It was a bit cloudy this morning, but not so much that I didn’t get into Estabrook Park nice and early. Oddly enough, however, the park was already full of people by 6am. There was a couple fishing in the pond and a group playing kickball on the field across the parkway. I took a quick look and didn’t see any critters so kept right on going to the river.
At the northern island, one of the adult beaver gave itself a good scratching just before slipping into the water.
Back on our riverbank, a mayfly appeared to be freshly emerged from the water.
Over the far riverbank just above the falls, a great blue heron stuck out its tongue and vented some heat.
Back at the pond for a second look, I found a wood duck hen with her four ducklings catching naps at the edge of the pond.
At the north end of the pond, I found another curious red squirrel.
Back out on the water, two wood duck hens, one (on the far right) with her nearly-grown duckling (in the middle), were all on break.
In the northeast corner of the pond, one of the many young robins, still in spots, was foraging on a log.
In the weeds beside the soccer fields at the south end, I found this striking yellow-legged mud-dauber wasp (Sceliphron caementarium). I’m a little surprised to read that “within the United States, it is the only species with yellow-marked legs.” Huh.
Finally, I heard and eventually glimpsed two belted kingfishers over the river at the south end but failed to get a picture. Instead, here’s another look at the female over the pond from Tuesday.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 