Hiking Baker's Meadow

We spent a beautiful crisp morning hiking at Baker's Meadow. The beavers created this pool which has become carpeted with duckweed.

Two adult mute swans (Cygnus olor) and their youngster patrolled the pond, diligently keeping intruders at bay with their loud hissing.  They feed on the numerous aquatic plants growing in and along the banks of the pond.

The swans and Canadian geese weren't alone.  Two Great Blue herons (Ardea herodias) held their ground like sentries, catching fish (there are sunfish and bass) and lazily preening in the warm sunlight.