31 March

March is already coming to an end. Hopefully the rain will let up some today.  I can't wait to see all of the new growth that has been nourished by this rain.  That always means new photos.  Spring Break starts tomorrow.  I hope to have a lot of photos to celebrate the continuation of spring here in Virginia.

Rainy Day in March

This past saturday morning, the birds were very active.  There seemed to be a battle going on between two sets of Geese.  The Osprey was pulling branches off the dead tree to rebuild his nest.  There was just a lot of activity.  I have already written about the morning in my Great Blue Heron post.  Here I have added more photos taken that morning.  After several rainy and wet days, I am ready for more sunny spring weather. Hope it arrives soon. 

Great Blue Heron - Spring 2011

 First Great Blue Heron pics for Spring 2011 Greensprings Trail wetlands pond, Williamsburg

On at least three occassions lately I have spotted a very elusive Great Blue Heron on the wetlands.  This is not the same bird seen in earlier pictures during the winter.  Finally on Saturday morning I watched as she flew off as I approached the overview area.  Thinking this was the fourth missed opportunity for a photo, I watched the "Great Goose Battle" over the wetlands while two pair of geese faught back and forth over area or women. Not sure which.  A beautiful carninal flew close by.  I also watched an Osprey from the nesting pair fly by an old dead tree, rip the dead branches off the tree and then fly back to its next to rebuild and reinforce the next.  Eventually on this crisp and cool morning, I was able to spot the Heron about half the way into the wetlands.

Great Blue Heron in middle portion of Greensprings Wetlands pond Spring 2011

An Active Spring Day

Today's Journey on the trail began in search of the Great Blue Heron that has been present lately.  At first glance on this cloudy day there seemed to be "nothing" going on.  The Heron was not present at all.  Within about 10 minutes the following things happened.  The sun peaked out from behind the clouds.  I saw the pair of geese and heard other birds.  I began taking pictures of the Osprey that can be seen.  Soon another large bird caught my eye.  It was the Great Heron gracing me with his presence on a "flyover" the wetlands.  As I turned to watch him fly to the opposite end towards the beaver pond area, I noticed a huge Osprey on top of a partially broken tree.  As I was taking pictures of the Osprey, I heard a bit of noise to see many carinals just below me off the foot bridge.  Taking closer look there were also three small deer.  After a few more pictures, I ventured to the main overlook side again to notice the coot and later to notice that he changed sides.  All the while since the sun was now out, many many turtles began to appear on every log and stump. It was at this time that several people began to arrive jogging, walking their dogs and or pushing strollers.  So, the next time you are walking across the boardwalk, footbridge and you think "Oh, NOTHING is out here today"....Spend just a few minutes and you will see an entire world of activity appear before your very eyes.  So much wildlife and beauty to behold.   

Wetlands quiet and peaceful with slightly overcast skies

Cardinal -  one of several as well a few Bluebirds who were scrambling about

one of three small deer

turtles sunning themselves once the sun came out

Beautiful Osprey

Cute - Coot enjoying a relaxing day

Turtles by the dozens coming out of hiding

Small flowers along the high school water overflo pond

Mile marker on the Capital Trail with Daffodils in bloom

Beaver pond end of wetlands



Great Blue Heron on the Wetlands

A great blue heron has been out on the wetlands, but so far I do not have a photo.  The first day he was way at the far end.  The second day he flew off from the side of the wetlands, near the path.  Last evening when we were out with the dogs, it was getting dark and I did not have my camera.  I will be venturing out soon to see if they guy is still hanging around.

Scenes of Beauty in Early Spring

 On Monday, I had set aside time to capture a bit of the colors of Spring.  After a stunning weekend, it was overcast and rainy in the morning.  I ventured over to Greensprings Road to watch the horses from the stables.  I also ventured over to the Jamestown Settlement to get a glimpse of the pink blossom I had seen during the weekend. 

Daffodils

Govenor's Land or the Mainland farm with wheat starting to grow. 

Two horses frolic in the spring air

This guy  was absolutely gorgeous

Pink Blossom

Spring 2011

Spring, a time of renewal, regeneration of life.  A time when all of nature comes alive after a cold and dormate winter.  As all the vegetation produces new shoots, leaves, flowers, the wildlife multiplies virtually before your eyes. Over the coming weeks we will be graced by the arrival of an abundance of life and activity.  The beauty of the colors that are now being naturally produced are the peak of richness that cannot be recreated by an artificial means.  Spring has arrived in Williamsburg and certainly over the areas of Jamestown and Greensprings.  Take time this spring to stop take in the incredible gift of the natural world around us. 

SuperMoon over Greensprings, Williamsburg, Va

Last night we were graced by a once in 18 years phenomina over Greensprings. Below I have posted a video from Nasa explaining the occurrance of a SuperMoon.  This last happened in 1983. Our family was out looking at the moon when I grabbed my camera and headed out to see what it looked like over the Overlook.  There were so many sounds of frogs and toads croking and calling in song.



Super full moon over the wetlands on 19 March 2011.  I do not have a camera which can take photos well at night.  This shows how much light was over the overlook.  A superbright flash light was almost of no use because it was so bright already.



SuperMoon over the Greensprings wetlands 19 March 2011



Super Full Moon over the canopy of Greensprings Trail 19 March 2011







ScienceCasts: Super Moon

A Celebration of Spring 2011

pair of mallards

Some of 12 deer crossing the wetlands

coot

American Toads

7 of the 12 deer heading back across the wetlands

turtles



A goose and a green teal



Spring Deer

This past week I witnessed over 100 deer out on the Mainland Farm taking full advantage of the newly sprouting crops. The area of the farm lands far exceeds the capabilities of my camera, so while these photos aren't great, you can see the abundance of wildlife out on the farm.

Spring Geese

Afternoon Nap

second pair of geese

closeup

Amelia and Abigail for Aristocats fans