From my kayak 5/26-30

The kayaking season has gotten off to a good start. We’ve been out three days this week, to our regular haunts: The Connecticut River from Wilder, North Hartland Lake and the Ompompanoosuc River in Norwich.

The birds are flying, perching, singing, nesting and taking care of families.

Adult bald eagle. North Hartland Lake. VT. 5/28/23
Red tail hawk. North Hartland Lake. VT. 5/28/23
Immature bald eagle. North Hartland Lake. VT. 5/28/23
Turkey vulture. Ompompanoosuc River, Norwich, VT 5/30/23
Bobolink. Ompompanoosuc River, Norwich, VT 5/30/23
Red winged blackbird. Ompompanoosuc River. Norwich, VT. 5/30/23
great crested flycatcher Connecticut River Lebanon, NH 5/26/23
Canada goose family. Ompompanoosuc River, Norwich, VT 5/30/23

We have also seen a few mammals: Three deer (two on the Connecticut and one on the Pompy) and a muskrat.

Muskrat. Ompompanoosuc River, Norwich, VT 5/30/23
Deer on the tracks. Connecticut River, Norwich, VT 5/26/23

Back in the kayaks!

After a winter of walking with the dogs, we are looking forward to getting back in the kayaks.

On Tuesday, Jane and I went out to Grafton Pond. It was the only day this week that didn’t have a windy afternoon. We saw a few loons, some geese and a turtle, and enjoyed a lovely paddle. It was good to be back on the water.

Mt. Cardigan
Loon showing off his bracelets.
Canada goose family
Painted turtle

Wildlife calendars 2023

Again this year I have calendars for sale. $20, plus $10 shipping. Let me know if you want one.

From my kayak — Fall 2022

We’ve been out several time a week this fall, mostly on the Connecticut and the Pompy (we miss North Hartland Lake which is closed to repair the culvert under the parking lot), but we also have been to Lake Armington, Upper Baker Pond, Grafton Pond, Long Pond and Indian Pond.

Mt Cube from Indian Pond, Orford, NH. 10/6/22
Jane’s family paddling on Upper Baker Pond, 8/28/33
Susy on Long Pond. 10/3/22

We have seen our usual ducks and have enjoyed seeing them changing into breeding colors.

Wood duck. Connecticut River 9/7/22
Wood duck in breeding colors. Connecticut River 10/5/22
Mallards. Connecticut River 9/21/22
Mallards. Connecticut River 10/4/22

Common mergansers. Ompompanoosuc River 9/16/22
Merganser taking a bath. Ompompanoosuc River 10/4/22

We have also seen a number of other birds.

Green heron in the fog. Connecticut River 9/17/22
Loon family. Grafton Pond 9/10/22
Loon with foliage. Indian Pond, 10/6/22
Eagle. Connecticut River 9/20/22
Immature bald eagle. Ompompanoosuc River 9/25/22
Broad winged hawk. Ompompanoosuc River 9/15/22
Sparrow bathing. Connecticut River
Cardinal. Connecticut River 9/7/22

As well as a variety of turtles.

Wood turtle. Ompompanoosuc River 9/16/22
Painted turtle. Grafton Pond 9/10/22
Painted turtle. Lake Armington 9/2/22

And flowers.

Closed gentian. Connecticut River 9/7/22
Jewel weed. Ompompanoosuc River 9/4/22
Jerusalem artichoke. Ompompanoosuc River 9/16/22

Old friends on Squam

I just came back from a wonderful few days at Anne Cook’s house on Squam Lake with some Baha’i friends. Most of us were young mothers when we met about 40 years ago. We have gone in different directions, Dawn lives in Ireland; Margaret (and Tom) in Atlanta; Suellen in Burlington; Pat, Anne, Diane and I are still in the Upper Valley.

The whole group: Nancy, Dawn, Margaret, Tom, Diane, Anne, Suellen, Pat

Anne’s house has an incredible view which changes constantly.

Morning

I got out on the water a couple of times, and saw some animals.

loon
ring billed gull
chipmunk
red tailed hawk

Mostly we sat around and talked, (and ate).

A highlight of the weekend for me was a rainbow at dawn, a full arc.

Rainbow at dawn