Kip’s Comments - February 18, 2024
A February Surprise at Sweet Marsh
During a hike around Sweet Marsh this morning I saw plenty of trumpeter swans, my “First of the Year” sandhill crane, a muskrat on ice (searching for a way to get back under the ice), and a young bald eagle that was scoping me out. Pictures from this morning follow or view the video at this link: “February Surprise at Sweet Marsh”
The trumpeter swans flew so close that I could not capture the entire birds in some frames.
Trumpeter Swans at Sweet Marsh - Image 866181
Trumpeter Swan at Sweet Marsh - Image 866114
Trumpeter Swans at Sweet Marsh - Image 866119
Trumpeter Swans at Sweet Marsh - Image 866315 (notice the band)
As I was recording a video and mentioning that I might see a sandhill crane, I heard and saw my first crane of the year flying. I had a hunch the cranes may have returned, but wasn’t really expecting to see one so quickly.
Sandhill Crane at Sweet Marsh (First of the Year) - Image 866080
As I hiked the dike I noticed a muskrat doing its best to find access to get under the ice. With so many bald eagles flying around, this muskrat was not safe. I do not know if it ever made it under the ice.
Muskrat on Ice - Image 866399
Young bald eagle scoping me as I hiked.
Bald Eagle at Sweet Marsh - Image 866045 (the contrail in the background was pure luck)
This afternoon I checked out the Wapsipinicon River not far from our home. When this adult bald eagle posed so nicely for a photo, I felt obliged to record the moment.
Adult Bald Eagle in Tree - Image 866458
I will end with this interesting view of ice art. I am curious how the patterns are made.
Cabin in Winter Scenic - Ice Art - Image 866661
