Larry A. Smail's Blog

I morning of fall-like conditions forced me to take a woodland hike. A rather heavy fog enveloped the area until past mid-morning.

New England Aster

The walk proved one thing to me, and that was the I was witnessing the “last hurrah” in regards to wildflowers of the 2015 year. Yes, they are winding down once again. It is very obvious which wildflower is the dominant specie…the Goldenrod! There are literally fields of bright yellow all about. here, and there, the ironweed with the deep purple contrast the yellow. Also, a lot of aster species are in bloom presently. I have these planted around my flower gardens to keep color well into the fall.

Today, I was to see something rarely viewed in Pennsylvania. I was walking up a grade when a young deer ran across my views. I immediately realized the deer could not have seen, heard, or smelled me. My initial thought was the possibility of an over-eager buck chasing the young doe. I watched and didn’t see any other deer.

   I reached the point where the deer crossed and turned to my left. I was thinking of checking some field openings for turkeys. Suddenly, I spotted movement about sixty yards to my right. In that fleeting second of time I thought I was seeing deer, but the second half of that second told the truth of my vision. Two coyotes!

I moved back, and took position where I thought they should intercept me. It worked! Both of the mammals came within easy view. One spotted that something was amiss. the second followed. I managed a couple of quick photos.

Goldenrods!

I turned and began walking back, and spotted black coming. Two more coyotes, and one was a black color phase. I quickly returned to the interception sight to witness these two coming into view. the first one reacted and dropped over the hill followed by the second coyote. I hastily took photos despite the ‘yotes being in thicker vegetation.

   I smiled for a long time to myself as I finished my trek around the area. Totally, I saw four deer on this venture, along with the coyotes.