Beaver Activity on the Lamprey River Floodplain

[ksearl]

Hi Everyone,

I stopped by a small parking area near my house the other day to find that it was a actually a small conservation area called the Lamprey River Floodplain. There was a short trail, by no means a "hike", that went along the banks of Lamprey River. Even in this winter month, there were some cool things to see. There was tons of beaver activity, some Eastern Bluebirds, etc.

If you're interested, please check out my full trip report on my blog: http://livefreeandhikenh.blogspot.com/2011/12/some-beaver-activity-on-lamprey-river.html

Here are some of my favorite shots from the short trek:

Beaver Stump

More beaver activity

Some cool fungus

The Lamprey

Eastern Bluebird...does anyone know if these guys go south for the winter?

Older Beaver Activity

Some tracks, I assume from a squirrel or chipmunk

Green violet leaves...not sure why these haven't wilted for the winter.

Karl

 

[gaiagirl]

Nice pics, thanks for posting! The bluebird sighting is not so uncommon. Like robins, this species sometimes overwinters, perhaps moreso now than in the past, getting by with eating berries mainly. Even in northern N.E., many Christmas Bird Counts see them yearly, sometimes one or two, and sometimes larger numbers. Glad you enjoyed your walk in the woods .

 

[sardog1]

Great pics, looks a lot like what I see daily in my "neck of the woods" (a little north of you and hard up against the Mainiacs.)

As gaiagirl has noted, the Bluebird sighting isn't uncommon. Check out this winter sighting map for several years worth of data (you'll need to pan and zoom in a little to see the New England pattern more distinctly): e-Bird sightings of Eastern Bluebird, Dec - Feb

BTW, those might be mink tracks, given the pattern and location.

 

[Kevin Judy and Emma]

Nice!

Yep, great place, Karl! Nice pics! Hmmm, that mushroom seems somewhat familiar...

KDT

 

[w7xman]

Yep, great place, Karl! Nice pics! Hmmm, that mushroom seems somewhat familiar...

KDT

Okay...that's a little wierd!

Karl...love that spot...go in the spring...LOTS of wildflowers!

 

[grouseking]

That place looks nice, though I wonder how much poison ivy lines the trails heading down towards the river. Growing up in SE NH, I couldn't really go on too many adventures due to the ivy. But I will be sure to check out the Lamprey in Epping next tinme I am down there.

Have you ever seen that river up by Raymond, and where Pine Acres campground is, near Rt 101? There are quite a few rocks along it, which makes it look more like a mountain stream.

 

[ksearl]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the kind feedback!

@gaiagirl - Thanks for the info on the eastern bluebird. It's good to know that those guys aren't stuck up here later than is common for them.

@sardog1 - I wonder if they are mink tracks! I've never seen a mink this area but would certainly be cool. I think you may be right based on the stepping pattern.

@Kevin - Wow, talk about a coincidence! This mushroom was sticking out on the right if the trail as you're walking in. Usually, these types of mushrooms are too picturesque, but this one appealed to me. Regardless...your shot is much nicer and much more professional than mine. I'm flattered that I was able to pick out the same feature in nature as you did!

@Jim S. - I will definitely head over there in the spring. It really looked like a great wildflower spot!

@grouseking - I think there is a lot of poison ivy up there. I believe it mentioned it on the kiosk or on a site regarding it...not sure where I read it. If you're highly allergic, probably not the best place to trample through. I've never had poison ivy (as I knock the wood on my desk) so I don't think I'm allergic to it. I have never been up that end of the river before. I will be sure to check it out. Are there any trails up that end?

Thanks again everyone!

Karl

 

[Chip]

There was a huge beaver hanging out on the ice on the little swamp/pond on the north side of 302 between Parker Rd and Cherry Valley Rd in Bethlehem yesterday morning. I came back with my camera, but it was gone. Pretty easy photo opps there if anyone is looking for them. This was about 9am.