March in the Meadow

October boardwalk between Indian Ridge and West Parish Meadow















March on the same spot

Baker's meadow. It was such a glorious day and we were both back home by a little after 4:00, so we grabbed leash, dog, and camera and headed off to Indian Ridge for our loop hike up the esker, across the road, and around the pond. The swans are back! We only saw the cob initially and I busied myself making up a very sad story about the widower swan returning to the desolate swamp alone. It wasn't quite so desolate as all that, but compared to the glories of last fall, pretty dull in the daylight, and I imagine when the sun goes and twilight drops its grey draperies over the scene, bleak indeed. When we rounded the pound and were able to look across, at last, two swans. She may have been hovering near their nest in the reeds and he was keeping an eye on us. We'll have to watch for the babies. According to birding folks the nest building happens in March and April, the eggs are laid and hatch after 36 days - but since they're returning and probably using most of last years' nest I'm going to bet the eggs get laid somewhere in late March/early April, by mid-May we should see babies. Perhaps before. We'll be starting our weekly treks through Baker's Meadow as another year turns itself toward the birthing, growing, greening season.
This year, as in years past, I am happy to be here as witness the the miracle of life's return.