After not visiting the Fish Pond for a few weeks it was great to be able to enjoy a few hours out in the chilly spring sunshine and to discover my first wildflower of the season.

Even though the grasses around the pond are sprouting and several different types of trees are beginning to bud it certainly didn’t feel like spring this morning at the Fish Pond. While overnight temperatures did not dip as low as had been forecast there was a strong, steady and cold wind blowing this morning that left my fingers numb after only a few minutes.

I don’t know if it was the weather or possibly that the female ducks have started to nest but there was very little going on at the Fish Pond. Mid morning a Mallard drake landed in the center of the pond and nervously scanned the shoreline for any sign of friendly waterfowl. He found none and seemed very happy when a Wood Duck drake arrived just a few minutes after he did. He swam anxiously towards the new arrival and shadowed him as the Woody made his way through the overhanging branches along the southern bank.

They had been at the pond less than five minutes when they left in the same order they had arrived. The Mallard quacked several times and sprang from the water. The Wood Duck appeared to become very nervous being the only duck on the pond and he quickly departed in the same direction as the Mallard.

My friends the Kingfishers have returned. While they are nothing to brag about I did get pictures of both male and female (above) as they went through their customary nesting area departure and approach rituals. The female seemed to be sticking pretty close to the pond but the male disappeared through the trees several times to go hunting. Since I saw him returning with food at least twice I would guess he has found a pretty good fishing spot somewhere close by.

While I also caught glimpses of an immature Bald Eagle, a Great Blue Heron and what looked like some kind of Sandpiper the longest visit to the pond this morning was made by a Crested Cormorant. It was hard to conceal myself from him because he would travel so far underwater each time he dove that I would have to drastically shift my position when he surfaced.

I’m know he caught me moving the time he surface less than 15 feet in front of my blind. He was close enough that even if he didn’t notice my movements I’m confident he heard my whispered "Oh &#!*" when he popped up and surprised me.

I have made a couple of trips to check on my favorite eagle’s nest so far this spring and twice there has at least been one mature bird there. After my pond visit I decided to make my way there again to see if there was any activity but there was not. I know that this time last year they had eggs in the nest and I am surprised they do not seem to have any yet this season.

Even if you still have to wear an extra layer or two of clothes get out side and enjoy the fresh air. There are tons of great things to see, hear and enjoy that are sure to make you forget any lingering remnants of cabin fever.

As always, get outside and have a great one!

Kevin

Even if there had been nothing at the Fish Pond this morning it was great just to be there taking it all in. The snow slowly retreating away from the warm morning sun, one of winters last shimmering frosts that seemed to linger just long enough to be noticed before disappearing, the sound of returning songbirds.

The waterfowl at the pond certainly know what time it is. When I arrived I could see a group of large white Common Mergansers working back and forth near the inlet stream. There were several drakes all sticking very close to one hen.

She seemed to have one in the group that had laid claim to her and he was busy making sure none of his rivals got to close. It was quite a chore since the others were determined not to get to far away from her.

There was a pair of small Buffleheads (below top) who spent the morning feeding and, along with a couple of Common Goldeneye hens (below bottom), they seemed to be enjoying unsettling the Mergansers activities with an occasional unexpected flight across the pond.




I was happy to see that the Wood Ducks have returned.

There were a couple of Drakes chasing each other through the branches along the shore. The winner must have impressed the lone hen that was there as once he had banished his competition to the outer reaches of the pond she allowed him to do his part to ensure the survival of the species.

She swam out into the open and lowered her head onto the surface and did not resist when he climbed on top of her. It took only a few seconds and they quickly made their way back to the safety of the shore.

Even the Trout know what time it is. I spent a little time watching as a small female cleared a spot to lay her eggs while her male companion vigorously defended her from other potential suitors.

It was a great morning to be outside enjoying the changing of the northern Michigan seasons. If you live in the north and are ready to shake off your annual case of cabin fever or if you live somewhere that spring is in full swing and need a little break just get out side. Even if it’s only to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or a morning snack on the back porch you won’t find anything as good for the soul as a little time in the great outdoors!

Have a great one.

Kevin