Larry A. Smail's Blog

In my youth the band, Creedence Clearwater Revial recorded a song called “Cross-Tie Walker”. I remember hearing stories of the hobos of the early part of the last century walking the rails. I enjoy doing the railroad hikes also. Today, the other aspect of my trek was to observe the backwater-wetlands around the Manorville Islands. These islands are on the western-side of the Allegheny River. They always yield interesting things to see. I have seen eagles in the wetland environment.  

In short order, I saw a doe and her two fawns. Later I saw a family of wood ducks; several fox squirrels and some carp. The highlight of the day was when I heard a bird sound never heard before. I surmised immediately a bird of prey…possibly a young eagle. I searched the trees for the source when I glimpsed a hint of brown. I continued along and heard the sound again. I readied my camera when an osprey suddenly left the sycamore tree and headed towards the main river. I failed to get the shot.

The terrain along these wetlands is comprised of down trees and many specie of flowers. Most are averaged at five feet or more tall.  Walking can be interesting through this maze of underbrush.

 One observation I have encountered, with regards to wetlands, is the fact that people will stand in awe at places such as Cook Forest; Presque Isle and Moraine State Park at wetland beauty but destroy the same  on their properties.The wetland bordering my property is being removed presently. I have planted marsh marigolds; cattails and skunk cabbage to enhance the abused habitat. Many years ago I captured some spring peepers and stocked them here since at that time they were absent. Others don’t see the beauty I see. I vowed when this wetland removal began some years ago that I would increase mine to compensate the habitat loss. I guess my second phase will begin when the weather becomes more “planting friendly“. We have had little rain in two months.