~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It started as a nearly white Christmas. A few overnight flurries had coated the ground, but it was just above freezing and the snow was melting. I decided to get one more paddle in before the end of the year.
The skies were grey and leaden. It was very quiet on the water. The only sound was that of honking geese and traffic in the distance.
As I worked upstream I came across three blue heron standing by the river. Two immediately flew off. I was able to grab a shot of the other, though from a far distance. I am surprised to see them all year round.
I paddled to the turtle marsh. The winter winds had already beat down the cattails by the water's edge. There was a curious white mound ahead.
It was a muskrat den! I am not sure why I had not seen it before. It may be a new one - maybe constructed in the late fall.
I headed back downstream. I noted a curious white patch on the trunk of a tree that was overhanging the river.
Looks like beaver have been gnawing on this tree for a snack!
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a prosperous New Year!
