Tall stump
From my game camera located at the edge of the beaver pond last week. This female is probably a common pintail according to my research; the more common species in our area are mallards and black ducks (there is the occasional hooded merganser, as well).
We found this turtle at the forest edge yesterday near a Maine pond. We are assuming it is a she and is on her way to a sandy spot, preferably, to lay some eggs. We have seen evidence in this area of turtle egg laying but have never actually seen the animals doing their thing.
We managed our first hike this year to the No-name pond this past weekend. It was ninety percent ice covered.
During a difficult hiking winter where ice and cold are typical features in the neighborhood, we managed to visit the pond yesterday for the first time in weeks. The snow-machiners have left a semi compacted trail so we managed our hike in cleated boots instead of snowshoes.
If you look closely, you will notice this is an upside-down image of the No-name pond today. The calm afternoon provides an impressive reflection.
The Woodbury Pond in early November becomes a quiet place. At least this year. Last year, my journal says we saw kayakers, mallards, and a couple of boats during this time. Maybe people are back to work? Maybe they have the Covid? They have opened the dam that keeps the lake full during the other seasons, so there is more exposed shoreline. The pond level is the lowest I can remember. We visit almost every day, so we will keep you posted.