Time in the Marsh

I have not spent so much time in the cattail marshes of the Connecticut River since I was a kid. The smell of the decaying reeds, grasses and sedges is hard to describe but totally recognizable and memory jogging; seemingly packing an extra punch of aroma at 530AM. I love our marshes; somewhat inaccessable but not tooooo boot sucking. I only got myself in one boot sucking situation in recent explorations this spring while listening and looking for Least Bitterns in the lower valley (no luck yet). Least Bitterns are being seen by others in the state but a bit of luck is needed. I've had wonderfully close audiences with many Marsh Wrens, Swamp Sparrows, Spotted Sandpipers, and dreamy full bloom yellow flag iris. The 430AM to 530AM hour at this time of year is magical. Don't miss it!

River view from Old Saybrook

Marsh Wren

Yellow Flag Iris