It was a beautiful, if brisk, morning in Estabrook Park, with clear skies and measured temps below freezing for the first time this season. I even had to wear gloves.
On my way north, I didn’t see anything exciting until I came upon this muskrat in the river between the two islands. It was repeatedly diving and surfacing, and I’m not sure to what end, butthe last time I saw one was on the pond back in July, so it was great to see one again anyway.
Even better, just beyond the muskrat, a young bald eagle stood perched over the northern island, and perhaps it is the same one we saw back in September.
On my way back south, I caught a glimpse through the bushes of this male belted kingfisher preening in the sun on a perch over the river. I tried to move a bit to get the sun at my back, but the kingfisher was having none of that.
Just a little downstream a male downy woodpecker was busily excavating a nesting cavity.
I don’t know how far he intends to go, but you can see he’s gotten pretty far already.
Finally, a white-tailed doe checked me out while simultaneously listening for anyone who might be trying to sneak up behind her.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 