Category Archives: Uncategorized

It was pretty cold this morning, with “real feel” temps in the mid teens, so the trail was in good shape, and I just about had it all to myself. The critters were keeping a low profile, and I didn’t see much more than a chickadee until I got to where the mallards hangout northContinue reading “A cold day in January…”

Well, the blue skies are long gone, but at least the ice cold temps have stuck around so the river trail is still nice and firm. As usual I startled the mourning doves from their recent favorite foraging spot on the ground near the abandoned railroad bridge abutment south of the falls, and they decampedContinue reading “Lunchtime in Estabrook”

What an absolutely gorgeous morning in Estabrook Park! The sun was finally out, and the sky was breathtakingly blue. Plus, it had been nice and cold yet again overnight so the snow and ice on the trail were nice and crunchy. I can’t believe my continued good luck. The mallards were at their usual spot,Continue reading “Mingling with the Mallards”

It continues to dip below freezing at night, so the snow is sticking around nicely and the trail along the river continues to be nice and firm in the morning. I saw no new critters to report today, but the mallards were back in their regular place, just above the falls, and showing off aContinue reading “A new trick…”

Well, new to me here anyway. I had hiked to the north-end and back this morning before the snow got too soft, with nothing new to show for it, and just as I approached the soccer fields at the south end, I spotted a hand-full of little dark birds flitting about in the bushes. AsContinue reading “Another new kid in town”

Well, my sources are silent on the subject of their exact pairing habits, so let’s suppose that this is the case. Anyway, I brought my camera with me today and so was able to spot both the male and the female common merganser on the river, and you can better see their long slender billsContinue reading “The Mr. and Mrs.”

Nope, it’s not a painted bunting, and I’m not Switzerland’s ambassador to the United States. As if. It was, however, nice and cold last night, right here in Shorewood, so the snow and ice on the trail along the Milwaukee River was nice and firm this morning, and just as I approached the river atContinue reading “First new sightings of the year!”

Let’s hope it’s a good one, eh? We sure could use one of those right about now. Anyway, the park has a fresh blanket of snow and is looking gorgeous. If you are nearby, I hope you get a chance to visit while it lasts. The lower river trail is especially nice. About 50% ofContinue reading “Happy New Year!”

It was nice quiet in Estabrook this morning, and I almost had the place to myself. With all the leaves off the trees and even the bushes, it feels like walking through the skeleton of the biome we enjoyed throughout the summer. Everyplace seems much more accessible now, so I wandered into an area thatContinue reading “The Mammals Take Over”

Ha! I was just as stunned to find this as you probably are to read about it. My best guess is that this is a hairy goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa) in bloom on DECEMBER 5TH at the top of the slope from the falls up to the beer garden. Surprise, surprise, eh?