Showing posts with label waterfowl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waterfowl. Show all posts

December 18, 2018

Fresh Air for a Fresh Perspective

waterfowl 1

I took a hike along the Lower Yahara River Trail last week. We're having mild weather lately in much of the Midwest--mild for us, anyway. The day of my hike, the high was around 40F, and I actually felt warm, wearing my parka and winter boots.

I know some of these photos look cold, but it was very comfortable, after weeks of below-normal temperatures in October and November.

bridge

Part of the trail includes a long boardwalk bridge with excellent views of Lake Waubesa. It's now one of the favorite hiking/walking areas of many Madison and McFarland residents. I've posted about this trail before, showing what it looks like in autumn.

ice fishing 1

The view was rather misty, likely because of evaporation from the warmer air.

ice fishing 2

I was surprised to see these people setting up for ice fishing, as it was rather late in the day.

waterfowl 2

Waterfowl tend to congregate in the area where warm, moving water empties into the lake from the Yahara River.

ducks

Were these ducks finding fish, or other tasty morsels, just below the surface of the slushy ice?

sun setting

The view to the southwest portended a pretty sunset, with light clouds on the horizon.

moon

Higher in the sky, the moon stood watch over the beautiful day. It felt great to move comfortably outdoors, and to get some much-needed fresh air.

March 12, 2018

Goodbye Ice: My Winter Walk-Off

water tower

Les at A Tidewater Gardener annually hosts a Winter Walk-Off meme, and I've participated several times. I frequently find myself heading down to Lake Waubesa, which is only a couple of blocks from my house. It's interesting to look back at previous posts and see the conditions of the lake at this time of year. The local news folks are now talking about the end of 2018 ice fishing and the beginnings of the boating season.

boardwalk

One thing is different this year: We have a new boardwalk trail, which I posted about last fall and I can't wait to hike repeatedly this spring, summer, and fall. It's really quite wonderful. I've walked it a few times during the winter, and recently took a walk along it for Les's meme.

As you'll see, the shoreline was pretty in the bright afternoon sun. Also, the waterfowl and the ice-fishers were plentiful--within short distances of each other!

shoreline 1

sun dog

shoreline 2

shore tree

railroad tracks

ice fishing 2

ice fishing 1

geese 1

geese 2

ducks

open shore

Yes, it won't be long now until the boaters take over the lake! Happy spring! And thanks to Les for hosting this excellent meme!