November on the marsh signals the start of a new season, the end of thegrowing season and the gateway to winter, challenging temperatures may occur andpossibly even snowfall. Migration has allowed the insect eating birds to seek warmerclimates, while predators and seed eaters persist on the landscape. For some northernspecies, this is their southernmost range […]
October on the marsh is all about change, like a tapestry with new colorsinterwoven every day, as the greens give way to vibrant hues of yellow, red and orange,the wildlife changes as well, some making their way south for warmer temperatures andsome getting ready for hibernation to take time off until spring awakens them oncemore. […]
September on the marsh is a beautiful time of year, the moderate weather, nottoo hot, not too cold, describes a typical September day, mix in some bright sunshineand a slight breeze, the perfect time of year to put on your comfy shoes and enjoy awalk in nature. The colors have been changing to subtle gold, […]
Although Collins Marsh has a different look this summer without the large waterarea because of the draw down, this is only one aspect of the many different ecologicalareas that are contained within the borders of the Collins Marsh acreage. The propertycontains woodlands and grasslands that protect and nurture a vast array of non-waterfowl species. If […]
Along with seasonal changes, if you have driven past Collins Marsh recently youmay wonder what is going on? Where did the water go? Why has it changed so much?These would be normal questions based on your observations. Collins Marsh containsmany diverse habitats and the water area that you are used to seeing looks quitedifferent this […]
As warmer temperatures arrive and longer daylight enable us to spend more timeoutside, we celebrate the return of Monarch butterflies and sightings of so many othersthat are common to our area. Although some butterflies migrate there are many thatcomplete their life cycle here and overwinter both as adults and as caterpillars in variousforms. Most of […]
May on the marsh is a very special time of year, some of our most colorful birdspecies have arrived from their wintering locations and they are wearing their brightestand most attractive colors for mating season. It is a time of nesting for some, feedinghungry young for others and the first offspring of Canada geese are […]
April on the marsh is a time of rebirth, reproduction, regeneration and return toproductivity fueled by the increasing warmth, length of daylight and precipitation that allthings green need to grow. The trees and shrubs are adorned in catkins covered withpollen welcoming the native bees as they awake from their winter dormancy. Amphibians know that it […]
March on the marsh can be a mixture of extremes. There may be warm sunlitdays where you are certain that spring has arrived, freezing wind-blown snowstormsresembling the depth of winter or even below zero temperatures. Keep your warm bootsand hats ready to explore the ever-changing marsh. But once the waters open, expect atremendous amount of […]
As the cold wind sweeps across Collins Marsh, it may appear lifeless and a bitdesolate, there is still activity to be seen and heard for those who take the time toobserve. Eagles and hawks grace the top of trees overlooking the snow-covered fields.Late in the day, white-tailed deer visit the clearings and move about to […]