The heavy, wet clouds made it a great morning for sleeping in, but I went to bed nice and early last evening, so there wasn’t much hope for that, and so back to Estabrook Park I went.
Just before I spotted this great blue heron on the river, a mink came hopping up the riverbank towards me, and I thought for a moment it would go right over my toes. I didn’t dare move, but it eventually noticed me anyway and scampered into the water. It was a thrilling couple of seconds, but all I have to show for it is this great blue heron picture. Maybe next time!
On the pond, a commotion in the water attracted this wood duck drake in eclipse plumage, but he ended up not catching anything.
Back at the river, this green heron was more successful and did catch some little morsel.
The big surprise, however, was spotting this peregrine falcon perched in the same tree were we often see osprey, eagles, herons, or even a merlin. I think I’ve only ever seen a falcon perched in the park twice before.
Then the rain resumed, and I didn’t see much to photograph anyway. Instead, here’s a nice family portrait of a wood duck hen and her ducklings on the river from Saturday.
Here’s our first mourning cloak butterfly of the season, also from Saturday. In past years, they’ve often been the first butterfly I see in the spring because they hibernate instead of migrate, but Mother Nature or Lady Luck changed things up this year.
Here’s a young rabbit from Saturday.
Here’s a young robin from Sunday.
Finally, here’s another look at the muskrat from Sunday, but with its tail down this time.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 