2 March

Seasonal change is moving ahead full steam.  The days feel warmer, leaf buds are emerging, and even wildlife is livelier.

 

One of the resident Douglas squirrels was present, although he evaded my camera.   Pacific wrens ornamented their chip call with their wonderful song--the first that's been heard this season.  And the frog chorus is starting rehearsals!!

The winter has taken its toll on the fungi, but new growth is starting to appear.

The strange bright pink jelly fungus is spreading.

A new red-belted conk (or red-belted polypore?) has appeared.

Some new fungi that need identification are emerging.

A snag that has been a host to fungi for two years has developed new growth, yet to be identified.

Mosses are putting out new growth.

The former Moss Muppet has now become a Moss Monster and is gradually losing its integrity.

Meanwhile, the Nurse Stump is showing new huckleberry seedlings.

Out at the Marsh a variety of frog voices greeted us, and two very early small garter snakes exited as we approached the dock.

It seemed early for cold-blooded creatures.  Perhaps they are developing new tolerance for cold.

A pair of ring-necked ducks paddled about the south-east end of the Marsh.

What was likely a marsh wren disappeared beneath the dock before we got a clear look.  

We can look forward to change in the coming weeks.