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Archive for the ‘Wildlife’ Category

Todd Nature Sanctuary

Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on September 1, 2018| Leave a Comment »

I had an early appointment in Natrona which allowed time to hike afterwards. I chose to hike on the Todd Nature Sanctuary lands to enjoy some woodland times. I arrived on site about 7:30 in the morning.

I followed a number of marked trails throughout the property. There are many older and larger trees scattered about with some fallen  logs as some

Indian Pipe Trail

trees age and succumb to death. A ravine flowing through the land features a beautiful waterways known as Watson’s Run. Much of the watercourse has big rocks surrounded by mature hemlocks. Another waterway is called Hesselgesser’s Run. These two streams intersect with small waterfalls. A walked one trail to the end. The trail was called Ravine Trail since it meandered back and forth across the Watson’s Run. In fact I stepped in water deep enough to fill my boot. All other times this stream was flowing with much lesser water.

A favorite place for me is the pond. There are lots and lots of frogs located here. Other visits have yielded herons and ducks, but this trip was void of birdlife.

Another trail is called Polypody Trail. There are a few large moss-covered rocks on site with Boulder ferns growing about. Many mushrooms and fungus were spotted since the summer of late has had much water and humidity. I wish I knew more of the species at times. I know I am passing up on some species that are edible, but I have enough uncertainty to not try them. the Sheepshead Mushrooms will be emerging soon and I know that specie well-enough to consume.

  I spent over two hours hiking and enjoying the sites. Lots of orb spiders with webs crossing across the trails at face-level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the colors and patterns

 

Hickory Nut hulls

 

Hazel Nut

 

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What A Fight!

Posted in Fishing, Wildlife on August 29, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Softshell Turtle

I left very early this morning to fish the Allegheny River before the sun became to hot. The thick fog lasted until about none o’clock. During this time the fishing was quite comfortable. I caught three Smallmouth Bass during my two hour fishing excursion. However, I caught something else this morning. I caught and landed a Spiny Softshell Turtle, often called a Leatherback. The carapace is unlike most turtles because their “shell” is soft and rubbery, hence their name.

The fishing pole bent way down when I pulled back to set the hook. Then the fight!  I wasn’t sure what I caught and expected a big catfish by the weight I was feeling and the fighting. Twice I could see the “fish” near the surface. I thought I was getting a glimpse of a fin or tail. Eventually, I brought the critter close enough to identify and , indeed, it was a turtle.

The temps were rapidly climbing and I pulled up the equipment and headed towards the jeep.

On a sad note, the area I was fishing will now be closed to fishing. I talked to a gentleman and he told me the property will not allow fishing anymore due to ATV traffic and trash and garbage thrown about. Partiers and, even sadder to say, fishermen continually throw their garbage out. He told me they even removed a burned up mattress.  The man was very apologetic to me and I told him I understood, for such activities are common all over.

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BOBWHITE!!!

Posted in Wildlife on July 16, 2018| 2 Comments »

Bobwhite

I had a fan on high on this hot July afternoon as I sat and read on the back deck. The time was about six thirty. Suddenly, I heard the shrill whistle-like bob-bob white! I stopped reading. Did I hear that sound correctly. The musical notes repeated. I was hearing a Bobwhite Quail singing down by the stream. I answered and the bird began answering my calls. WOW! I went for the camera.

I eased down over the deck steps to my lower yard and sat down. I had the male quail pinpointed and I began easing in the direction of the songs.

There he was! I spotted the bird along the creek among my habitat vegetation. I moved in and the little bird didn’t seem overly scared. I called and he called and the Bobwhite jumped up a log I have by the creek. Camera was clicking away.

Eventually the quail moved across the yard and I went in and told Laurie what I have been listening to and watching. She came out on the back deck and she seemed thrilled to hear and see a Bobwhite.

I took about thirty photos. I included several here to view. We enjoyed his calling almost to dark. What a joy and blessing to hear and see a Bobwhite.

We would set on my grandparents porch and listen to the quail calling as evening would come on. They would call and “flock up” for the night’s sleep. This is one of those very fond memories one wishes to relive as the years creep forward.

 

 

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Some Backyard Wildlife and Flowers

Posted in Wildflowers, Wildlife on July 12, 2018| Leave a Comment »

I have quite a variety of wildlife and flowers within my backyard. I have witnessed the fourth generation of rabbits so far this year. Chipmunks and Red and Gray Squirrels. Deer are nightly visitors, as well as, Flying quirrels. The “crick” that flows through has many Damselflies and Dragonflies. Minnows abound. Water Striders are all over searching for ants that I often help into the water. recently while reading on the deck after dark I had two Screech Owls land on the rail. The three Flying Squirrels at the feeder disappeared quickly.

Male Ebony Jewelwing

 

Water Strider

 

Bee Balm or Oswego

 

Common Daylily (I have about six varieties)

 

Purple Coneflower

 

 

Dogbane Leaf Beetle

 

Clementis

 

Flying Squirrel

 

Turk’s Cap Lily

 

Buttonbush

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Bear!

Posted in Hikes, Wildlife on July 11, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Another cool morning and a hike was to be happening. I entered the wood prior to the sun rising and began walking about to see what sites would be in the offering this fine day.

The old road I began walking on was covered with high grass. My feet while hid in my boots remained dry, but I was soaked to the groin as the time went on. Every time I would come onto a muddy or sandy area I would search for tracks. I saw lots of deer tracks and coyote tracks. I notice d several piles of fecal matter made by bear judging by the size of the pile.

Approximately eight thirty I rounded a bend and saw black!  The black was a Black Bear!  The animal was coming my way so I armed myself with the camera and began taking some shots. The bear stopped at around thirty-five yards and I could tell the critter was getting an occasional whiff of something that stinks. THAT STENCH WAS ME! The bear stopped and moved left and then right and suddenly the whiff must have been strong enough to move on the bear’s instincts for the black disappeared immediately in the dense brush.

  I saw several deer this morning and two hen turkeys. I looked for poults that they must have been well hid if any

Hard to stop the action on a flying turkey.

poults were present.

Later I found a Killdeer nest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Killdeer eggs

 

Coyote track

 

 

 

 

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Colorado trip-Western Wildlife (Part 6)

Posted in Colorado Trip, Wildlife on June 19, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Lots of wildlife photos below. be sure to see the Bighorn Rams at the bottom.

Pika

 

Osprey with fish

 

Moose

 

Moose Calf

One of the thrills for me on this western excursion was to see the varied and unique wildlife of the west.  We saw a lot of wildlife. I may forget some species but here is a list of western wildlife. Sand hill Cranes (In Indiana while traveling); Bald Eagle;  White Pelicans (In Illinois);  Big Horn Sheep; Pronghorn Antelopes; Mule Deer; Rio-Grande Wild Turkeys (Saw eastern Wild Turkeys  more easterly.); Canada Geese; Elk; Pica; Yellow-bellied Marmots; Moose and calf; Black-billed Magpies; Mountain Bluebird; Jack rabbits; Prairie Dogs; Swan; Snapping Turtle; Carp; Coyote; Least Chipmunk; White-tailed Deer (Easterly) Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel; Cottontail rabbit; Ravens; Sagebrush Lizard…I am, probably, forgetting some wildlife. A few in the list are native to Pennsylvania, too.

The Pika is a small hamster/bunny looking mammal found at high altitudes living among rocky areas.  Two were chasing each others at times

Least Chipmunk

 

Yellow-bellied Marmot

 

Bull Elk

 

A Swallowtail Butterfly

 

Sagebrush Lizard

 

Prairie Dog

 

Pronghorn Antelope

 

Nice male Pronghorn Antelope

 

Mule Deer

 

Black-billed Magpie

 

Jack Rabbit

 

Mule Deer

 

Hummingbird. I believe it may be the Black-chinned Hummingbird

 

Bighorn Sheep Rams

 

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Baby Porcupine

Posted in Wildlife on May 7, 2018| Leave a Comment »

I was blessed this morning when I spotted a baby Porcupine in the woods. The little one may have weighed two pounds. An interesting reality with Porcupines is how their defensive tactic is instinctively used at the approach of anything of potential danger. In this case that potential danger was me!!! Or, at least, the young un believed to be the case. I had difficulty getting the photos I wanted for this critter would always turn to keep his rearward side facing towards me. This area of the porky has extensive quillwork. The porcupine expands his arsenal through muscular work. In other words the quills are aimed towards an attacker.

We played the game for a time until I just set still and talked to the animal. After some time the porky began to maintain a trust or curious level to look at me, however, the war package was always engaged for action.

The Porcupine climbed a Sassafras tree to get higher than anything on the ground. This is another defensive tactic. CLIMB!

 

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Looking Like Spring

Posted in Wildflowers, Wildlife on April 25, 2018| Leave a Comment »

 

Yes, the morning felt like the spring season has finally came to stay.  the woodlands certainly are looking like spring has “sprung.”

 

Wild Leek

Wildflowers are showing signs of a rapid spurt in growth. I checked past records of mine and many wildflowers at this time of the year were well on the way in regards to blossoms. Today’s jaunt had trillium species with buds, but I failed to see any in full blossom. Morels are non-existent, too. I have checked with other morel hunters across the state and few are finding any at this time.

The Wild Leek (Ramps) are up and doing very well. I checked on several large patches of them.  Mayapples are at different growth rates. Some areas show very young growth and other places have Mayapples around eight inches high. I have seen them much higher by this time of the year. The weather into April definitely affected their growth cycles.

Mayapples

I saw two male Ring-neck Pheasants this morning. I managed some photos of both of them. they looked beautiful with their colors. Their courtship is on!

I heard a distant gobble. Eventually, I was in the area and offered some yelps. Gil-obble-obble-obble was the response. I would hear three gobblers in short order. I called in all three of them. The underbrush caused only one photo. However, if the spring gobbler season had been on I would have filled out a tag.

 The one in the photo became alerted with my movement of trying to get a god focus. They all walked out uttering some alarm putts. They didn’t run away because the birds didn’t actually identify me as a man.

I circled a couple of hill and heard another gobbler at eleven o’clock. This turkey gobbled about four times deep within posted property.

I saw a Great Blue heron and two Canada Geese. One was at the nest.

Rattlesnake Flower

Chestnut hulls

Roadrunner

Handsome feller indeed!

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Wild Leek, Wild Turkeys and Wild Deer

Posted in Wildflowers, Wildlife on April 23, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Wild Leeks or Ramps

This morning was planned to accomplish a number of items from my list. First in my mind was to be in the woods to hear gobblers at dawn. Surprisingly, I heard only one at this site.

  I had planted Wild Leeks, also known locally as Ramps, on my property. Last evening I dug up a few to transplant to an area where this native plant is missing. This area I often hunt and hike was in years past farmland with cattle and agriculture. This was way before my time. Today the area is a woodlands, however, those past farming practices often completely destroyed many native wild flowers. The Leek is one such plant.

The Leek is an interesting plant. Each bulb send up a couple of leaves that reach about six inches. This happens in April and by June the leaves are withered away and a stalk of small white flowers grows. The bulbs can be eaten for they have a onion-like flavor. In fact, some places actually have festivals and special feeds to commemorate the plant. I jus\t think the plants look great in the early spring woods. I know of some sites where the Leek grows dense and covers a large area.

Later in the morning I began skirting the property and planting a stalk at various places. I have hopes that in the future large areas of growth may, once again, find these hills home.

 

Canada Goose on nest

Another agenda item was to erect a bird house I recently made. Actually, I made three with leftover remodeling wood. I had one left and today the box was to find a home.

  I needed to visit my cousin, Donnie so I incorporated my traveling to stop at his home. I saw a number of turkeys at  several sites. Deer were everywhere!

I located a nesting Canada Goose. She stayed tight as the mate circled about giving me the evil eye. Two Mallard Ducks swam about as I watched.

 

 

 

 

 

Milkweed

 

 

 

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Hiking the Quehanna Area

Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on April 15, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Table Falls on Paige Run

Most know I love walking and exploring. Hiking was to be a big part of my excursion into the wild area of Quehanna within the Moshannon State Forest.

 

Porcupine gnawings

I checked the two areas for Osprey activity. (See a previous post.) Following watching the Fish Hawks for a time I moved on to the  hollow featuring Wykoff Run. I debated on what might be in store for Wykoff Run during the next morning since the first day of Pennsylvania’s trout season was to begin. I quickly determines the fishermen would be prevalent. However, the Quehanna Trail crosses over so I decided to hike a few hours and explore the area.

This hike began by crossing Wykoff Run and continuing up a continual grade  following a hollow. Approximately one third of the way up the hollow the terrain quickly changed. ROCKS! The slopes on both sides of my ascent were covered with rocks.  There were still trees growing up here and there wherever seeds managed to find soil, but they woodlands here was not dense. However, once you look approximately forty to fifty yards one could see changes in the vegetation. The hill on my right while climbing had a distinct line of thick rhododendrons. The opposite side had more woodlands and hemlocks. I kicked out a grouse here and the bird flew into the mass of rhododendrons. I was surprised to see a Ruffed Grouse within such habitat.

Eventually I reached the summit of this mountain and the habitat again changed quickly. I know was seeing short leafless shrubs and masses of last years Hayseed Ferns. I continued on the trail eventually intersecting another trail called the Old Sinnemahoning Trail. I moved on for a distance before turning around to head back towards the jeep.                                                                    

I could hear something in the distance. With the windy conditions of this day I speculated if the sound s were from turkeys. The noises had a feel to me of turkey’s cackling and determining pecking orders. BUT, I knew that Wood Frogs can sound like distant turkeys. I have been fooled before on these reptiles. I eased along and realized I was hearing the frogs.  I visited a couple of these water holes on the mountain’s top. Besides the frogs many Red-spotted Newts could be viewed swimming about. I saw some tadpoles, also.

 I returned to the jeep several hours later and drove to Red Run Road. I walked several miles of the Quehanna Trail here, too.  I scrambled along to see parts of

Red-spotted Newt

Paige Run including the Table Falls. Paige Run intersects with Red Run making for a beautiful waterways with lots of cascading falls. (I would be exploring Paige Run higher up the mountainside tomorrow.)

I knew this Red Run would be holding native Brook Trout. I would be here tomorrow.

I had three long bearded gobblers gobbling at my calls. I managed a few photos despite the small trees making it hard to keep a good focus. I would later see a lone hen.

I saw five elk this day, but I didn’t get any good photos.

  I had a lot of problems as to where to pitch a tent for the night. You can’t tent on Quehanna Wildlands forest lands. You can’t pull along the road and sleep in a jeep either. Just a bout an hour before dark I bit the bullet and rented some space at Benezette. The Spring Peepers were just a few yards from my tenting experience. Sad to say the road noise that evening was tremendous. Also, sad to say I am in need of additional things to use while tenting. Air mattress will be purchased before any other tenting. By one thirty in the morning I was as the Princess and the Pea

Boulder Ferns

play. In the play a pea was placed under many mattresses. The reasoning for the pea was to determine if the lady to sleep on it was truly a princess. Her royal blood for feel that pea causing for a restless night. I felt everything so I must be a prince.

I did some field sketching while on this excursion. I am planning a painting that will feature rocks. I sketched and photographed reference photos of rock details. In fact the studying of rocks was a big reason I planned this adventure. (Expect a future entry on the painting.)                              

Turkey Vulture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shagger’s Inn shallow water impoundment

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