Visiting the Preserve

 

Yesterday I wrote about our pilgrimage to the spot in Cambridge that has such a heavy duck population and told about meeting the Snowy Owl and many of her fans. 

Here's a nice photo Joe took of some of the ducks. There were at least four different kinds of ducks, all splashing about together and getting along just fine.

As we knew that the Snow Geese were best seen at the preserve late in the afternoon, we timed our arrival for an hour or so before closing. To our surprise (and the surprise of the preserve management, as well), there were no geese available to view or to photograph. Not a one. The volunteer at the desk said that they had been expected a week or two ago, but so far they had not appeared.

We took a drive around the preserve anyway and saw some magnificent birds. I'm fortunate to have a husband who is a gifted amateur photographer. The duck picture from yesterday was one I took; all of the ones today are Joe's.

Mrs. Eagle

And her nest.

There were many of these long-legged heron striding around on the banks and in the shallow water. They seem to be a solitary creature.

Another photo of yesterday's honoree, the Snowy Owl.

We left the preserve knowing two things:

1)    Next year we'll visit the website before making our trip.

2)     Lack of Snow Geese notwithstanding, there are many other gorgeous birds to see there.

We've since learned where the absentees are. They are at a Pennsylvania preserve, just about an hour and a half away from home. Not just a few. Fifty-six thousand as of today's count. Come Monday, weather permitting . . . .