Swamp Talk

Sitting quietly at a swamps edge can be very eventful. This particular Quabbin swamp had one nesting pair of Blue Herons.

After leaving the nest a Red Wing Black Bird harassed this heron until  it finally left the area

The moves by the Blue Heron were impressive as it tried to avoid the Red Wing Black Bird.

This Merganser was upset about something.

Just a few yards from the swamp  I caught  glimpse of something that flew quickly into a hole in a maple tree  I really questioned myself as to whether it flew into the hole or by the tree. There was no sign of wear around the entrance hole. Patience paid off.  Not sure what this duck this is, . Researching  cavity nesting ducks identified a half dozen that may nest in new England. If I where to guess I am leaning towards a wood duck.

The final treat was a Scarlet Tanager in perched high in a maple tree.

Jim

Lady Slipper Heaven

I can always find a few Lady Slippers scattered throughout the Quabbin Woods this time of year. This morning I located  two dozen plans in a very small area. This was this largest concentration of plants I have ever seen.

On the ride home I made a couple of quick stops.

A number of swallows were doing the aerial stunts over a field.

Sun stayed out just long enough for these guys to get a few rays

Jim