Duck Duck ... Muskrat!

There was commotion at the creek this morning.  Ducks haven't migrated yet.  Muskrats are antsy about it and ready to chase!  Like a game of Duck Duck ... Muskrat.

Enjoy!

~ Robin 

Crack in the Cold

It was very slushy and wet out there today.  Seems there has been a "crack" in the cold these few days and the snow is shrinking.  The second level down is visible at the bleachers.  

The melting overflow has started to cover the creek, some water flowing over, some seeping upward from a crack in the ice.  

  

In spite of the overflow, the 'curiosity' is still visible on top of the remaining ice.

Signs of spring on the way!

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Curiosity on the Creek

Near the far east bridge over the creek, on the creek, in the middle of the creek, is a curious site.  Where did it come from?  Who put it there?  Why is it there?  There must be a story behind it, but I don't know what it is.  It is fun to imagine.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Light Lavender

Swamp Thistles are showing their colors near the creek.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Wild Quinine and Purple Milkweed

Have you noticed the bouquets of pearls growing along the creek path?  These are Wild Quinine and have no petals.  

There are several varieties of milkweeds at the park.  I think this one may be Purple Milkweed.  It grows behind the soccer field along the creek. 

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Harlequin Blueflag

Harlequin Blueflag along the creek edges wear the morning dew rather nicely.  Don't you think?

Enjoy!

~ Robin



Click photos to enlarge.

Summer Cut

The sides of the creek are getting cut ... just in time for summer!

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Large Flowered Bellworts

Large Flowered Bellworts are springing up and can be seen in abundance along the forgotten path leading up the hill.  (Behind the bench at the first bridge along the creek.)

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Mr and Mrs

Several couples have been settling down at the park.

Mr. and Mrs. Hooded Merganser ... 

and

Mr. and Mrs. Wood Duck.





Enjoy!

~ Robin

Down Stream

The high water level has broken up the ice downstream into large chunks.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Snow

Thanksgiving ended with a windy nudge into the next season.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Bullhead Parenting

The waters were churning near the eastern bridge.  At first I thought it was bugs.  Closer inspection revealed bullheads!  The Minnesota DNR site says this about them:

Bullheads ... species spawn in late spring and summer, nesting in shallow depressions in sand or mud bottoms. Soon after the eggs hatch, hundreds to thousands of black young swarm near the surface as the parents patrol the margins of the school against predators. 

I've seen the swarms of bullhead minnows in the past.  I didn't see them this time, just the parents. Could these be spawning?

Never know what you'll find at the park.

Enjoy!

~ Robin