Before the birds take over

It was a day to play outside, to enjoy the warmth that exceeded the normal temperatures in early spring. I didn't need to think too long about where to walk. We're just a week and a half away from the seasonal closure of the beach at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge as noted on their web site:

Each year beginning April 1 st, the majority of the refuge beach is closed to all public to provide undisturbed nesting and feeding habitat for the federally threatened piping plover. Portions of the beach not being used by the birds may be reopened starting in July. Typically all sections are reopened by mid-late August.

Where did I wander this morning? Parker River!



As I walked the boardwalks on the marsh side of the reserve I saw Canada Goose paddling, flying, playing. I heard constant bird sound, from the loud voice of geese to the many pitched tones of songbirds. I switched to the ocean side for a long beach walk, accompanied by the constant crashing of waves. The high tide line, marked by scattered seaweed, was much higher than I remember, rising far up the beach to the start of the dunes.





More photos from today can be seen in the gallery Parker River through the seasons - 2010.