Kip’s Comments - April 12, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Quite a Bit at Sweet Marsh Today

During my “check” of Sweet Marsh today I found quite a few things of interest. There really wasn’t much of a common theme, so I will share photos as they come up.

On the road into Sweet Marsh I noticed a small snake “stuck” to the road with its tail swaying back and forth. Thinking it was a northern red-bellied snake, I stopped to check it out. Nope - not a red-bellied snake. This was a brown snake suffering from soon-to-be lethal injuries. Since I seldom see brown snakes I took a few photos before laying the snake in its final resting spot.

Not far from the dying brown snake there was a painted turtle in the process of crossing the highway. Rather then seeing the turtle smashed into the pavement like the snake, I moved it to the other side of the road.

Painted Turtle in Shell (crossing the road) - Image 1086491

Very near the turtle and snake I noticed field horsetail was popping up along with other wildflowers.

A short distance down the road I spotted a muskrat feeding in the ditch very close to the edge of the road. This critter let me shoot many photos.

Behind the muskrat were many turtles sunning themselves on a log with all of them facing the same direction.

Eventually I did explore Sweet Marsh (Segment A). Near where I parked my truck I found a bonanza of bloodroot wildflowers in full bloom. They looked perfect!

Finally, I did walk around Segment A. On my hike I saw sandhill cranes, a Canada goose nest with eggs, and a lone greater white-fronted goose. I am suspicious of why the white-fronted goose is still here and alone. I may learn someday.