It was a super quiet morning in the park, with hardly any people and hardly any critters. The most exciting new find is by my colleague, Mike from Riverwest, who posts his pictures on instagram under “ByThePushOfAButton“. We met for the first time yesterday afternoon as I made my way south on the east side and he was coming north on the west side. I think he recognized my funny-shaped head and called across the water to say “hi”.
Anyway, he didn’t let on at the time, sly devil, but he had just taken a couple of pictures of an American coot (Fulica americana). Please follow this link to see his amazing pictures and be sure to click on the little heart symbol to give him some encouragement. I tried in vain to find it again this morning, and even ran into Mike again, who hadn’t seen it either. Dang.
The one new find I have is this little Eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) on a branch over the river above the falls.
The more interesting sight, however, is probably this grackle, also on a branch over the river. First it called over another one.
And then they stared at the sky. Maybe its a ritual of some kind.
And that’s it for the critters, so thank goodness for the plants!
Here’s a bigger version of glories of the snow (Scilla luciliae) that’s a completely different species and even genus from of the little ones we saw last week (Chionodoxa forbesii). It’s more closely related to the squills that are making blue carpets everywhere.
Meanwhile, the trout lilies, possibly (Erythronium albidum), are up and just about ready to open.
A pussy willow, possibly (Salix caprea), is open over the pond.
White violets are up beside the river.
And I think that’s all for now!
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 