May 10, 2015 - Wood Lake Nature Center

Last week I went to Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, MN. It has a shallow lake with a boardwalk across the center of the lake. Spring is in the air and the male Red-winged Blackbirds were staking out their territorial claims. Here’s one singing out that familiar konk-a-ree call from the top of an old cattail.

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This Muskrat was right along the trail, concentrating on eating something. I was surprised at how many Muskrats I saw at Wood Lake. I counted a dozen of them during my walk across the boardwalk.

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It was a sunny day so the Painted Turtles were soaking up the warmth. I especially like the smaller turtle balanced on top. It must have crawled up there, found just the right spot, and then pulled in its head, feet, and tail to relax in the sun.

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American Robins were everywhere. This one sat in a small tree along the lake shore. It was scanning the area looking for something to eat.

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For me, the highlight of the afternoon was seeing male Wood Ducks in their spectacular breeding plumage.

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