I visited Low Plain several times recently. Perhaps at this time of year with our drought, it should be called Low Marsh. But its actual name is the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area at Low Plain. It is named to honor Esther Currier, a science professor. She discovered and promoted the conservation of the Cricenti Bog and the Low Plain area. It is in New London just southeast of Route 11.
This is a wonderful spot for a hike with a number of easy trails, including a walk along a glacial esker. In the winter it is a great spot for snowshoes or cross country skis.
About a mile from end-to-end, the area has a cotton grass marsh. There are several blinds where you can sit and observe the wildlife. Several benches provide spots to sit and watch the wildlife for those who prefer to not sit in a wooden box.
Frogs, dragonflies, and several heron species are almost always present, at least in the summer.
But what is that bird above? Here is a hint; it is a small, very fast falcon.
Above is the falcon in flight. It is a Merlin. There were three present during one visit. Here are photos of the Merlins.
I greatly enjoyed photographing two green species: Green Herons and green frogs. If you carefully sneak up to them, the green Bullfrogs are fairly easy to photograph. Green Herons are much more challenging. But they were the stars of the show yesterday.
The Green Herons know how to sneak up to the frogs. Actually, like other herons, they mostly stand still and pounce when their prey comes close. Here is a heron grabbing and swallowing a frog.
Here are more photos of Green Herons from two visits.
The Great Blue Herons stayed far away across the marsh.
Back to the Bullfrogs.
And a few more.
There were many Canada Geese present during one visit. I even got some flying over the marsh, which is named the Beaver Pond.
One visit I found a Common Grackle perched above the marsh.
Yesterday, a Broad-winged Hawk, that was seriously into its pre-migration molt, was soaring overhead.
One species that I have had a lot of trouble getting decent photos of is the Belted Kingfisher. This species is unusual because the female is more colorful than the male. The photos below show two females taken during different visits to Esther Currier WMA.
Yesterday, I got lucky and caught a pair of Kingfishers in flight. I did not see them until they were in the air across the marsh. I was busy with a Green Heron, but I managed to get them before they disappeared. Although it is hard to tell from these photos, the lead bird is the male and the female is trailing.
I hope to soon publish a blog on dragonflies and other insects. Here is a Blue Dasher from Low Plain yesterday.
The Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area is a nice place to visit in all seasons. Give it a try.