Day 353: December 19th – Kenridge ponds

Sunny, breezy, and 38 degrees

       As we approach the solstice and winter, the weather is slowly showing a seasonal face…..at least for now.  The crisp clear air of the early morning was invigorating to say the least.  It’s great to be out in sunlight again as the last few days were not the nicest.

         I drove over the Storm King Mountain this morning to Kenridge Farm also known as the Outdoor Discovery Center of the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum.  This is one of my favorite local sites to hike and to bird.  The several ponds can prove productive in the doldrums of winter.  As I approached the first major pond called Goose Pond, it was certainly living up to its name.  I’ve had no problem finding geese this winter, so I really was not excited about finding these birds.  I did notice before long, however, a pair of cute little Buffleheads.  I’m still not sure as to whether these are young juveniles or females as they both have the limited white slash along the sides of their heads.  In any regards, they certainly stood out amongst the larger Canadas.

       Below the major pond are two smaller bodies of water.  The smaller of the two was playing host to a Great blue heron which had decided to stay up north as long as the weather holds and there is open water.

      As I hiked back to the Muskrat Pond towards the back of the reserve, I was escorted by a couple of chickadees as a Red-bellied woodpecker called from a distance.  Approaching the pond, I found a Northern mockingbird standing guard. 

       On the water, a group of mallards saluted my arrival.  How nice to be recognized.

       Not much else was happening on Muskrat, so I headed back and found still more Mallards back on the Goose Pond.  My proximity apparently spooked a drake and he flew off, displaying his beautiful blue speculum. 

      Departing, I found yet another Red-tailed hawk, I believe one of the resident birds, watching over his territory.  What a glorious morning to be out and about on the leading edge of winter.