The flock of Canada geese departed with a great flutter of wings and much loud honking which receded into the distance as we got back in the car to explore further.
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Dead Creek is a huge wetland. Much of the surface was still frozen over.
We came upon an open expanse and saw two ducks:
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They turned out to be mergansers.
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The male was very active but as we watched, the female just sort of drifted and we came to the conclusion that she had expired.
We decided this accounted for the male being agitated…
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But just as we were exclaiming “How sad!”, the corpse awakened.
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As we watched the mergansers, two Canada geese swooped in overhead.
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Consulting a road atlas, we decided to have a look at nearby Button Bay State Park.
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We followed Panton Road along Otter Creek.
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Where I got an unsatisfactory picture of a bald eagle by its nest.
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Southeastern shore of Lake Champlain.
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We could not have ordered up a finer morning!
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Unsurprisingly, Button Bay State Park does not open until Memorial Day at the end of May when people come for camping, boating and fishing.
Nearby, a boat ramp gave us access to the shore where we listened to the grinding of ice on the lake. I attempted a recording but it was spoiled by the roar of distant air traffic.
To Shackleton and his men, stranded on the Antarctic ice, that sound must have been ominous and terrifying. Safe on the beach, we enjoyed it.
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Overhead, the trees were bursting with new life.
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We drove south along the shore past numerous lovely properties.
What a wonderful location. I hope it is appreciated!
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Willow trees dot the landscape.
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Just after 10 am a few clouds drifted in. By early afternoon when we arrived home they almost covered the sky only to vanish completely not long after, as so often happens.
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Tomorrow I’ll finish up with some pictures I took here at Chimney Point.
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Thank you, Carolyn, for the beautiful photos of the landscapes seen during the drive. I like the story of the corps that came to life, the lovely photos of the trees in bud and as always, the study of the sky!
Joanna
Sounds like coercive mating may well have been the reason for the almost drowned duck. Happens very often, apparently!
What a beautiful day, and beautiful photos!
Glad Ms. Duck was OK.
The scenery around Lake Champlain is wonderful. I was quite surprised to see water still frozen, but then I remembered how far north it is.
Best wishes, Pete.
Although the season is busy turning to warmer months (for you at least), it still looks fairly cold – especially when I look at the frozen wetland and Lake Champlain. But you’re right, it was a beautiful day to go on a road trip.