Just time for a quick look through photos from yesterday’s hike. Had to get out despite the cool winds to get my mind off the building Constitutional Crisis. Was looking for new arrivals of Northern Parula (have been reported) and Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. Was trying to work with a. Blue-grey when this Ruby-crowned Kinglet popped up and started singing and flaring its crest. Had a wonderful time whistling to it and having is sing back in response for about 5 minutes. Eased the day.

Heavy volunteer day today, and down one chainsaw with an oiler problem. The oilers on these battery models are tough to repair - basically take it completely apart, so we may have to use one of the gas models (ick) until we can do surgery (ick).

Round-Leaved Ragwort (Packera obovata). One of the early spring flowering plants.

If I were posting my mood of the day it would be a combo of Hellbound Train (Savoy Brown) Highway to Hell (AC/DC) and 16 Shells from a 30-06 (Tom Waits). The flower is better.

#NaturePhotography WildflowerPhotography #500mm #AffinityPhoto

From yesterday’s walk at the Nature Sanctuary. Chickadees were very active and vocal. Also, Gayle helped with the ID of the unknown plant from a couple of days ago = Tree of Heaven, a highly invasive plant that we will have to work on to control.

The Fore River Bridge, a vertical lift bridge, in the raised position, photographed from Buck Hill.

I have been up on Buck Hill a lot during the past two years, and yet yesterday was the first time that I have seen the Fore River Bridge in the raised position. I am sure those stuck in traffic did not enjoy this, but for me it was a rare treat.

The trail up was frozen over hard, very uneven terrain from the previous footsteps through the snow. It wasn't too cold, but wind gusts of 40mph and very turbulent air made for poor photography conditions. After photographing a couple of targets, I decided to pack things up. I brought along my camcorder to get some shots for a short film I am working on. That's when I noticed the bridge. I quickly ran back to get all the gear, setup as quick as I could, without extending the tripod, and got down on my knees in the ice and snow and managed to capture some images. Shortly after I started shooting, the bridge began to be lowered, so I just made it! The air turbulence is quite noticeable, but at least I got the shot!