A mallard put down his landing gear,
then paddled calmly.
In the distance, a flock of buffleheads dove and swam.
We're fairly certain this is a pied-billed grebe. The shape and behaviour were distinctive, although he was too distant for a clear photo.
As the season progresses we'll watch this bit of avian real estate for occupancy.
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