Old Quarry Trail and Carleton Place with JC Birding

 February 14, 2023

On this Valentine's Day Bill & Barbara met Eleanor & Terry at the Old Quarry Trail.  All the rest of the regulars were away or about to depart on a South American Trip.

Our target was a Black-backed Woodpecker, but it was not to be found.  We had to be contented with regular customers.

This was the first time that Terry joined us, and he thoughtfully brought some berry/bran muffins to share.  It was such a nice day, that we were able to sit at a picnic table.

We had planned to do another hike on Trail 24 at Westcliffe, but while having our snack, we decided that it would be very similar to the trail we had just finished.  So, we changed our minds and headed out to Carleton Place to look at waterfowl on the Mississippi River and hopefully find some Trumpeter Swans.

Well, the swans were not where they had been reported, but we were fortunate to meet Jill Martin, who invited to to come to het home on Patty Place, and look for the swans there.

Well, no swans, but we did enjoy visitng her while she fed the Mallards.

Jill suggested that we go to the arena on the other side of the river and hike part of the riverfront trail.  This we did, after having our lunch on a bench at the arena. 

It was a beautiful day to explore some new trails that may be very productive come spring!