Monday, January 20, 2014

Sunny Sunday at Siebenthaler Fen

"I want to go to the fen today!" said The Bug. "Um...you do know it snowed again last night," said I. "I know, but I want to see what it looks like in winter. It's on my 50 by 50 list!" And so off we went...to a fen...in Ohio...in mid-January. And it was amazing!
The Bugly, our vintage Pontiac Aztek, is great for Sunday rambles
 Ah, the Intrepid Explorer, impatient to see the fen
 There are lots of fallen trees in the fen...this one made a snow dog!
I think they are the result of a combination of beaver girdling, which kills overstory trees to allow new growth, on which beaver feed, etc., and damage by Emerald Ash Borers
 Beaver Creek, on the fen's eastern border
 A partially frozen run...fens have runs that drain water from them, unlike bogs
 Here is the upper part of the run
Runs typically are fed by springs, so they do not easily freeze over, unlike stagnant water
 I was infatuated with reflections on Beaver Creek
 And snow on fallen timber

 And water in its various forms

 Monet reflections...
 Ah, THERE she is!
The Shadow of The Bug
No stopping to rest today!
 We pulled up short, unsure of the footing on this section of the trail
We normally walk out to the observation gazebo and on to the raised platform, but walking in snow had tuckered us out
 Also, the wind had picked up a bit
 As evidenced by this puffy little Swamp Sparrow!
 The sights were amazing!
 If a bit frosty
 Me...without a hat. I would regret that by the end of our hike! My wife makes hats, you know...and scarves. I had a cap in the Bugly. Next time maybe I'll remember to put it on? We'll see...




6 comments:

The Bug said...

It was great! Thanks for going with me :)

NCmountainwoman said...

Gorgeous! But that water in the frozen creek surely looks cold. Brr!

Karen said...

Looks like a lovely day! I love your photos and seeing the fen on this crisp day.

spent mine at a hospital with my ailing mother then home with my newest grandbaby. Bookends. Life is bittersweet.

Lowandslow said...

I had to look up a "fen". I learned something. Thanks.

S

Pixel Peeper said...

I love your photos, all of them. Your bird pictures just reminded me - have you ever seen the movie The Big Year? I have a suspicion you really would like it!

Catalyst said...

At least you remembered your walking stick!