BABIES OF THE MARSH

With the end of summer approaching, the spring babies are becoming more visual.  I watched the parents of these barn swallows on many occasions as they built and rebuilt their mud nest in the pavillion at the Marsh.  Their persistence finally paid off and they were able to hatch this adorable little family.

 

This little guy is a downy woodpecker.  He showed no sign of alarm as I moved in closer for this picture, but I imagine in time that will change.  The same cannot be said for this family of geese and in fact they actually came to me quite happily when I called to them.  I have photographed them many times over the summer but I suspect it was more the quest for food than recognition that brought them to me.

 

The last time I saw any squirrels at the Marsh, they were together as a family.  Today this little one was by itself, probably after it's mother abandoned it to fend for itself.  The little cottontail was also alone although there were a couple larger rabbits hiding in the bushes way off to the side. 

It seems almost unfair that humans must support their babies for an average of 18 years...