Thursday, April 14, 2011

A Hike Along the East Track Of The Vermilon River. A Post to Sky Watch Friday.

The Actual East Track


The East Track Without  Rails.
This is the East Track Wetland, another unused RR line perfect for hiking.

The SE Wetland


More SE Appears like A Tundra Forest
 It's still pretty frozen although becoming more active with wildlife.The SE area is large and watery more what you would associate with a wetland. Further east the area becomes much more like a tundra forest, and now is quite boggy.

The boggy area is of course homeland to the Red Winged black birds. The Sparrows, favourites of mine, live on the entrance area and will sing Boom & I into the bush.

Song Sparrow


Red Winged Blackbird.

Geese climbing the Ice.


The Geese are horsing around on the ice in between open areas and are entertaining as anything.
Still Fumbling on the Ice.


Spring Pussy Willows.


Killdeer












Spring pussy willows are starting to grow in the sunny areas. Killdeers are back and appear to be starting to nest in the areas along the shore of the wetlands. I'll keep this post up as I saw lots of interesting things and wonderful sights. The north wetland is still frozen. A Post To Sky Watch Friday @ http://skyley.bolgspot.com/

Just a note: The earlier hikes were to the abandoned track to the west of the river itself and to Mystic Lake and the lakes beyond. This area is at the base of  the Mystic Lake Trail. I'll be using this area for a while as three things happen here in the spring. The snow only disappears in fits and starts. In fact we had snow here this morning. Boomer begins his fur shed in a big way, and the Dept. Of Natural Resources announces the Black bear warnings as they're coming out of hibernation and are cranky. The elevated rail lines allow us to watch for other mammals.Remember it's a wilderness and Boom And I are also part of the food chain.

44 comments:

  1. oh yes, please stay out of the bear's way! :)

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  2. Well, goodness, stay safe. It is so beautiful there. How wonderful!

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  3. Looks like here mate.... The birds are now coming in but the weather is awful, big snow storms again... Beautiful post mate!

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  4. Coming from the UK it's amazing to think that you have to look out for Bears! The worst we have to watch for are the odd biting insect. It hardly compares.

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  5. Beautiful collection of photos from the wet lands starting to show signs of spring. Have a great weekend.

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  6. Ooh - the wetland is delightful! What a great trail.

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  7. Gorgeous nature. The SE Wetland shot is absolutely amazing! Have a great day!

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  8. Marvelous post and photos for the day, Gary! I love all the delightful signs of spring! Hope you and Boomer have a great weekend!

    Sylvia

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  9. I like your world and your pictures! Great with springtime:-)

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  10. Great images and info Gary. I really like your Kildeer similar to our Plovers in the UK.

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  11. Red-wing Blackbirds and Kildeer, a sure sign of spring in my book! I like to visit old rail sights too and wonder. . .
    p.s We had two Mallard ducks on our roof this a.m!

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  12. Great series of shots, and very beautiful:)

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  13. If I were you I'd be filling up my memory card with one visit.

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  14. I am glad Boom could come with you this time :)

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  15. Great pics, Gary, spring is definitely happening!! This area will be very busy with new life shortly, lucky you !!

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  16. A great early spring tour...love the pussy willows.

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  17. Nice shots! I'd love to hike down an unused railroad track one day, especially if it had bridges.

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  18. What a wonderful walk. Love the birds and your photos. Happy skywatching!

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  19. Nice shots-love the pussywillow and the great bird photos--what fun to them all around. Mickie :)

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  20. some nice birds today Gary. Even a killdeer. :)

    So far I´ve not seen any vaders, but the ducks are coming. The ice is gone now.

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  21. Thanks for comments. Once again a very nice set of images.

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  22. This place is a treasure with such beautiful birds.

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  23. Reember my guardians Texwisgirl.

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  24. I've got Boom, the crow and raven, Lois.

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  25. The insects are probably more dangerous Adam.

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  26. Boom and I are fond of our world also!!! Spiderdama.

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  27. Send him over here nonizamboni.

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  28. Surprisingly enough the sun is stating to get hot for him, Birgitta.

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  29. Robins and pussy willows the first signs of spring, Karen

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