Spring Updates

Native wildflowers, like bloodroot
are quite used to pushing up through
leaf litter

There are lots of things, little and big, to report on. As usual this is a terrifically busy time of year. Some of us clean indoors and open  windows, to chase away the old winter air and sweep away cobwebs. At the same time we are drawn outdoors, to look for our favorite firsts of spring; peepers, bluebirds and butterflies or to clean out garden beds and look for the first green shoots and blossoms. There is never enough time, or energy to accomplish everything! 

Piles of leaves make great shelters
for salamanders who have
emerged from hibernation.

One short cut I have taken is to leave my garden beds messy! Unless it is in a corner where huge  volumes of leaves have accumulated so that they suffocate my plants, I am leaving leaves as a mulch. I have to get used to the look and in some places I will do a little more cleaning later. Right now though, these piles provide much needed shelter and insulation for all number of insects, invertebrates and even amphibians. You might say there are no bees and butterflies under the leaves, but their larval caterpillars and pupae are there. Many species of bees have overwintering populations, including the queen, and they are found under composting logs and leaves. So, tell yourself to take a breather. The plants will find their way up through the leaves, they always do. And they maybe all the happier for the natural mulch.

On a garden related theme: last fall Girl Scout Troop 61047 created a pollinator garden at the Parker Brothers Pre-serve on River Road in Pawcatuck. They wisely included some spring bulbs to provide early nectar sources for flies and bees. The flowers are a joy to see. The girls have created a wonderful You Tube video which will be released soon which is educational and amazingly creative. I am hoping that they, or others, will continue the effort and help expand the pollinator pathway project that the town of Stonington has begun. 

A task I have mixed feelings about is cleaning out bird houses. We leave them over winter for families of to shelter in. I have seen bluebirds and woodpeckers roosting in bird houses over winter as well. But now it the time to have them cleaned out and welcome mats extended for bluebirds, tree swallows and house wrens, among others, that will appreciate the cleanup job. It can be messy though. This year many of the east-facing nests were very soggy, probably from some wind driven rain or snow storm, and there were all sorts of muddy remains inside of them! There were also the mice that refused to be evicted. They scampered up and over, down and around, and one leapt straight over my head as I gently tried to remove them and their bedding. Interestingly, some of the houses were infested with ants. I wondered whether the birds would enjoy them or not. 

It took skill to tackle the 
project to restore the
osprey platform.

Talking about nesting, by now I hope everyone has noticed that the osprey have finally shown up at many of their nest sites along the shoreline. Some of us mark our calendars each year, and recognize the arrival at a particular nest site, as the true beginning of spring. On the Woolworth Porter Preserve, there are three nest platforms, two on the eastern side, and an older one on the west side closest to Lord’s Point. This one has been in tough shape for a while, and each year, attempts to nest there have not succeeded. This year, an Avalonia member volunteer and several other Lord’s Point residents, assessed the situation and asked permission to refurbish and reinforce the nest platform and structure. What an amazing job! With donations of materials, and volunteer time, a magnificent platform was erected last weekend. As if on cue, a pair of osprey flew over and circled as it was being put up. I can’t wait for reports! Another nest, on Downes Marsh, along the Mystic River, was reported to have monofilament fish-ing line draped in it. This is a terrible situation for adults and could be fatal for young when they hatch a few months. A neighbor there was able to get access and remove the line. We are grateful for all the monitors who keep track of the osprey in our area and on our preserves. 

In the next weeks, the Conn College student will begin reporting on their projects. One group has already started monitoring calling frogs. Another is preparing to explore a property that is soon to be part of our list of beautiful preserves in North Stonington. One group is continuing our study of climate adaptation for coastal forests and an-other is exploring ways for Avalonia to reach out to populations that are minorities or underserved in our area. Avalonia properties are for everyone! You don’t need to be a member, or a resident of a particular town. Two students are working on creating page translations of Avalonia website, into Mandarin and French and Spanish will be on the way. These translations will be further welcoming to visitors and new residents here in our area. 

We want to make sure that every family, in every town, of every ethnicity and background, knows that they are welcome, that our preserves are open for everyone to enjoy and find peace and inspiration. What a great time of year!

by Beth Sullivan

Lord's Point Osprey Platform Team

The tree swallows have returned
to clean houses on Knox Preserve.

Cleaning gardens now may uncover 
wooly bears that may have
preferred to sleep in a bit.

 

Happy? Spring?

By Beth Sullivan

We are all painfully aware that some things are just not right. And we also have to be thinking that they may not be right, or normal, for a long time. But just for right now, let’s remind ourselves that this is truly a miraculous time of year, and some things do not change.

Maybe you have had some quiet time in the evenings to notice the chorus of our littlest frogs, the spring peepers as they wax and wane in their calling depending on the temperature. On the cold nights we have had, they hunker down underwater, in the vegetation, and stay silent. But with the rollercoaster of temperatures we have had, the very next lovely mild night, their sounds fill the wooded wetlands.

The birds have been busy and maybe you have had time to notice. Every year a pair of cardinals nests in a holly bush by the house. This year I can see the nest pretty well and hope to get some photos. Take some time to watch your yard birds and see where they go and what they are doing. I seem to have more titmice than ever before, and several of them have discovered little piles of dog fur stuck in my wood decking. They spend a lot of time picking and gathering the fur. I can spend a lot of time watching them.

Just as usual, the osprey have returned to their nest platform at Paffard Marsh. That site is noticed and photographed by so many. The Bluebirds at Knox are taking a stronger stand this year against the house sparrows, and we have several pairs nesting. We also put out the gourds for the purple martins and have had some activity, but the cold wet weather has been lethal for them.

The osprey return every year to the Paffard Marsh nest site. Photograph by Rick Newton.

Bluebirds have claimed several nest boxes at Knox Preserve. Photograph by Rick Newton.

The martins don't have to abide the rule about social distancing. Welcome mats are out.

Take a walk in the woods

A walk in the woods is completely acceptable activity. It should be mandatory. I have noticed that many of our trails are becoming very worn and hardened. Enjoy them gently and with attention. We have had Facebook comments on trailside flowers that were never noticed by people before. Right now there are many yellows: dog tooth violets or trout lilies, marsh marigolds or cowslips. Notice where the most beautiful yellow appears; it is often accompanied by some lovely purple violets. Artists know that these are complementary colors. Mother Nature is the best artist.

While we are considering yellow, have you noticed the goldfinches? People are asking: where did they come from? Where were they all winter? They were right here, often fully visible at our feeders, but only now, in the heart of spring, do the males transition to their brilliant yellow and black. Listen for their chatter in the trees. They will not be nesting for quite a while yet. They wait until mid-summer when there is an abundance of native seeds.

Trout Lily,  fleeting beauty.

Yellow marsh marigolds and purple violets. 

Male goldfinches are like rays of sunshine. Photograph by Rick Newton.

Or take a drive

I like to go out for some longer back country road drives. Looking at the changing scenery now is well worth the price of gas, especially now that it is so cheap. Head inland and uphill to get some overviews of the bigger landscape. You can still see the rocks and walls and ledges that give hard structure, bones, to the land. They are soon to be hidden by foliage, so enjoy them now. In many areas, usually wetlands, the red maples are still showing their red flowers, tinting the woodlands with misty rose color. Elsewhere Norway maples, while not native, are abundant, and their lime green-yellow flowers are truly outstanding when seen across a span. Over the last weeks there have been subtle changes in the succession of flowering trees. There were willows and the maples, now delicate shadbushes , several types of wild cherries or choke cherries. There are fruiting trees like crabapple and pear trees that have escaped cultivation and dot the wild landscape. Of course while driving around, you can enjoy everyone’s home landscaping and flowering shrubs. With the quince in full bloom, the hummingbirds should be arriving any day.

Normalcy is earlier sunrises and later sunsets. That means more daylight hours to get out and enjoy. So many things are not dependent on human presence, or absence, for so much of nature is on its own schedule, slow and steady. Take some time to savor that pace. It’s spring.

Flowering trees dot the landscape.

The hummingbirds are running a little late this year.

Photographs by Beth Sullivan unless otherwise indicated.

Some Musings on a Very Erratic Spring

By Beth Sullivan

In February and March we could revel in the spring feel, even though it confused the plants and some creatures. Then in mid-April we were once again thrown a stretch of out-of-sync weather that was an unkind throwback to winter. It is hard enough being human and adjusting to the wild swings, at least this human would prefer a bit more consistency! But it can be life threatening for some wildlife.

Spring Timing

Some things happen in synchrony with the length of days, the hours of daylight inspire some birds to migrate and flowers to bloom. The Phoebes and Tree Swallows arrived on time in the last week of March. They immediately were hit by the cold stretch in early April and being insect eaters, were severely challenged. They eat flying insects, and in that snow and rain, there were none. Some birds can adapt to other food sources, but it’s not so easy for these two species. It is hard to really know how these birds fared and if there was mortality, but now that the temperature has climbed, and the insects have re-emerged, the Phoebe is singing from his favorite nest site at the barn next door, and the Tree Swallows are back to their business of arguing about the best real estate at Knox preserve.

The Tree Swallows are back looking for the best nest site. Photograph by Rick Newton.

The Osprey come back pretty regularly each year, influenced a bit by which way the wind is blowing as they make their way north. In general, they are not too affected by colder weather. Though the water did not freeze, colder air at the surface will drive fish deeper in the water, making them harder to catch.

The Osprey are investigating our newest platforms in several preserves. Photograph by Rick Newton.

We noticed that several established nests were removed from utility poles along the Rail Road tracks before the birds returned this year. Now we are watching them take up residence on some of the new platforms we put up for them. We have had a report that our recently erected platform on Continental marsh has seen some activity, but that the Osprey have chosen to return to their nest in the trees.

This Bullfrog emerged from hibernation to find some interlopers at the edge of the pond.

Temperature matters

Some things happen in response to temperature: blossoming of certain plants when the temps warm up. My Quince bush began to blossom but then dropped all the partly opened blooms in the cold snap. I know there have been no Hummingbirds in the area that rely on the nectar, and now I wonder if there will be enough for them when they come back at the end of the month. Other fruit-bearing trees and shrubs may have been impacted adversely if their buds froze, or if pollination didn’t occur during the cold period. We may not know the impact of that until later in the season when we, and the birds, are looking for fruits and berries.

Quince bloomed very early with the warmth, then dropped the blossoms.

Woodland wildflowers like this Bloodroot are blooming.

And then some things just keep on marching along: the invasive plants green up earliest, the ticks are out and we are beginning our spring stewardship efforts again.

But the beautiful greens are showing, woodland wildflowers are budding, the great Blue Herons have returned to their nests at Henne, Robins are pulling worms out of the softened ground, and it makes everything seem all right.

Herons have returned to Henne Preserve. 

Toads trill in vernal pools. Photograph by Bruce Fellman.

Photographs by Beth Sullivan unless otherwise indicated.

The Continental Marsh

By Beth Sullivan

Those of us who live in Southeast Connecticut are very lucky to have one of the largest coastal preserves in the state. Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is more than 1000 acres of saltmarsh and coastal forest, owned and managed by the State and the DEEP. There is a little slice of this heaven that is owned by Avalonia Land Conservancy with a special history and is a gem in its own right. This is the Continental Marsh Preserve.

Continental Marsh is a site of historical and ecological significance.

A bit of local history

During the American Revolutionary War, the Davis Farm , which is located east of Barn Island WMA, provided the Continental armies with hay harvested from the salt marsh and thus gave the piece its name. Salt hay was valuable for grazing cattle and sheep. The marsh provided income as the hay was also sold for livestock bedding and food. That particular grass is Spartina patens and is a fine sturdy grass that grows on a higher drier part of the marsh. Over the decades, due to many causes such as changes in tides, sea level rise and even peat compression due to more frequent flooding, the marsh has changed. It's become more compacted, lower and wetter, and the high marsh grass retreated to be replaced by Spartina alterniflora and other grasses that tolerate the wetter conditions. This new grass was not nearly as desirable for salt hay.

The original nest lasted several years before it collapsed.

The area is secluded, almost like a “valley” of marsh, between the slightly higher coastal forests with a creek of tidal flow flushing it daily and bringing life deep into the marsh. It is this area that was donated to Avalonia land Conservancy in 1978 . Reading the deed to this property is like beginning a historical mystery using shifting shorelines, tidal creeks and ancient stone bridges as marker points to describe the boundary.

Tree nests are not always sturdy and are vulnerable to  predators.

About 8 years ago, volunteers erected a unique set-up to provide a nesting site for osprey. It was like a tripod with a basket on top to provide the elevated platform the birds require. For many years the nest was very successful. Two years ago, in a storm, it collapsed. In order to replace a nest, there is a very specific process to obtain permits, and it takes a while. The osprey did not want to wait. They took to the trees! Last year they created a big nest in the top of a seemingly fragile tree. It did not hold up well, and we believe it was abandoned.

The trek out, carrying the new nest was challenging. 

A new platform

We got our permits in order and were determined to offer a more sturdy option for this nesting season. Osprey are always expected in the middle of March, as early as the 14^th, but usually later depending on the weather and winds. This gave us a deadline, and last week a team of volunteers got out onto the marsh ahead of the birds’ return.

From one end to the other -

Negotiating the marsh is always a challenge, especially when carrying heavy poles and platforms. Wet holes are hidden under the long grass. But we got all parts and tools out and didn’t lose anyone in a ditch! It was assembled and erected on the marsh very efficiently and quickly. In about an hour the new platform was up and all the wood debris from the old one carried out.

- the view is pure salt marsh.

A last look out onto the marsh revealed gray skies and still brown grass. Some Mallards and Black ducks flew up from the water. A few gulls soared overhead. We wished for the osprey and hope they will enjoy our efforts and nest successfully this year. We will let you know.

The new platform is sturdy and ready for a house hunting pair of Osprey.

The Continental Marsh can be reached by walking in from the East Side of Barn Island, at the end of Stewart Rd/Bruckner Pentway. We ask that all viewing of the osprey nests is done from afar!

Photographs by Beth Sullivan.

Early Birds

by Beth Sullivan

As we sit and watch, and maybe complain, about some continued snow flurries, we do have to remember it is still considered winter for another few weeks. It doesn’t mean we shouldn't dream and anticipate.

Dunlin are long distance migrants. Photograph by Rick Newton.

Some of our early spring arrivals are already on their way to us. The migration for many birds has begun. Some of the longest distance migrants, shorebirds of many species, are leaving wintering grounds in the far south coasts of South America and gradually making their way to their far northern breeding grounds near the Arctic circle. In some cases their migration corresponds with the breeding seasons of Horseshoe crabs which nest and lay eggs in huge numbers on our sandy beaches, providing nourishment for long distance migrants. The Horseshoe crabs will begin to arrive here in later April and into May, peaking in June at the times of the high tides with the full moon.

Horseshoe Crabs arrive here to lay their eggs, and those eggs will nourish migrating shorebirds.

Shorebird migration follows sources of food, including Horseshoe crabs.

Purple Martins are eagerly awaited by many of us who are landlords. Our houses and gourds are cleaned and ready. By early April we will begin watching for scouts. While we wait we can watch the migration progress on line through the Purple Martin Conservation Association website. You will certainly hear when ours arrive.

We have cleaned the houses and will await the Martins at the end of April.

Expect Osprey mid-March

The Osprey are the ones I await most eagerly. Their arrival is one I mark every year. Often it falls around St Patrick’s Day, but it may be a hair earlier or later depending on weather and prevailing winds. While I wait, I watch a live streaming Osprey cam here. This is one of several and is located in the deep south where some osprey overwinter and therefore start nesting a lot earlier. But it is a sweet peek into the life in the nest!

Osprey are still father south, enjoying warm weather and easy fishing.

Believe it or not, two of our biggest local resident birds are already on their nests and sitting on eggs.

In the woodlands, the Great Horned Owl has been active all winter, hunting and hooting and courting through the snowiest times. Right now they are on eggs. Even during the bitterest cold, the female will not abandon her duties. Her mate provides her with food. When the eggs hatch, he continues to provide until the time she can leave the nestlings safely. By then the weather is warmer, and those babies are hungry, requiring the hunting skill of both parents. For a glimpse into the Great Horned Owls’ nest, check this link. It is also southern, there may be some more local, but this is a great view.

A great Horned Owl enjoys a sunny nap.

Bald Eagles

And then there are the Bald Eagles. They are not common, but becoming a bit more abundant in our state and along the coastline. During this winter we were treated to numerous sightings on the open waters along the shore and at the river mouths. We do have nesting Eagles locally, but their nest site locations are guarded to avoid disturbance. There was a nest established in a very public area in Milford this year. The birds tolerated visitors and binoculars and cameras. It was determined they had at least one egg. Then the big wind and rain storm a week ago broke the tree limb that supported the nest and the entire thing crashed, and the egg broke. The Eagles continue to remain in the area but may not attempt to rebuild this year. Fingers crossed for next year. However this Eagle cam in Florida has kept me preoccupied and distracted for weeks now. 

Bald Eagles were visible around our coves and rivers this winter.

Take a peek at these. I warn you it can be addicting. But take a look beyond the nests too: you can see blue water and green leaves. You can practically feel the warmth that is coming with the birds.

Photographs by Beth Sullivan, unless otherwise indicated.

Osprey in our midst

By Beth Sullivan

As far back as I can remember visiting the shoreline, I have been intrigued by the Osprey. When we moved here in the early 80s, their population was still low after the steep decline in the 70’s due to DDT effects on their egg shells, diminishing their hatching successes.

Conservation Success

With the banning of DDT, their numbers have rebounded and far more people look to the arrival dates of the Osprey as their official sign of Spring. Some years they have been as early as March 14th or 15th. When the winds from the south are strong and consistent for several days they have a good push to arrive early…sometimes only to be met by snow and cold.

This year we experienced the long, deep cold, north winds dominated and the osprey did not make a real dedicated push to get up here until nearer the end of March. That was probably a good thing, as the waters were cold, and fish swim deeper, making catching them more difficult.

At Paffard Marsh, the Osprey are easily visible over the marsh. Photo by Dan Hall.

Excellent fish catchers, this Osprey pulled a large Catfish up from the bottom.

Through April they establish territories. Ospreys are very site-loyal, and mated pairs return to the same nest site over consecutive years. If one of the pair dies or does not make it back north, the lone mate will stay by the site and wait for another unattached one to arrive, or for a younger bird that may be nesting for the first time.

On a man-made platform with a predator baffle, Osprey have the best nesting success. Photo by Rick Newton.

In years long past, Osprey made their nest in trees, large snags near marshlands, mostly near the shore but occasionally inland in freshwater wetland areas. There have been instances of birds making nests close to the ground on old bridge structures; one was at Barn Island for years until the structure collapsed. Those nests are very vulnerable to predators. Another site on Barn Island near Avalonia’s Continental Marsh property has a tree nest. While it seems wonderful and natural to see it high in a tree, there is greater problem with predation from below (raccoons) and from above (Owls) who can sneak in more easily from wooded perches. Trees are also less stable and likely to break under the weight of a large nest.

This large nest is in an old tree snag at Henne Preserve.

All along the shoreline, man-made nesting platforms have become a common sight, and the birds adapted to them quite easily. There are very specific design plans provided by DEEP and several other wildlife agencies. Placing them on a marsh property also requires special permits, so it is not something any one can do on their own.

Osprey may choose utility poles for nest sites which can often be unfortunate for the birds.

Avalonia has a number of Osprey nests on coastal properties, and they are easy to view. Some require a little hike, others can be viewed from the car. As always, please do not cause the birds distress. If you notice they are agitated, or leave the nest even as you watch from a distance, it may be that they have less tolerance for disturbance, and you should back off. It is now egg laying time. Birds need to remain on the eggs to keep them warm. Once hatching occurs at end of May/early June, the parents will be busy feeding young. It is great to watch, but from afar. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope!

Majestic Osprey have had a come back since their steep decline in the early 70s. Photo by Rick Newton.

Osprey Nests on Avalonia Properties

Knox Preserve Stonington has a nest that is visible from the rocky Knoll and along the railroad track trail. Another is visible looking west along the tracks.

The nest on Paffard Marsh on Rt. 1 in Stonington is easily viewed from the adjacent parking area.

Downes Marsh in Mystic/Groton side along the Mystic River has an old and successful nest.

Henne Preserve in North Stonington is the site of the large freshwater wetland with a big nest in an old tree snag.

Cottrell Marsh in Stonington has an established nest that is visible best by kayak, and volunteers just erected a new platform there that is in the center of the marsh.

These Avalonia volunteers got a new platform way out on Cottrell Marsh. Photo by Jim Sullivan.

Woolworth-Porter Preserve on Wamphaussuc Point has had two new nest platforms erected in the last weeks. They are hard to see from land, as access is limited except from a small walk way down a private road. Neighbors there keep an eye on them for us and have reported that a pair of osprey have already begun checking out a new platform.

Location, location, location!

Photographs by Beth Sullivan unless otherwise indicated.

Checking off Spring things

By Beth Sullivan

Finally, I think we can believe that the back of winter is broken, and that we are on the way to spring. In just the last week or two, some of the things I have been waiting for have made an appearance:

Red-Winged Blackbirds singing their spring song and declaring territory and more and more Osprey establishing themselves on nesting platforms.

The local Phoebe has begun to call, though still not frequently.

The Tree Swallows at Knox Preserve have begun swooping over the fields and checking out nest boxes.

The Spring Peepers are really cranking up the volume on the warmer nights from vernal pools around town. I am amazed they can sing even on the most recent chilly nights.

The greening still seems delayed. Buds are only just swelling, and the Hellebores in the wet woods have not shown themselves yet.

A Red Winged Blackbird stakes a claim at Paffard Marsh. Photo by Dan Hall.

Osprey arrived at Knox nest site.

This Green Frog just emerged from hibernation. Wood Frogs and Peepers have been out for two weeks and already are chorusing.

It will be time to start some clean-up work out on the preserves. Winter snowbanks covered a lot of trash along North Main Street. I am so disappointed in those humans who don’t seem to think or care when they toss their garbage! We may have a group of young “Explorers” willing to help along Fennerswood Preserve. If you see them out there, give a wave and a thumbs up. Work will resume on repair and rebuilding of the walls along North Main Street as well. They look nice already with the snow gone and brush all cut back.

Work will resume on stone walls. Some signs need repainting.

Get to the Great Outdoors

As you get out to hike on the preserves, enjoy the sights and sounds. The next month will bring the flood of migrants here for nesting or resting on their way further north.

The warmer weather has also brought out ticks. After the wet winter and spring, we are being told to beware! Please take precautions while you are out in the woods and grassy areas.

A few things to think about please: as we get into later April, many species of birds and mammals will begin nesting in fields and shrubs. It will be time to exert good judgment and to refrain from walking through our field preserves. Please use only the trails that allow easier and better travel-better for you and for wildlife. Especially, please, this is the time to keep dogs on leash and under control. Loose dogs will frighten, threaten, and even kill vulnerable young animals and birds. They can cause adults to abandon their young or nest. Loose dogs in vernal ponds and in streams can destroy egg masses of Amphibians.

Loose dogs can disturb nesting creatures in brush piles, fields, and vernal pools.

Vernal pools shelter amphibians and egg masses at this time of year.

To protect ground nesting birds and small mammals please refrain from walking into fields.

Stewardship in high gear

We will also begin our stewardship efforts: maintenance, clean up on trails and, walks to check for winter damage. If you spot a problem, please call the office. If you can help with a work party or want to work on your own, contact the office, and you will be directed to a steward in your town for advice and guidance. There are other things to be done as well; our many signs can be freshened up with new coats of paint. If you have time, grab a garbage bag, don some gloves and pick up some roadside eyesores to help any-where you can.

Migrating Ring-necked Ducks stop on sheltered waterways on their way north.

Every little bit helps, whether it is an active act of stewardship or just walking the preserves with an open eye and understanding why they are “Preserves.”

Enjoy the coming spring!

Photographs by Beth Sullivan, unless otherwise indicated.