Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

On a recent sunny weekday morning, I took a ride out to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.  As expected, there were school children there but there was still plenty of room for me and my camera.

Many of the snow covered trails are littered with downed branches and other debris, but they are manageable with appropriate footwear.  The staff was friendly and helpful and I felt confident I could navigate the sanctuary paths.

I had not gone very far and stopped to wonder at the small birds.  They seemed close enough to touch. In fact, they were too close for my 70 mm lens.  They flew over my head so close that they could have parted my hair.  I stood there enchanted by the experience.

I wandered around a bit taking note of the syrup buckets and the river from the observation tower.  It must be quite lovely in the spring and summer especially.  As I back toward the Visitor Center, I was wondering if the birds may be somewhat tame or used to people since the close encounters continued throughout my walk.

Then my eyes landed on Mrs. Cardinal just sitting there waiting for me and I knew for certain I was having a special experience for myself.

I listened for the familiar cheep of the cardinal pairs and hear nothing, but I knew Mr. Cardinal was likely nearby.  And he was.  Right over the top of my head checking out the part in my hair.

At my backyard feeder, the cardinals are very skittish.  These cardinals were not.  I stood there long enough to take a satisfying number of pictures.  They even stayed put as a pair of walkers came along chattering away.  Again, I found myself enchanted and convinced this was a special place for people like me.

Visit if you can.  Wear appropriate footwear.  If you are afraid of birds flitting and dive-bombing, I suggest you volunteer as a school field trip chaperone and stick close to the chattiest ones.  Otherwise, feel free to bring along seed in your pocket to offer the birds.  The staff says this is acceptable and somewhat common. I hope your experience is as pleasant as mine.