12 April


12 April  

The path into the Wetlands is dappled with sunlight this morning.



The Forest is definitely leafing out. 

The sun caught this huckleberry and highlighted it among the trees.


It was resplendent in new green.


Bracken fern is emerging.  I find myself wondering whether the early bracken actually inspired the design of violins. 


Red elder is leafing out as well.


In the Marsh's fringe, the twinberry is showing leaves and a few flower buds.


Mosses are also responding to the seasonal change.  This--is it beaked moss?--is sprouting new growth.


Trees, both living and snags, nurture biodiversity.



The Marsh is known as a prime area for waterfowl brooding.  Much of the activity looks to be at the far southeast end--too distant for clear photos.

Still, a pair of geese glided along.


A very distant merganser kept company with one of the many red-winged blackbirds breeding in the marsh.  


(The merganser is in a typical merganser pose, surveying the aquatic life.  The red-winged blackbird looks on from a tall reed.)

In the distance, Mount Arrowsmith watches over the land--gradually surrendering its snow pillow.


The Marsh is fringed by forest.  After a sunny approach to the area, cloud coalesced, and softened the morning light.


The Forest light had changed as I left the dock, although there were still luminous patches along its way.








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