When I set out earlier today, my goal was to find: Wood sorrel Purslane Black trumpet mushrooms Oyster mushrooms Wild blueberries Wineberries Huckleberries I decided to challenge myself a bit, so today’s hike was in Minnewaska State Park, about 35 miles north of my usual haunts. I did not find the black trumpets, but I [...]

Enjoying nature is in the little things, like this insect (I think it’s a firefly) on a laurel node. Dawn and dusk are the best times for hiking; that’s when I see the most wildlife activity.

What doesn’t belong on this sign? If you said the apostrophe, you’re right. I’m not being critical or judgmental. People who have trouble with grammar and spelling are among my clients. It’s my job to find and correct these mistakes before they go public. I wish these sign makers were my clients.

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?

The days are still getting longer, making it easier for animals to get around. Here’s who was out and about this morning: This porcupine is aware I’m watching. Porcupines cannot “throw” their quills. Quills penetrate the skin of animals that touch them.

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.

Blue jays fly appear oblivious to the camera.

English house sparrow.

Claremont Stables in New York City is closing after over 100 years. I won a 2nd place ribbon in my first horse show ever at Claremont on a Quarter Horse named Monterrey. I took longe lessons in Central Park from Claremont instructor Chris Smith, who moved back to Texas the following year.For two years I [...]

This was the first early morning hike I’ve had in a while. I stopped to admire the view and turned to spot a fox watching me. I was too slow to photograph the fox, but I did get a few other glimpses of wildlife. This is the first time I’ve seen a beaver:

Nor’easters are powerful storms. This Nor’easter is unusually powerful. Rain and wind have kept me indoors for days. Eventually the TV set goes on. The Weather Channel is my default channel. I know which channels are likely to have science or history programs and A Man Among Wolves is the best thing I’ve seen since [...]

Yesterday a chickadee flew off with a walnut half in his or her beak. The walnut half was bigger than the chickadee’s head.

This morning a chickadee and a tufted titmouse returned. I’m sure it’s the same chickadee. The chickadee flew off with a walnut half and the titmouse looked around for possible danger. She flew away, came back from a different direction, and flew off with a walnut half.

The birds come to the feeders first, the squirrels follow. Squirrels are less fearful and will sit in front of me eating nut after nut until the supply runs out. I see physical differences in the individuals who visit in the morning and in the afternoon visitors. This morning, two squirrels showed up when I typically see one.