At the visitor desk there is a log to record what has been seen on the trails. This recent message is one of my favorites.
Indian Brook is still winding through Broadmoor to the Charles River, but surrounding wetlands are mudflats in places. The mudflats off the main bridge are covered in blooming water marigold, in the Beggar’s-tick family. Why are they called beggar’s-ticks? The seeds have two tiny barbs that latch onto fur, and clothing, hitching a ride to another location.
Wood ducks are happily paddling around and easier for visitors to see because there is less wetland for them to hide in. This male duck seems to have an attitude.
Great blue herons and other fish eaters like belted kingfisher and osprey have a concentration of food. This heron on the right of the brook is ready to move fast when it sees a fish.
