I tried switching things up in Estabrook Park this morning, and I rode my bicycle to the north end to start my visit there. I’m thrilled to report that it gave me the chance to spend some quality time with our old friend, the beaver, enjoying its breakfast at the edge of the southern island.
Then I headed to the pond, and I encountered this perfect clump of violets along the way.
Up on the bluff, this bluebird was perched on a bridge railing and searching intently for its breakfast in the grass. We’ve seen them in this vacinity a couple of times already this spring, so let’s all hope that a pair nest there.
Meanwhile, in the ravine below the bridge, the great white trilliums are beginning to open.
I arrived at the pond just in time to catch this dashing couple of wood ducks striding across the green carpet of the west lawn, probably hoping to find something to eat.
On the east side of the pond, the staghorn sumac still has some seeds left from last year, if you can believe it, and this time it was a robin digging in.
Before I left the pond, I checked in on the goslings, and they had already finished eather and had all just gone down for their nap in the nice warm morning sun.
As I headed back to the river, I passed the mom and yearling heading toward the pond, and here’s the mom waiting for the youngster to catch up.
Finally, back at the river, there is a big patch of Virginia bluebells in full bloom.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 