Fernhill Wetlands

Tundra swans.

Killdear.

Fernhill Wetlands has long been one of our favorite spots to see birds.  There are many migratory species that make a home there in the cooler months, and they have grown accustomed to people walking around the edge of the ponds.  So it is easy to see many beautiful birds without special equipment.  But Fernhill is actually part of a wastewater treatment system.  It has been under construction which temporarily closed most of the trails over the winter.  The ponds were emptied and new landscaping created. We were very pleased to learn that the trails are once again open. We saw far fewer birds than on previous visits.  I'm not at all sure if that is because the disruption caused by the construction, because the construction must have removed food supplies for both plant eaters and carnivores, because unusually warm weather sent birds on their way north earlier than usual, or just plain bad luck. But the landscaping is lovely and looks inviting for birds, especially the installation of 180 tree snags and root balls.  We are hopeful that the changes will be very positive in the long run.

Bald eagle.

Tundra swans.

Coots.

Part of the new landscaping.

One of the resident mallard/domestic crosses.

Bald eagle.

Killdear.

Dowitcher.