I squeezed in a short walk today from Fishermans’ Park to where the pool
alongside the wildflower walk was full of tadpoles. A few trillium still
graced the hill and there were two small patches of Dutchman’s breeches
still in bloom; otherwise, it was all violets and garlic mustard. I would
expect bluebells farther along than I was able to go today.

 

Every ¼ mile or so I heard a Northern Parula; otherwise, the most noteworthy
birds were Black Vultures. Not that it is so unusual to have dozens of them
at the dam, but today they were sunning themselves in the trees by the “new”
parking area adjacent to the path. Many had their wings outstretched; one
lay down on a branch like a giant Whip-poor-will. Other strolled into the
grassy area along the little creek. 

 

I also dove up briefly to where the dam itself is spewing out tons of water.
The rocks were black with Cormorants, and a Great Blue Heron appeared to be
in the early stages of constructing a nest on the small structure between
the high-tension-line towers at the north end of the island. When I first
saw it, it had a twig in its mouth, which it tucked into the vines that
cover the structure.

 

Pat Valdata

Elkton

 


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