April 2020
While daily life changed for everyone in March, flowering trees signaled a normal spring’s arrival along the creek, and the absence of mowers left the impression of a natural meadow in places. Likely April will bring more days just right for walking along the creek, and perhaps broods of mallards in the waters. Meanwhile sharp eyed kids of all ages can watch this brief video clip of a Mallard and her numerous brood, taken last year. Look sharp for the lone straggler!
Besides waterfowl, the creek and greenbelt provide habitat for many bird species – the same birds that frequent our backyards, and will be the wildest creatures that we see on a daily basis. In this month of nest building, and in the months to come,these Woodpeckers, Jays, Cardinals, Titmice, Wrens, and Chickadees can bring a lively natural presence to your backyard. All will benefit from feeding stations offering suet, bird seed, or peanuts.
Click here for photos from March Along the Creek
For tips on creating a natural backyard, or front yard habitat, this article from Audubon contains a number of still timely ideas, a link to native plant databases, and practical advice.
Click here to see How To Create a Bird-Friendly Yard
Below: 1. Carolina Wren. 2. Titmouse. 3. Mallard Ducks
Vince Punaro, Creek Leader and Author
For Creek Leaders Gary Barton, Doug Guiling, and Stu Pauley