Dec 16 - Little Dell Reservoir

 Hazy day with temps in the mid-50 again.

Heading up to walk the trail at Little Dell. Not the most exciting but there are lots of possibilities to see (Porcupine, Moose, Turkeys, Elk) and it's quiet and probably snow/ice free.

Arrive around 9:30. Let the temps warm up a bit but not too much because I think the trail will be very muddy.

The reservoir is low as one would expect and there are a couple of ducks on the water. Can't tell what kind as I didn't bring binoculars.

I gear up and head down toward the water. The trail is a mix of dry dirt and frozen mud so I was smart to leave when I did.

I head down the trail and then a detour towards the water. Lots of dry'sh lake bed; I stopped where the grass ended. Just one fisherman out there.

Back on the trail, it's quiet and peaceful. Keep scanning for moose/deer/elk or any other critter. I do see some moose/elk/deer tracks in frozen mud, a squirrel and chickadees along the trail. I can hear the creek running at certain points including the bridge.

The highlight is an apple that is speared by a tree branch far above head. Had to be a squirrel.

Soon I'm back on the road and heading back to the parking lot.

Seeing more Chickadees (I didn't see many though) and this larger bird.

Lots of coyote scat in the road. And a cross-country skier on roller-skis going up and down the road. (He's got no other choice as there's no snow anywhere.)

I also find this blue bird!

Good day!




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