What's on the River?

The past few posts have focused on goings on with the recently completed riverwalk along the Nashua River adjacent to our mill apartment home.

We have been enjoying the riverwalk by taking early morning walks and after-dinner walks. There's been a lot to see both in the river and on it. Living so close provides a first-hand view of everything. 

There's a resident Great Blue Heron, who we've nicknamed Harry. This heron has been a frequent return visitor usually in the early mornings or early evenings. Great Blue Herons are solitary birds for the majority of the year. They hunt alone, defend feeding territories and even migrate alone.

One evening, earlier this week, a lone swan appeared on the river and continued to revisit for the next couple days. This sighting of one swan was unique as swans are known for forming monogamous pair bonds that often last for life. We wondered if this one had lost its mate.

So, we were happy to see that within a couple of days, there were suddenly two swans on the Nashua River and they stayed together for most of the afternoon. But, the pair might have been only passing through as we didn't see them yesterday or early today.

We've seen families of Mallard Ducks and Canada Geese. The ducklings and goslings have been a delight to watch. The adults have kept a close watch on their young as Red Tail Hawks have been spotted in this area.

We counted 10 Painted Turtles sunning themselves on the riverbank, including a couple hanging out on a tree limb in the river. A river otter swam by very quickly, not posing for a photo. Cormorants are frequent visitors and the one above spent an afternoon perched on the fountain which currently isn't working. Perhaps hoping for a fish lunch or dinner.

Numerous wildflowers grow along the riverbank. Many of these in bright yellow include: Yellow Flag, Wild Radish, Hoary Cinquefoil, Tower Mustard, Jim Hill Mustard, St John's Wort.

More colors were seen in these blooms of Oxeye Daily, Hawkweek (or Pilosella) and common Dandelion, a pesky weed on lawns

Splashes of purple and pink were seen in Violet's Dame, Spiderwort, Fleabane, Crown Vetch. Unfortunately, many of these wildflowers are considered invasive because of their aggressive spread via seeds and roots. However, they do add interest and color along the walk.

Our late afternoon and early evening walks have provided some great reflections when there's no breeze blowing and the river is motionless. Unfortunately, this past week, there's been an increase in the pollen levels; however, it hasn't kept us from enjoying our walks.

Thanks for coming along for a stroll along the Nashua River.