A Spring Walk at Great Meadows
A view of the Upper Impoundment from the viewing platform
A sunny spring afternoon with nothing to do is a gift! Recently, I received such a gift from the scheduling gods and decided to visit a favorite local wildlife refuge.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, MA, is about 40 minutes outside Boston and provides a beautiful, leisurely stroll through woodlands and wetlands. There is a small parking fee, or you can use your America the Beautiful pass.
Starting my hike along the Edge Trail, I quickly heard a wonderful chorus of songbirds. I recognized the sounds of a Tufted Titmouse, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, and a Pileated Woodpecker, as well as squirrels scampering on the forest floor.
The woodlands section of the trail is a beautiful stroll through hardwoods and a few old pines.
Soon, I caught sight of one of the bodies of water in the refuge—the Lower Impoundment.
Along this section, a few benches beckon one to sit and relax amongst the trees and enjoy the view. Swans, geese, ducks, and the occasional Great Blue Heron are often seen in this birders' paradise. I spotted some locals hanging out as I turned onto the Dike Trail (east).
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard swimming about on this beautiful day
I paused here for a while, watching the male Mallards showing off their bright plumage to any interested ladies. Hopefully, I will see ducklings exploring when I return in a month or so.
Along this far edge of the Lower Impoundment, I spotted evidence of one of nature’s most industrious animals—the beaver! The beaver lodge was pretty impressive, but I did not see any chewed sticks on the ground, so I am unsure if it is occupied at this time.
A beaver lodge glistens in the sunshine
As I continued walking down the Dike Trail (east), I noticed the trees were starting to bud, and the grasses were growing! Spring is on its way!
The first signs of the new years growth!
This is the time of year when new growth is seen sprouting next to the old survivors of last year's growing season. The cattails and grasses that withstood the harsh winter continue to provide shelter to animals, while the new growth offers them much-needed nutrition.
If you look closely at the dried plants along the water’s edge, you will be rewarded with the hidden beauty of how the sun filters through the reeds or the sight of a bird’s nest from last season.
Last year’s cattails provide “fluff” to line new nests and dens that the birds and small critters are building.
One of the louder residents here is the noisy Red-Winged Blackbird. Walking toward the Main Dike Trail, I hear the male’s loud conk-la-lee call. I noticed a large flock in some trees along the Concord River that borders the back of the Refuge. Disappointment happens as I realize I am too far away to get a good photo. But, much to my delight, as I approach the viewing deck, I spot a very vocal Red-Wing in a tree. The tell-tale red marking on this beautiful bird is not always visible; sometimes, just the yellow band will be showing.
A Red-winged Blackbird with his red patch “hidden”
At this point, I am on the home stretch and decided to spend some time on the viewing platform watching the turtles and geese. After enjoying the sunshine, I returned to the trail and made my way to the parking lot.
A Painted Turtle basks in the sun.
If you do not have time for the entire two-mile loop, this viewing deck is an easy, short walk from the parking lot and a great place to sit and watch the many birds, turtles, and, in a few weeks, frogs. The Main Dike Trail is stroller-friendly and a great hike to introduce children to the wonders of wetlands.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is not only a refuge for wildlife but also for humans looking for a quick escape from the city. If you are in the Boston, MA, area, I hope you can check it out!
For more information on Great Meadows head over to their website.