If the Canada goose had not jumped off her nest, I might have stepped on her. I love finding nests, but not when I create a disturbance.
I was delighted to discover Cornell’s Nestcam, which lets me watch the activities of several species of birds, revealing images I might not otherwise get a chance to see.
Mycologists in Michigan and West Virginia are already reporting their morel findings. I figure it’s never too soon to begin checking under the leaf litter.
I didn’t find morels, but trout lilies and wild garlic are abundant and easy to gather in this pliable earth. The first violet leaves are emerging. My little woodland patch of knotweed is also sending up tiny shoots.
While I was foraging, so was this hawk. I didn’t click at the right time to get a photo of the catch. But this tolerant bird hung around close enough to let me photograph the feast.
The last time I saw this amazing bird was 10 years ago. I was actually turning around in a trail head parking lot late yesterday, when this woodcock crossed my path. It flew off before I could get my camera into moving picture mode.
Tags: Hiking
When it gets hot and humid, I try to take sunrise hikes. Right now, sunrise is closer to 7:00 AM. I typically end my sunrise hikes by 7:00 AM in the summer.
I got close enough to these birds to be sure they are not turkey vultures. Black vultures have white legs and white marks on their wings.
Organizer Nicole Carman is a genius. This event brought 182 participants to Mt. Pisgah State Park to participate in events ranging from kayaking and horseback riding to firearms, ATV safety, and wild game cooking.
If you can do it in the outdoors, there was someone to teach you how in a mini-workshop. I learned about WITO from my friend, Bird Lady, who attended as a participant this year, rather than a presenter. (more…)
Tags: Birds, Flowers, Foraging, Gardens, Political, Survival, Wild Food Recipes
My early morning nature hikes make me feel like I am in a holy place. With images like this, what other way is there to see the natural world? (more…)
Tags: Birds, Flowers, Hiking, Journal, Mammals, Reptiles
I’m blessed with mentors this year.
Charlene “Bird Lady” Miller and I first met on Jon Young’s Wilderness Awareness School Forum. This past weekend I finally got to meet her.
I took along my photos and videos for identification. Bird Lady is a retired Wildlife Rehabilitator with expertise in passerines.
Tags: Birds, Hiking, Nature Curriculum, Survival
I’m blessed to wake to the sounds of robins and cardinals chattering.
This morning, I also got a visual treat.
It rained and then the temperature cooled by 20 degrees or more. I hope this encourages morels.
This week I’ve seen the return of the Ovenbird, Catbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rosebreasted Grosbeak, and Pheasant.
What’s really exciting is that I can now identify them by sound as well as sign, thanks to Birding By Ear.
Here is what I was able to see as well as hear on a perfect spring day hike:
Tags: Birds, Hiking, Nature Curriculum
I see as much wildlife outside my window as I do on a hike.
Life is an oxymoron.
Backyard wildlife or the suburban wilderness - little bits of open space still provide food and shelter for many species.
Here’s what I see when I’m not on a hike:
This squirrel is happy to pose for a photo.
