Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Sandhill Crane with 2 chicks walking, Gray Squirrel with completely blond tail, lots of warblers, flycatchers and other songbirds, I watched an immature hummingbird eating bugs off of twigs, mayapples are fully leaved out, virginia bluebells are flowering, trilliums flowering, and ferns are knee high.  Trail is still muddy in low areas, but dry in most areas.

Trail is still wet in areas, please be prepared for mud and some standing water in really low parts.   Warblers are abundant and many other spring birds have arrived!  Fox kits have been out playing and turtles sunning.  Frogs are calling in the pond and there are a few toad tadpoles swimming around.

Today the first Mourning Cloak butterflies were out and active.   Wood and Leopard Frogs have been calling  for the last 2 days, although very active today.  Tree Swallows came back this week and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-throated Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers are abundant.    Today, I also saw the first Eastern Garter Snake of the spring soaking in the sun.

Otter tracks in the snow yesterday along with fox, deer, turkey and heron tracks on the boardwalk.   Fox Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Hermit Thrushes, and an American Tree Sparrow are around as well.

Trails are walkable, but wear good boots!  Muddy areas, and some standing water and still some ice.    Song Sparrows have arrived!

Melting snow and ice– please be careful and wear good boots!  There is still so much to enjoy!  Sandhill Cranes in Hussong Marsh, Cooper’s Hawks swooping through and American Robins!

Ski trail is in great condition today!  Trail was groomed for skiing this morning.

Please enjoy one last burst of winter beauty!

Trail is unfit to ski on, groomed track had disappeared,  The trail is mostly uneven crusty snow and ice, which should be slowly disappearing!  Please be careful when hiking!

Red-winged Blackbirds are here, and there are tons of animal tracks to be seen!  Pussywillows have been out for a few days.

Trails are really not fit for skiing at this time.  Slush, standing water over ice, and areas of mud.  Please dress accordingly if you venture out!

Kinglets and our Carolina Wren along with the other songbirds are singing their spring songs!  Also: Bohemian Waxwings have been seen in the area.

Ski trails are still in fair condition!  Lots of animal tracks, and spring activity from wildlife!  Listen for cardinals and chickadees singing their spring songs.