Photos / Sounds
What
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)Observer
tmalveyDescription
First found this plant a couple of years ago. It is the only one in this section of the river. About three miles up stream I know of another colony of it. There was a mud race last year and they ran right over top of this plant. I thought it was lost, but it's back this year. The area looked like a giant deer trail for a month or two after the race and now it is hard to tell where the route was.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)Observer
tmalveyDescription
The mallards have ducklings now. I have seen adults on the river almost all winter long. I do not believe that they flew south when the ice formed on the river. I think they moved east to Lake Michigan, and came back in late February, to the river when the ice started breaking up.
Photos / Sounds
What
Section Morchella (Section Morchella)Observer
tmalveyDescription
It was the only one in the area and about 6 inches in length. Found along the Root River, on the south side of a decaying log. Small opening in the tree canopy soil temperature 55 degrees F.
Photos / Sounds
What
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)Observer
tmalveyDescription
Male and Female along the Root River. First time I have seen Wood Ducks in this area, or this close to the city. Lots of tree cavities for them to nest in, hope they stay.
Photos / Sounds
What
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)Observer
tmalveyDescription
My dog chased up two sandhills from the field. This pair were the only ones we found on the ground. Saw several flocks of 30 to 40 birds each very high. Unmistakable call.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)Observer
tmalveyDescription
Hundreds of birds in the marsh here. Very noisy, and a lot of activity. Cold day mostly cloudy. It looked like it would snow.
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)Observer
tmalveyDescription
Single bird setting in the middle of a marsh singing out. Sadly he was the only one around. When my dog ran over to investigate it flew high to the tree just east of the original location. This was the last time I have spotted a blackbird in this area.
Photos / Sounds
What
Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)Observer
tmalveyDescription
First time spotted this year. Two cranes landing in a plowed field. I think these are the same two cranes that have nested in this area for the last three years. This pair raised three young last year. One disappeared in early fall. The other two stayed with the adults and migrated with the adults, not sure what happened to them. Will have to wait to see if they return to this area.
Photos / Sounds
What
Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)Observer
tmalveyDescription
Snow just off this area, past four or five days close to 50 degrees F. Today first 70 degree day.
Leaves only, mixed in with the garlic mustard, Alliaria officinalis, and last years leaves.
Photos / Sounds
What
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)Observer
tmalveyDescription
Snow just off this area.
None flowering. Basal leaves only.
Leaves taste sweet, slight hint of horseradish and garlic.
Wood Strawberry, Fragaria vesca, also found in same area.
