Traversing the Machcin wetlands in the snow

At this time of year, it's possible to cross the wetlands that lie between Dąbrowa Duża and Rososz with dry feet. Last year, there was no snow, but a deep frost froze what little water lay amid the rush-covered tussocks and channels. This year, there's snow that's knee-deep in places.

Unlike the wetlands between Sułkowice and Gabryelin, which I visited earlier this month, these marshes have no river flowing through them, this is a sump , a lower-lying area (129m above sea level), into which drains water from surrounding forests and fields. These wetlands occupy slightly over six hectares (about 15 acres) of land; an ever-diminishing body of water at the western end, the rest is boggy. Ideal nesting habitat for the local cranes.

Below: at the western end of the wetland is a small, maybe two metre-high, hillock. From the top, I get a good view across the area. In the distance, just behind the treeline, the unasphalted road running from Dąbrowa Duża to the left and Rososz to the right. 

Below: In the middle of it all. Reed stems rise from an undulating blanket of snow, sculpted into mounds and hollows. The reed tufts emerge like small island, their stems pale and feathery, backlit by the low sun. The air is cold but dry. Moving through this is hard work; I have to thread my way around the tunnocks in an approximation of a straight line, heading for the trees along the horizon. Along the way I see the tracks of large birds, which I can only presume to be cranes. Four or five prints in the snow – then nothing. And then again, the same. The birds must have landed and flown off straight away.

Below: just before leaving the forest east of Dąbrowa Duża, I spot a vapour trail marking an unusual curve in the sky. I check this on Globe ADS-B Exchange and it turns out to be a Polish air force MiG-29 fighter jet. The white dot in the top left corner (click on image to enlarge, then left-click to see full size) is a southbound airliner at a slightly lower altitude.

Left: autumn leaves that fell not provide contrasting colour to the blue sky and evergreens. The track between Machin II and Dąbrowa Duża, on the way home. Note the depth of the ruts left by a tractor. Walking requires significantly more energy and care than usual.

Finally, an interesting feline story. As I approach my działka, I'm met in the lane by Wenusia, and, turning into my drive, by Céleste. They were outside with Pacyfik. The other boys, Arcturus, Scrapper and Czester, were indoors, fast asleep. They'd spent the night outside, patrolling the grounds. For in the evening as I was going to bed, the three of them were on my front patio, observing something in the bushes. I'd popped out to call them in, but they were rooted to the spot, watching an interloper. I went for a torch. A cat, a grey tabby tom, ran off. But my cats stayed outside to ensure he'd not return. I woke around two am, and opened the front door to call the cats in. Scrapper returned, but Czester and Arcturus decided to stay out despite the double-digit frost to keep watch. Both came in at daybreak for food, warmth and an all-day snooze.

[To read of last years crossing of these wetlands, click here.] 

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