Taking advantage of a hiatus between snowstorms, I visited Perry Phillips Lake this morning. Since the snowy landscape discouraged visitors and shut down construction activity that borders the Park, it was a pleasant and mostly quiet experience.
Noisy flocks of Canada geese and the raucous calls of blue jays and crows disturbed the silence at times but a seasonal calm had settled over the refuge. A bald eagle, a red-shouldered hawk and an American kestrel respected the tranquility, patiently observing the scene from nearby trees. The lake itself was mostly frozen and only a handful of songbirds rummaged in the thickets that line its shore.
Bundled as I was, it was an enjoyable walk on the snow-covered loop trail. By tomorrow, a fresh coat of snow will adorn the Park, to be followed by the first Arctic blast of the season.
