March Through February

 

Out on the Concord River yesterday morning things continue to have a look and feel more typical of March than February

Believe this is the first red-winged blackbird I've seen this year...

...with its red epaulets hidden.   Large numbers of robins were seen as well as blue jays, grackles, and woodpeckers.  Additionally, a solitary marsh hawk was seen.  It's apparent that the birds think that spring has sprung.

This mink patrolled the river's shoreline near the area Thoreau called the "Holt"...

On my trip back upriver piers supporting the Old North Bridge framed the boathouse near the Old Manse...

Could this be the boathouse where Nathaniel Hawthorne kept the boat he got from H. D. Thoreau? It would have been the boat built by Henry and his brother John and used by them during their week on the Concord and Merrimack rivers.   Thoreau named it "Musketaquid".  Hawthorne would later name it "Pond Lily".

Back at Egg Rock the whole transcription could be read...

...and looks to be in good shape for the upcoming season.

Trash included Wilson, a dozen nip bottles, and an elusive blue-colored fishing bobber...