Tree Stand Overseeing Swamp

I spent the morning putting up a ladder stand in a local swamp. My plan is to watch the swamp with camera in hand ,as the swamp changes from late winter to spring.

I did intrude on one female wood duck. Would be nice if she nests in one of the boxes I cleaned out several weeks ago.
Sitting in the stand I took a few pics . Should make for a good vantage point.

This is looking to north. When the leaves come in they will provide a little cover.

Looking west . Have high hopes of seeing a moose walking the swamps edge.

This is looking south or behind the stand. Beavers have been using this stream traveling from  one small area to another. Following the stream up, I was able to locate a bank where the beavers where housed. While watching it didn't take very long before three were swimming in the small pond.
Tracks of bear ,moose and deer where also seen.
Hopefully this will make for an interesting spring.

Jim

Start To Spring

Continuing with my outdoor adventures with a camera, I am planning on setting up a ground blind and a ladder stand at a local swamp in my town. I can’t do this at Quabbin. I think it will be interesting to watch an area transition from winter into spring.  This might also present some unique wildlife picture opportunities. I will continue my Quabbin hikes splitting available time between both places. I will also use this  blog to keep the swamp experiences separate.

While watching this swamp on this cold late winter morning, I did see a mink working out in front of me. A little movement on my part and the opportunity for a close up picture disappeared.
Before leaving I searched for what tracks in the snow that might be visible giving me some idea to the local residents. One moose, one bear and several deer tracks were easily identifiable.

In the recent past, I have put up two wood duck boxes in this area. Last weekend while checking and cleaning them before the spring season, I found one to be occupied by field mice (they have since moved) and the other to have what would appear to have failed, with four eggs remaining in it from last year.

 Jim