Larry A. Smail's Blog

Last weekend a beautiful snow had fallen over western Pennsylvania. In fact, as I left for an excursion, snow was still falling  further adding to the beauty of the day.

I parked along a township road to walk about a mile before entering the woods to explore and take photos. I hadn’t walked very far when I could see three deer moving along higher upslope. A little farther I walked onto an area where dirt had been dumped. I walked to the edge to see what was hanging out below. While I looked about I saw movement at tree top level. A mature Bald eagle was flying down Patterson Hollow. I wondered about this sighting since this isn’t typical eagle habitat. they are usually viewed in areas where water sources are much larger such as rivers and lakes. Regardless, I enjoyed witnessing the big bird’s slow and methodical flight.

Finally I entered at State Game Lands maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The downward slope was rocky and I felt the need to be extra careful as I moved towards Patterson Run. Patterson Run is a beautiful stream inundated with rocks along the banks in this area. The beauty of these snow-covered rocks with clear moving water offered many photo ops.                                                                                                  

Eventually I worked back towards the road where I crossed to further walk about the game lands. A Turkey Vulture flew close overhead eyeing me up. I imagined the bird was hopeful I might fall over allowing a for a feast. I didn’t oblige the bird.

Old stone wall

More deer were seen as I moved up and over this hillside.

Turkey Vulture