Cromwell Meadows (3/17)

Nuisance snow. I just hate it. It should snow during the core weeks of winter but once the temperature cracks 50 degrees, winter should be over.

The northeast got hit with one of these snowstorms on Friday which left me effectively stranded. On Saturday morning before getting to the task of clearing the snow from my driveway, I decided to take a walk.

I didn't want to risk the drive so I walked over to Cromwell Meadows, a state owned property within walking distance from my house. The walk was longer than I thought but it at least the weather was pleasant. And along the way I spotted a few birds: Northern Cardinals, American Robins, and Blue Jays in the bushes and a pair of Mallards swimming in a small stream.

The "meadows" is actually a strange name for this place since its mostly woods and marsh along the Connecticut River. I started down the main trail enjoying the hard work of making good time through the snow. It was relatively deep with a hard crust of ice which made walking particularly difficult. A ways in I veered off the main trail to see the water. To my surprise it was still mostly frozen and I spotted a Mute Swan asleep on the ice. Hearing my crunching footsteps, it raised its head and gave me a look of pure annoyance.

Back on the main path, I continued my hike. I found "pockets" of birds here and there but the woods were mostly quiet. In the marshier section of the trail, I found a small flock of Red Wing Blackbirds that were calling like crazy. Further down the path I spooked a Red-bellied Woodpecker and what I'm pretty sure was a Hairy Woodpecker. A few minutes later, a Great Blue Heron flew across my view.

I got to the end of the property, rested while enjoying the view, and then started back. On the return trip I discovered a single Eastern Bluebird. It was obviously a male since his feathers were brilliant red and deep blue. This is really a stunning bird this time of year.

Right before I left the property I came across a mixed flock of birds. From what I could tell, they were all Tufted Titmice and Black-capped Chickadees. Not a bad list for a snowy day.

Birds: (Cromwell Meadows) American Robin, Tufted Titmouse, Black-capped Chickadee, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Great Blue Heron, Mute Swan, Blue Jay, Red Wing Blackbird, Northern Cardinal

Birds: (Home feeders) Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Common Grackle