This week the pond officially entered the spring season.While birds have been chirping wildly for a week or so, on Tuesday, a pair of mallards arrived and skirted their way alongshore, as a sheet of ice still ran the inner length of the pond.

Wednesday morning the ice was gone, and I was able to capture the landing of two Canada geese. As I heard their honk in the distance, I readied myself to capture their flight and landing, hoping the pond was their destination. It always thrills me to see these landings. With much ado – honking and physical fanfare – they seem to tumble into a splashdown! Sometimes a dozen or so will land at once, leaving a wake of white water as they skid to a halt, following a canon-ball like splash. Ready as I was, the pictures are blurry. I forgot to set the camera for ‘sports action’. But, I think the blur adds to the comical event these landings are. Does it look as if there is a plan to the landing approach, or is it good luck tumble? Click on the pictures to view them in larger size. (Use your back arrow key to return to the post.) Soon, I hope to have perfected these action shots.

Yesterday, I watched a robin have a worm for breakfast, which makes me know the ground is thawing. And, I saw two tiny fish swim in the water! Not more than four inches in length,I had to wonder how they survive the frigid temperature of their habitat.

At day’s end, I think I saw the beaver. I hesitate to anticipate the delight I feel in watching this creature love the water. But, I know I saw something, glide smooth and steady for about fifteen feet, and then disappear into a little cave at water level on the far
side of the island. The ‘cave’ is nearly dead-center in the photo (click to enlarge and for better clarity).

I have no idea where beavers live. I know they make dams, they slap their tails on the water, and they gnaw on trees, but that’s about it. Although I suppose I have to include in my knowledge, the observations I recorded here of the beaver this time last year. I’ve mentioned in past posts that I don’t want to study any of the nature I observe for at least a season. And, if you look back to my ‘crater’ posts, you’ll be reminded that I am capable of speculation that is far off the mark. But, I’m wagering that beaver is in that hole. And, I’ll see it again. I remember from last year that it likes an early evening swim. So, I’ll be out looking at that time for the next several days.