We took a driving tour down river on Saturday and made a stop at Peers Wetland. Right beside the trail, something furry was looking down at us. We had no idea that Groundhogs could climb trees!
A quick internet search revealed that Groundhogs can in fact climb. It is believed Groundhogs will go up a tree to either escape predators, or survey their surroundings.
We wondered if this nearby, patrolling Mute Swan had anything to do with the Groundhog going up the tree. Mute Swans can be very defensive if anything gets too close to their nest. These aggressive birds often hold their wings half-raised in a display as they swim toward an intruder. Give plenty of space to nesting Mute Swans. They can be extremely aggressive and frequently attack canoeists, kayakers, and pedestrians who wander too close to a nest or chicks. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds) We did not see the nest, but this was one aggressive bird!
At an earlier stop, we witnessed a Mute Swan chase a Canada Goose. Mute Swans can weigh up to 32 pounds while Canada Geese on average reach 14 pounds.
On our drive home, we spotted a pair of Upland Sandpipers walking through some long grass in a pasture, hunting for food.
Goslings were lined up at the road within Canatara park waiting for their turn to cross.
When the crossing guards decided it was safe, across they went!
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