Wetlands - high in the sky, low on the ground

Tracy Beerley, Natural Lands Horticulturist
A raptor soars overhead, high in the sky, this bird is lurking for its prey.  Low on the ground signs of spring continue to emerge.

An osprey (Pandion haliaetus) also known as the fish eagle soars over the wetland pond, scanning the water for a fish to eat.  Fish make up the majority of this birds diet, it is no wonder why this bird was spotted over the pond.  

Young fronds of the cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) begin to emerge on the wetland bank.  This plant is characteristic for this wet shady area.  The fuzz covering the young fiddlehead is a favored nesting material for birds, as well as the fiddlehead being a food source.