The Jellyfish fascinated me at the zoo. I took some photos. One is in black and white. 
Archive for the ‘Misc. Nature’ Category
Jellyfish
Posted in Misc. Nature on September 20, 2017| Leave a Comment »
A Couple Of Foggy Morning Jaunts
Posted in Misc. Nature on September 18, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Saturday morning, September 16, expressed a desire to have my presence to walk under foggy skies. I ask you; How could I say no! I 
traveled to a state game lands to do the deed. Besides Ruger needed time afield, too.
At the time of arrival a deep fog engulfed much of the woodlands. the cool temperatures felt good on my aged, old, failing body. I enjoyed the elements as photo taking opportunities began showing themselves. 
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This morning, September 18th, proved to be another heavy fog. I traveled to Crooked Creek Park to search out Eagles and Ospreys. I saw various deer while in 
route to the park. I didn’t dare stop for any of these because of the fog.
I parked at the top of the hill and walked several trails and eventually worked down to the beach area. I did see one Bald Eagle and had several Osprey sightings.I saw Ospreys diving after fish, but I wasn’t close enough for any photos. I managed two quick photos of another Osprey flying through, but they weren’t of the quality I desired. 
I saw additional deer while walking. A big flock of Canada Geese swept from the sky to land of the lake. Lots of squirrel and chipmunk activity was witnessed as the busy little rodents searched out nuts and acorns. I saw several groundhogs out and about as well. I saw a lot od Mourning Doves and Killdeers. It was a good day for wildlife.
Killdeer tracks
Canada Geese
Todd Nature Reserve
Posted in Misc. Nature on August 30, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Recently, I had to be at Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania by 7:00 A.M. I decided to make a morning of this travel and hike afterwards 
at the Todd Nature Reserve, formerly Todd Sanctuary. This wooded area complete with a rocky stream and a pond is located near Sarver, Pennsylvania. The trail features diversified woodlots. hemlock areas along the stream, big timber and forested areas obviously pasture lands in the far-off past. Some sizable rocks are scattered in some areas of the reserve. 
The pond was filled with tadpoles. Two Green Herons were making some feasts on the tadpoles. A hen Wood Duck remained perched on some limbs emerging from the middle of the pond. She never left despite my presence. Bullfrogs serenaded me, or , at least, I think they were singing to me.
I saw a doe, turkeys in a field and a lot of chipmunks and squirrels.
The reserve has approximately five miles of trails traveling through the diversity.
The Todd Sanctuary was from a man named W.E. Clyde Todd who passed away in 1969. Additional acreage has been obtained through the Audubon Society. There are 334 acres of land within the reserve. The web site is: http://www.aswp.org if interested in reading more on this area.
Great Days In June
Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildflowers on June 28, 2017| 2 Comments »
Bull Thistle
Tuesday, June 27, I spent some quality time fishing on the Allegheny River. I was limited with bait , but I had some great fishing experiences. 
throughout the early morning on this cool and breezy day I hauled in three nice Smallmouth Bass; five Walleyes and a Rock bass. I missed several other hits. I watched a Great Blue heron fishing along the shore. The bird was very successful!
Bear Tracks
This morning I was off again to hike in the State Game Lands 137. My goals were to see bear if possible.
Native Rhododendron
Owl Feather
I began my trek prior to six in the morning enjoying the forty degree temperatures and the lack of pestering insects. I slowly 
walked along looking for photo opportunities and wildlife. I saw one doe, but she watched me intently. I imagine she had fawn)s) behind her, but she wasn’t taking any chances and she turned into the dense foliage.
Summer wildflowers were everywhere as I searched for critters. I saw some various warblers including the Hooded warbler.
Dew on grasses
Later as I walked a grassy area I bumped a hen from a tree only to walk upon another hen just ahead. I glanced around for poults, but failed to see any, but I feel confident some were nearby. I didn’t see any bear, but I found old tracks in the dried mud.
Butterfly Flower
Beautiful Crooked Creek
Posted in Fishing, Misc. Nature on June 14, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Crooked Creek
As a young fellow Crooked Creek flowed orange in color from past mining operations. Efforts were 
completed and the waters normalized into a beautiful waterways moving towards the Allegheny River at Rosston, Pennsylvania. I remember seeing a greenish water in years past, however all the rocks and such were still orange. I, also, remember with these conditions showing my cousin a small group of baby Bullhead Catfish circling around the shoreline water. I said, at the time, this creek is becoming clean. And how the waters became clean! Time wasn’t long once the greens and blues became dominant and the orange acid left. the fisheries filled the waters rapid, too. Today many species of fish inhabit Crooked Creek.
I enjoy walking along the creek when I have a chance and I enjoy casting a line, too. This day, June 13th, was such a day. I fished some and I walked some. 
I caught a lot of Bluegills, a Hickory Sucker and a few Smallmouth Bass. Mostly I walked and took photos as a remembrance.
Great Blue Heron track
My dad and I would go to this area and gather “crabs” to go bass fishing. Of course those crabs are actually crawfish, but we 
always called them crabs. Gathering these critters was as much a sport as bass fishing to us.
I only saw one Great Blue Heron on this excursion, but I saw several doe and four fawns while traveling to fish and walk.
State Fish Hatchery and Other Places
Posted in Misc. Nature, My Family, Wildflowers on June 3, 2017| 2 Comments »
A secondary place I had planned on visiting on my day trip was the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Fish Hatchery at 
Tionesta. This hatchery is along the Allegheny River. I had not been at this hatchery in many, many years. We had stopped, as a family, while traveling to Kinzua Dam to see it and fish. I was a little fellow at the time. I remember seeing aquariums at the hatchery with live fish. I wanted to test my memory and reminisce.
Wild Columbine
The hatchery began operations in 1928. This day employees were working with Walleye and Muskellunge fry. Fingerling Tiger Muskies were, also, available for a future stocking. The workers were very kind and shared information on the process with me. Those little inch and a half Muskie fry will be ready to stock in October as fish around 7-9 inches, possibly more. That is a rapid growth.
Allegheny River at Tionesta
I walked down to the Allegheny River and enjoyed memories of fishing here those many years ago. Mergansers were in the area enjoying the sun.
Mergansers
I spotted some Red-spotted Newts in the still water areas. I had seen my first newt of my young life at this very place. I am weird like that for I remember being excited over seeing an amphibian.
Callen Run
I traveled cross country towards Belltown. I was heading to the Heath Pump Station Hatchery. This small-scale hatchery is run by the local sportsman’s club. Callen Run is on site. Years ago, my brother-in-law, Bob Hudson and I would always make a trip to see and sometimes fish for the trout. Bob would be killed in a work-related accident in 1988. I had not been there since prior to his passing. Many memories surfaced.
A live Muskie…Frankie’s Pal!
I walked along the Clarion River while visiting the hatchery.
Ready to bloom!
Pennsylvania’s state flower is the Mountain Laurel. Although some were in full bloom, another week from now would be been
Mountain Laurel
better. These flowers should be about in full array in another week.
Buzzard Swamp Hike
Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on June 2, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Ostrich Fern
I remember hearing of Buzzard Swamp in my teen years. The words I had heard were from grizzled old hunters stating of people 
becoming lost in the area in times past. Now I can see why. The area minus the trails and man-made ponds loos the same in all directions. the land is primarily flat.
Beaver Dam
This morning I left the house about 4:30 A.M. for the trip north to Buzzard Swamp. This land has been managed for wildlife through efforts of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the United States Forest Service. The location of the site is near Lolita, Pennsylvania and south of Marienville.
I arrived on site around six in the morning to a balmy thirty-eight degrees. I shuffled around getting my gear organized when I 
remembered to turn my cell phone on. I was immediately warned of a message. I was stunned with the words from my friend, Galen Braddy from North Carolina. The message was a mutual friend Ken Crummett of West Virginia being in the hospital. Ken had had a stroke. As I type this entry I am awaiting details and further word of Ken. A few weeks ago I spent time with Galen, Ken, and Kip Feroce during the first week of gobbler season. ken and Galen both bagged gobblers locally. The news sure dampened the hiking mood for me, but I tried to make the best of the situation managing to spend some time walking around a wildlife propagation area and beyond.
Tree Swallow
Deer were everywhere! I have no idea just how many deer I had seen here on site and while traveling. I was blessed to see three 
fawns, too. 
Like deer, Canada Geese were very abundant. I could see a lot of goslings about, as well. I witnessed some Mallards and Wood Ducks, and later, I saw some Mergansers. I saw some gobblers and hens at various locations, too. A lot of birdlife used the area. Swallows, Bobolinks, robins, warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds… Next entry will include some places I visited. The areas were sites that were important to me in years past or have special memories. 
Scouting For Turkeys!
Posted in Misc. Nature, Uncategorized, Wildflowers, Wildlife on April 24, 2017| Leave a Comment »
I was out for a couple of mornings over the last few days. The purpose was to complete several things. One was to listen for 
gobblers. Another was to take photos of spring and various things of spring. One more item was to search for the elusive Morel Mushroom. 
I really enjoy this time of the year. The rejuvenation of the woodlands always inspires me. I have hope when I see the greens and yellows explode with new leaves and vegetation. Of course, those who know me understand how I appreciate the numerous and varied wildflowers. they have been emerging with rapid growth.
A recent morning was foggy, but the turkeys were already down. I walked up on two and later walked into about eight birds. I
Non-native: Mustard Garlic
crossed a very steep and deep ravine because the White Trilliums are thick enough to almost resemble snow. I wanted to observe. Wild Leek is common in places. Other flowers were the rue Anemones; Spring Beauties and Purple Trilliums. 
As I reached the opposite hillside I could hear a hen yelping behind where I had come down over the hollow. I called some when I heard a distant gobble in a field behind me. I would ease to the field’s edge and see what I could find. I saw three toms and one hen way out in the field. Occasional gobbles came from these birds. 
I would find eight Morels but I only picked four since some were small. I failed to find any others as I traveled about. 
This morning was at another locale and was saddened at first when I failed to hear any gobbling. A dark cloud bank was coming in from the south and I believed that darkness may be interfering with the turks. However, two Canada geese flew through honking away and their noise caused a distant gobbler to explode twice.
I walked a field and heard nothing as I watched the sun sneak from the east. I walked back the same way planning to turn into an area with vines to 
search for morels when one tom gobbled close. I entered the tree line to observe the field. Another gobbler, and yet another began gobbling to my left. The bird up front crossed the field to the other two gobblers. I watched them exit the field. Back to morel hunting. I found only one!
In another area from where the other turkeys were I could a gobbler. Soon, A couple of more gobblers joined in. 
I set down and enjoyed their singing. Some of us consider gobbling to be musical!
I continued circling around and watched two Great-Horned Owls flying about. I managed one photo albeit the quality isn’t the best.
Virginia Bluebells
As promised I needed to go my cousin’s place to help with his fish pond. I brought to my creek about seven frogs.
While traveling I saw three longbeards and a hen and. later six turkeys far off in a field. I would see four deer today and a couplemof squirrels. 
Beautiful Morning
Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildflowers on April 18, 2017| Leave a Comment »
I need to ask how one can be so stupid! I filled up my hands and began walking down the slope to fish. I
Dutchman’s Breeches
stooped to pick up a worm that was on the dry trail and realized I had forgotten my fishing license. How stupid is that?
Immediately I turned to plan B. I was going to fish a few hours before hiking along with taking photos. I drove to the site I had planned to walk and it was still only about 6:30 A.M. The sun was up and the atmospheric conditions were perfect. My bad luck of forgetting my fishing license allowed for
Spring Beauty
some great photos.
The route I took to hike was covered with early spring wildflowers. Spring Beauties; Dutchman’s Breeches; Rue Anemones; Violets and others could be found in plentiful numbers. Trilliums were soon to bloom. The Skunk Cabbage was growing quickly.
Rue Anemone
I searched for morels at times, but failed to see any of those morsels.
I saw some Gray Squirrels and one Fox squirrel. I saw Great Blue herons and Belted Kingfishers. I sat down on a log to enjoy the 
beauty when I noticed movement in the air. A mature bald eagle landed about seventy-five yards from me and began to make shrill calls. I took a couple of photos even though I knew the photos wouldn’t be the best quality. I saw an immature eagle flying. I heard gobblers off in the distance occasionally.
Wild Leek
I saw some Canada Geese at times and some unidentifiable waterfowl, too.
The four hour hike ended as the sun was making much heat. I elected to stop and visit my friend J Kip Feroce at his camp. he was there and surprised to see me. We planned some spring gobbler hunts.
Walking With Sadness
Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, My Family on April 8, 2017| 2 Comments »
The day was shaping up into a nice typical spring day. I headed east to go for a hike, but while traveling through Whitesburg, Pennsylvania, I felt an urge to pull into the Whitesburg United Methodist Church. I checked the mirror and quickly turned right into their drive.
I began a slow walk with memorial tombstones on all sides. I picked up a deer antler and placed the “horn” on top of Bob Hudson’s stone. Bob was married to my sister and was killed in a work-related accident in 1987. He was only 31. The memories started to flow! The slow gait witnessed my great-grandparent homemade stone. I had never met them. My very own grandparents were here, too. Great uncles and great aunts, cousins and friends all have found their last resting place within these hallowed grounds. Aunts and uncles are resting here.
Finally I arrived at a special memorial stone. The Stars and Stripes hangs beside the stone telling all the person buried at this site was a veteran. The 
man name is Allen K. Smail. He was my father passing away on father’s day 1999. I cleaned up around the marker removing many blown leaves that had rested there with him. Silent words were spoken and some mist in the eyes formed during our talk. I miss him!
Bloodroot
To my right a small stone is setting. This small stone is for my sister, Glenna Mae Smail who passed away in infancy in 1962. Many thought bounced around my brain wondering the usual “what ifs.” Would I have had nieces and nephews if she would have survived into womanhood? I like to think she would have grown into a beautiful woman living a life of joy. Of course, I’ll never know these answers.
I was sad! I continued to walk on familiar grounds to think. I would take a hike along hills and hollows near and around Cherry Run. This area is a place where memories abound for I played, hunted, fished and hiked everywhere.
The woodlands are yet to show much new and refreshed vegetation. I noticed Coltsfoot flowers all over. I had seen my first Coltsfoot of the season way back in February since we witnessed much warmth at the time. Other flowers present were the Spring Beauty and Bloodroot. Skunk Cabbage is doing well despite recent cold weather. 
I saw one deer this day.
Wednesday morning I listened for gobblers at a different place very early and heard none. By 6:30 A.M. I dark cloud bank enveloped the entire area. 
This may have dampened turkey talk. However, while traveling home in mid-morning I would see a flock of about 15-18 in a field. The clouds had allowed the sun to filter through by mid-morning. I saw six deer.
Goldfinch
A Cooper’s Hawk was soaring low through the woods and came to about twelve feet before noticing me and abruptly changing the course of flight.I was blessed to hear and courtship ritual of a Woodcock during the moments at dawn.
I stopped and surprised my mother on the way home.
My mother, Ruth Smail Miller
Larry A. Smail's Blog 