Mike Schout Wetland Preserve
While on a mini vacation, we stopped in New Hamburg at the Mike Schout Wetland Preserve that I learned about from a friend. We were very impressed with the walking path that provided views of the wetland. It is a 55 acre (former farmland) naturalization and restoration project that began in 2019 when Mike Schout approached the township about utilizing floodplain land that couldn’t be developed. Five ponds of different depths were created to improve habitat diversity.
This Great Blue Heron provided ample photo opportunities as it hunted for food.
At one point, it lost its balance walking along the edge of the water and had to do some "wing flexing" to remain upright.
Cattails
Making a BIG SPLASH! We watched as it hunted and didn't expect it to submerge half its body in it's quest to catch a fish!
It obviously knew the location of the fish as it caught it on the first try!
Speared! This fish will not be swimming away! The heron maintained a tight grip on the fish while separating it from the plant material.
Black-capped Chickadees were "sounding the alarm" about this American Mink hunting in a rock pile. Eventually, we saw the predator they were warning others about!
Orange Sulphur on New England Aster.
Train!
Looking down from a slightly elevated platform.
I overheard a conversation in the parking lot, so wasn't surprised when we spotted the Komodo Dragon statue. (It was the only non-life form on the property.)
If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito! Thank you to Mike Schout for his vision of rehabilitating the 55 acres of farmland into an amazing wetland!! We found 12 species of birds and 82 individuals on October 15th. We hope to return next year in warmer weather to find many more species!