There is a beautiful patch of bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) plants growing on the Kip Tract. It was overcast and a bit chilly when I took this photo at about 7 am, so the flower is not open, though I suspect as the day warmed that the flowers opened. Also saw an open red trillium near by.

Three spring wildflowers in bloom at my camp today: Spring beauty (Claytonia virginica), Liverleaf (Hepatica acutiloba) and (not pictured), trout lily. Lovely!

More time in with the winged creatures at the refuge center by my wife, Deb, and I. Pictures of an arctic fox, kestrel, bald eagle, young great horned owl & merlin are in this set.

The Wood Frogs and Salamanders in Glen Meal are starting to lay their eggs in the vernal pools!

Salamander eggs can be distinguished from the wood frog eggs because of the jelly-like membrane surrounding each embryo. The dark black embryo is typically larger in Salamander eggs, the whole clump is surrounded by another clear thick membrane. As the season progresses, algae will typically cover up the eggs.

It was a great day for a walk! Threatened to rain, so we didn't stay out long but I did have a chance to spot these tree buds!

They are back and out in full force! I have yet to find a nest but I am still searching!

Budding Sugar Maple's are bittersweet, in more ways than one! Spring is coming but the sugaring season and the winter are now things of the past.

Always one of my favorite sights. The crew team had some motor boats out so we only heard the loon's distress call before it slipped into the river and I lost sight of it for the rest of the day.

An early morning out with the crew team on the St. Lawrence gave me the opportunity to snap this guy as he came in, flying low along the water. Yet another sign of spring!