Muskrat at the Stirling Street Bog 4-10-12
Tuesday was a birdy day for me since I counted birds while doing errands in New Hampshire, and then came home and took a walk down to the bog. It has been a week since I counted birds here and I wanted to see what was happening.
It is a warm and calm evening as I arrive at the edge of the bog in full birding regalia with my vest over my shirt, my birding hat on, camera at my side and binoculars on a harness around my chest. I am lost in the world of birds, scanning water, sky and brush, listening to the cacophony of blackbirds as they prepare to settle in for the night. Suddenly a different sound permeates my brain in spite of the clacks, clicks and whistles of grackles and red-winged blackbirds. It is a voice soft and sweet with the high thin notes of a pre-pubescent child. The voice does not sound mean or mocking, but rather, In a sing-song voice this is what I heard: “Bird watcher, bird, bird watcher. Bird watcher, bird, bird watcher!” as I stand there and listen I slowly turn and look over my shoulder. In the field behind me and across the road I se three young boys playing catch with a baseball and gloves. I do not know which one was singing, but I smile to myself and turn back to my birds all aglow. I’ll take that label any day! Birdwatcher I am!
I find a Canada Goose picking among the reeds…
I spot a heron out in the swamp wading and hunting for food…
On a nearby log a pair of mallards are soaking up the last rays of the setting sun,
And then I spot this hole near the bank. Who lives here?
It isn’t long before the occupant returns home!
The muskrat heads for shore…
then ducks under a log and emerges again even closer to the den.
It climbs out onto the bank with something red in its mouth.
After a quick look at me where I am standing breathless and still …
It darts for its hole in a blur…
and disappears into its den! I thought I could hear little voices squeaking from inside. I hope there will be little ones and that they will live to swim in the waters of the Stirling Street bog.
Forsythia at the edge of the bog 4-10-12
So…I am not just a Birdwatcher, I am also a Wildlife Watcher as well!
Charming! Though, I must admit, when I see Muskrats they seem kinda icky to me.
ReplyDeleteAll the same, a very cool observation and series of photos.
What a tremendous weries of photos!! You were certainly in the right place at the right time!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteLaurence, I think most rats are icky also but this one is so darn cute!
ReplyDeleteKaHolly, I was just thrilled to witness this!
Wonderful series of photos! I always thought they put their entrance hole under water.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that the boys recognized your breed.
ReplyDeleteVery cool to see the muskrat.
You captured a lot of different birds today, but the musrat shots with the blue, blue water are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI like those extra treats, when I see a creature I hadn't been looking for. We go out quietly glad for whatever gifts nature gives us.
ReplyDeleteThat little Muskrat sure is a cute little guy! Beautiful bird captures as well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice series of muskrat photos. I enjoy watching them and their busy ways.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful place. I was amazed the muskrat let you be so near. Great photos and I love the forsythia.
ReplyDeleteNow I cant get the muskrat love song out of my head. ha! Great shots of the critter!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathie
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, the photos are lovely and the Muskrat what a wonder. You captured it so beautifully. I will have to keep my eyes open when I go to the cabin in May and see who I can see.
Regards
Guy