Cygnet Check

Posted on May 11, 2013May 11, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon Southeastern Mass was hit with high winds and heavy rains. Because of the nasty weather I didn’t get a chance to check on Mama and Papa Swan at Indian Grove Pond.

Friday was the last day before I leave for my trip so I was busy cleaning, packing and making sure all of the laundry was done. But the sun was shining and we hit 80+ degrees. Oh my, how the great outdoors was calling to me. Surely a few hours won’t set me that far behind.

I had to pick up a few things like band aids for the blisters I’m sure to get (I always do) and a new toothbrush. You know, just a few last-minute things. So when I finished that errand I just kept going! Yup had to do a “wellness check”.

Mama & Papa were both right there. Mama looked hot. She had her beak open and was actually drooling but Papa was right there too. He does take his turn on the nest so I’m sure if she was really that uncomfortable she’d take a break.

She did stand up so all of the eager watchers were able to see the eggs. All 6 were still there and no cracks yet. I guess there won’t be any cygnets before I leave but I bet there will be when I get back!

A little Tower in Brockton

Posted on May 10, 2013May 10, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Once upon a time there was a little hill in the area which became known as Brockton, Ma. Long, long ago it was known as Indian Hill. Some say it got this name as a look out point for Native Americans. Others say it was sacred ground for those same Native Americans and that they held religious rituals there.

The site is said to have been first explored by white men when the Pilgrims made their “First Hike” through the area.

Today, the spot is known for its tower, built in 1925 by local workers to honor local men and women who served in World War I. The 65-foot stone tower, with about 100 steps, offers a great vista of Brockton from the top.

I first saw the stone tower about 2 years ago when I discovered D. W. Field Park. The park has a paved road that winds around Waldo Lake and the Brockton reservoir. The road is shared with dog walkers, joggers, families, any one who wants a peaceful place to enjoy a day close to nature in the heart of a busy urban area.

The tower is locked now. Climbing the stairs to the top is reserved for 1 day each summer but the locks simply add to the romance of the tower. A perfect setting for a damsel in distress, locked up and waiting for rescue. Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.

Ah but I am letting my imagination run wild. I simply wanted to share a stone tower that I find fascinating every time I see it.

Springtime in New England

Posted on May 8, 2013May 8, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Flowers are blooming

The ponds are filled with ducks.

Mama Swan from Island Grove Pond counts her eggs.

All is well.

A chorus of Gulls

I can’t help it. I knew they looked familiar!

Mine! Mine! Mine! …If you saw “Finding Nemo” you understand. 🙂

Return to Daniel Webster

Posted on May 7, 2013May 7, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Mr. Majestic seemed to have life on the Grist Mill Pond well in hand so after observing for a while I decided to squeeze in a visit to one more place, Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary.

Many of you may remember that this is one of my favorite places to go to look for birds and wildlife to photograph. It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since I’ve been back there. My last trip left me covered in deer ticks and then I got busy with “staged” photography for my cards. Well I don’t have my Deet with me but I’m only going to go sit in the blind for a while and see if anything is going on.

The parking lot was full when I arrived. Not surprising since it’s Sunday but I did feel my heart drop. Usually lots of walkers means less animal activity but I’m here so I’m going to check it out.

At the blind another photographer was watching the panne flats. I asked him if there was anything happening. His response, “Not unless you like Canada Geese”. Shortly after I set up he gave up and left. I settled in for a wait but it didn’t take long for things to pick up. Mama & Papa Canada Geese were giving their 5 goslings swimming lessons.

Into the water they went, swam in a small circle and then out to the shore again. This routine went on every 10 minutes or so, never venturing too far out.

Turtles were hauling out to sun themselves on every rock and log in sight, even climbing on each other.

Then I spotted another bird that I’ve only seen once before…a glossy ibis.

I must have spent an hour watching this beautiful bird forage in the shallows. He/she had rich mahogany body feathers with darker wings.

When the sun hit just right his feathers glistened with an iridescent rainbow of colors.

He wasn’t making it easy to get pictures. He was either behind the reeds or way out in the middle.

I had a 300-500 telephoto lens on the camera but it was still a reach. The pictures are better than my first try last year but I wish he had come closer or I had a bigger lens.

To paraphrase the line from Jaws “I think we need a bigger boat”….I think I need a bigger lens!

A Sunny Day

Posted on May 6, 2013May 6, 2013 by Dusty Roads

The weather remains cool (50’s) but sunny. The local weatherman says we need rain and that we are running about 10 degrees below average in temperature. The Right Whales are feeding off Cape Cod and it seems every weekend there’s another benefit walk for something.

The cats continue to drive me crazy. Last night after I went to bed I was awakened by loud growls. As I ran to the living room to break up the fight, Smokey at my heels, Rocky bolted to a cardboard box and Buddy flopped onto his side next to it. They both looked at me like they were the most innocent creatures in the world. Clearly it was a “mock battle”.

Not so this morning at 6am when Buddy decided he wanted Smokey’s window seat. (Sigh) That was a real fight, if one-sided. Poor Smokey! I wish I knew who removed his claws! We could pull off a few fingernails and see how they like it.

What will happen when I’m away on vacation and not around to play referee?

But back to yesterday. Since it was a nice sunny day I headed out to take some pictures. I’ve been neglecting some of my favorite spots and it was time to see what was going on for spring.

Lake Rico was busy with families picnicking and kids fishing. Since I didn’t want to intrude I moved on to the Herring Run. I’d seen some great pictures from some of my friends but when I got there the only wildlife was a few grackles.