Did some exploring where Tupper Lake narrows back into the Raquette River at its north end. Climbed up on a nice rocky outcrop and was happy to find wild blueberries clinging to a tiny bit of soil in a crack in the rock. I noticed I was not the only one snacking in this spot, with evidence that something (river otter? raccoon?) had been snacking on mussels nearby. Also paddled by some pond lily (Nymphaea odorata). Much to see on Adirondack waterways this time of year.

Nice paddle today on Lake Lila with the dogs. Also took a jaunt up Shingle Shanty Brook where there was lots of beaver activity. This is a great place for a wilderness paddle just outside of Tupper Lake.

Awesome.

Beautiful spring day. A pair of loons taking off from the pond.

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.

A beautiful spring morning at Upper and Lower Lakes wildlife refuge 5 miles from Canton. Lots of bird activity and an angry beaver - smacked its tail at me 3 times before taking off. Nice day to be out.

When going to the wild center at Tupper Lake, there were several exhibits one of them being the Oxbow marsh which is home to various bird species like the wood duck. North America is the home to the wood duck, it can be identified by its colorful feathers. Wood ducks can mainly be observed near large bodies of water or swamp like marshy areas, they are unique as they nest in trees. Wood ducks eat fruit, insects and fish. I chose this picture as the wood duck is a beautiful animal and are not seen as often as mallards and other common ducks.

Title: Beaver Lodge
Date: Summer 2012
Location: Back Woods Pond- Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.
Habitat: Pond

There's still lots of ice on long lake. Probably can't snowmobile, though the tracks remain. To the left the water was open with geese.