Hiking - Montezuma Audubon Center

Hunter - Martens Tract

Before going to the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) stopped at Martens Tract. A duck hunter and his chocolate Lab were entering the fields. Heading for the MAC noted the Trumpeter Swans were still at Malone Marsh. Pulled into Crusoe Creek. There along the creek bed appeared to be a duck decoy. But the still bird took flight when I approached.

Wood Duck - Crusoe Creek

At the MAC met Dave Spier in the foyer. After waiting to determine if others would be joining the hike this morning, we walked south across education ponds bridge. There Dave pointed out a new muskrat lodge.

 Muskrat Lodge

We headed west to dike trails and then walked south to overlook Sandpiper Shallow. In the far end of the water were two Gadwalls. There were also several Red-Winged Blackbirds and Red-wing Hawk flew over the woods to the southwest. Heading back north as we entered the woods Dave saw two Red-tail Dragonflies.

Meadowlark Dragonfly

After passing the observation platform Dave told me to stop. My slow reactions stunned another Red Tail Dragonfly. Its stupor gave us another photo opportunity.

 Red Tail Dragonfly

Reaching the deadwood swamp a Downy Woodpecker caught our attention as it entered a dead wood tree cavity. We walked into the swamp along the west side bank. This made for wet feet. Tried to save the misadventure with this photograph.

Note - observation deck in the distance

We made our way back to building through walnut grove. Along the path Dave showed me a buck rub.

 

Buck Rub

Outside the MAC at the bird feeders were two American Goldfinch and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

While the birds were not out in abundance the walk which may be the last one in pleasant weather was enjoyable.