14 March

 A return to Hamilton Marsh on a windy spring day.  The sun shone from on high, marking the approach of the equinox.  


A young hemlock emerged from a logged stump.



Nurse stumps nurture young huckleberries.  This stump looks to have been logged and burnt -- likely early in the 20th century.


The water level in the Marsh is the highest I've seen this year, and full of mallards.  Mostly, my recent approaches have been heralded by frogsong, but yesterday I was greeted by frenetic quacking.

There must easily have been 200 mallards.



Although most of the birds were visible on the water, it was apparent that they were nesting in the reeds and sedges.  Pairs of ducks emerged at intervals.

The frogs and other amphibians have been active as well.


An alder beside the Marsh is showing fine catkins.


Fungi isn't evident in any great numbers, but there were some showy turkey tails.

 


Arrowsmith boasted a magnificent snow pillow.  Unfortunately, the forecast is for a warm rainfall in the coming months, so the massif is likely to lose its splendour.







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