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Birds!

Posted in Wildlife on March 9, 2015| 2 Comments »

White-throated Sparrow

I enjoy watching wildlife of all kinds. I enjoy the birds I see while hiking, hunting and fishing. I have actively fed birds for many years. I enjoy setting on the deck and observing how some species tame, while others never truly get used to being close to me.

Pine Siskin…note yellow on wings.

I have a list of all wildlife I see on my property. I have over sixty species of birds observed and identified here. I think that is remarkable! These sightings cover the small Ruby-Throated Hummingbird to the Wild Turkey. I have viewed eagles flying over on several occasions.

Goldfinch

I have been fortunate to get some good photos recently. For every good photo of birds, I may discard four or five. The birds are constantly moving. The very fraction of a second you take the photo the birds often flutter off or turn their heads.

Mourning Dove

The White-Throated Sparrow has shown up recently. This little sparrow has black, and white stripes on the head. Also, there is a small yellow area between the eye and bill. These distinctions are for the males only. Females are much harder to identify since most female sparrows are indistinct and resemble each other.

Red-Tailed hawk

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse has been seeing their spring calls for a couple of weeks now. These gray birds with a tuft, or crest of feathers on their heads are abundant at my feeder. I have stood in the garage mimicking their calls, only to have the bird come into the garage opening looking for the source.

The Pine Siskin is a small sparrow-like bird. They have a soft call that I enjoy listening to. The distinctive wings identify the specie. They have yellow barbules on their wing feathers.

Male Cardinal

Of course, everyone knows the cardinal. This is one specie that does not appreciate being close to me, I have been hearing their spring calls for about a month. The brilliant reds of the males is a sight to see.

Mourning doves frequent my feeders. I have lost two to hawk predation in recent weeks that I am aware of. Their mating coos will soon be heard all over.

Chickadee

The Chickadee is a sweet little bird. Many times while hunting I have been entertained by the woodland antics as they sweep from branch to branch, often hanging upside down.

Screech Owl

As normal, I have screech owls inhabiting the box I erected many years ago. I see, both, the grey and red color phases here. Every year they produce baby owlets.

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Spring Can be Sensed

Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on March 7, 2015| Leave a Comment »

I needed a few hours of woods walking. The temperatures are starting to drift upwards towards more spring-like, weather, leaving the winter chills behind. We have had some very cold temperatures here in western Pennsylvania. Negative numbers have been around many a night, with single digit temps lasting all day at times.

We have been blessed in many ways. Many parts of the nation of far exceeded normal snow depths. Ice, and snow have hit southern states hard at times. We haven’t received deep snows at all, but we have witnessed much cold.

The early morning had sunshine over the hills, and hollows. As noon closed in, I noticed the clouds building fast. As the one o’clock hour approached we even had some snow showers. Awww, those transitional days of March are upon us.

I parked along a township road in the Cherry Run area of Armstrong County. These areas are my haunts. I was raised in this terrain.

I walked the road about a mile before traversing up a hollow to make a circle through woods, and fields. Deer were feeding everywhere this day! I lost count, but I saw over thirty deer in the woods, and later while traveling home.

This buck had lost it’s antlers.

I walked upon deer at several occasions. I was surprised to do so. The snow, while walking, sounded like the sounds when making a snowball. However, deer were so busy feeding they didn’t notice me. The winds, I am sure, helped my approach. The sounds were covered up some.

I walked as close as twenty feet to several deer. This allowed some great shots with the camera. One deer was close enough that I could see his pedicles. The deer was a buck, and his antlers had been dropped somewhere along the trail.

I had a gobbler circle a slope, and walk below me. I managed several pics before he noticed me. The big bird went air-borne, and flapped across the steep hollow.

I saw a small flock of turkeys scratching for grub elsewhere, and a lone hen feeding among briars.

On southerly slopes one could feel the warmth despite the chilling wind blowing across the snow. I had some wonderful events this day.

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Some Hours With Bob

Posted in Fall Turkey Hunting, Misc. Nature, Wildlife on November 18, 2014| Leave a Comment »

The second week of Pennsylvania’s fall turkey season has concluded. My step-father, Bob and I managed to get out a few hours on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately, we failed to locate the meandering flocks.

Bob

Notice the rear quarters raise as the deer froze in position.

We separated to try to hear birds on the roost. When that strategy failed I began a walk of the area with hopes of walking into a flock of birds or to receive an answer. All my walking failed as well. However, I did see a number of deer including some bucks.

Bear claw marks.

We decided to try at an area near my homestead for an hour or so prior to going to the house for some grub. At this site I saw only deer. Our second time out during this last week was a mid morning gathering. We entered and area where Bob harvested a young gobbler a few years ago. Turkey sign was sparse everywhere I ventured on these hills. Again, I saw a lot of deer including a couple of bucks. The first buck I saw was discovered as I eased over a ridgeline seeking turkeys. I immediately spotted this buck. he raised his rear legs up in the early stage of bolting. However, the deer stopped this motion when he discovered I was gazing into his eyes. his first reaction was to freeze. Later into the hunt I spotted another buck with a wide spread in antler width. the seven-point allowed a few photos, but brush and movement didn’t permit the best shots. Some interesting sites of these two days were: Watched a squirrel gathering leaves for a nest; bear claw marks on beech trees; great-horned owl and a beech tree with a carving of JESUS SAVES. This was in a hollow I had not been in a quite a few years, at least that far. My next hunting ventures will be sneaking around looking for a bear.

Wild grapes

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Presque Isle Adventure

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildlife on September 29, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Ring-billed Gull

Laurie and I discussed going north to the Lake Erie area for a time. We decided any trip to Presque Isle would have to be after the labor Day holiday and not on a weekend! We, also, would watch the weather closely for comfortable and favorable weather conditions.

Lake Erie

Well, Thursday and Friday (September 25 and 26) looked very good so we quickly made a decision to “move ’em out”!

Gull Point Trail area

As per my usual mode of travel, I elected to drive rural roads to see the sights and avoid the hectic driving conditions common to those four-lane expressways as much as practical. The routes chosen allowed us to see some turkeys and a bald eagle. this was Laurie’s first sighting of a majestic bald eagle. We were able to see the grand bird up close as well. Prior to our time at the peninsula of Presque isle we visited the Erie Zoo. We spent about one and a half hours on the site, We, both, commented how much better the Pittsburgh Zoo is, however, the Erie Zoo is under renovations. Presque Isle is a peninsula jutting out from the mainland of Erie, Pennsylvania. The ecosystem is diverse with, at least, six variances. many species of birds and mammals inhabit the area shorelines. Some areas host huge oaks; others yield wetland species and the shores have typical low beach-like vegetation. During the War of 1812 with Great Britain, Commodore Oliver Perry defeated the British here. The cautious drive along the peninsula allowed ample time to look around. A monument to Oliver Perry stands along the shore as a memorial. The lands have a few lighthouses too. The lighthouse shown here was built in 1872.

Presque Isle Lighthouse

The first trail we hiked was the 1.5 mile Gull point Trail. This trail is located at the furthest-most point of the peninsula. The trail begins with dense understory vegetation with domineering eastern cottonwood tress and ends with sandy-like beaches with, mostly, grasses and low shrubs. The sand proved difficult to walk in. Much of the area is roped off to protect various nesting birds and endangered species as well. As we approached the last half mile, or so, of the hike bird life began to become very abundant. We saw many gulls and cormorants flying everywhere. The one specie of gull I recognized was the Ring-billed Gull. At the trail’s end an observation post has been erected. We. literally, saw hundreds of birds along the shoreline and flying about. We saw Great-Blue Herons as well. At this site, lake Erie is on three sides of us. There were plenty of boats and sail boats noticeable on the lake. Some were barely visible. A constant wind was present and the waves were forever heard as a soothing sound.

Map Turtles

We spent much time walking and enjoying the beaches and woods. One little boy was really having a time swinging a stick at the waves as they approached him. We saw map turtles sunning themselves on logs in boggy areas. Unfortunately, as evening approached I realized and old familiar pain in my left leg. By hotel time the pain had increased. I remembered the leg issues last year at this time with checks for a clot and breakage, four days on crutches and therapy. We really enjoyed our time together on Presque isle. This is my, third or, fourth trip visiting the lake. The following morning we hiked the Erie Bluffs. This will be the next entry here.

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Porcupine

Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildflowers, Wildlife on September 3, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Porcupine

Recently, I gathered up some fishing gear and left early to go and fish at Lock #8 north of Kittanning. I imagined now that the rains had a chance to slow the Allegheny River should be in a good condition to fish. Well, sorta..kinda! I entered the site about 6:30 A.M. and another fisherman was present. The water was being “let out” at that hydroelectric plant thus we had fast-moving and churning water.

The fisherman had been on site for about fifteen minutes. He said the water was calm as glass until the moments prior to my arrival. I threw in a baited hook and after about ten minutes I retrieved the line. Time for a hike!

The hike was perfect. the temperatures were still comfortable at this hour. I saw plenty of wildlife during my excursion. I saw six deer; a ‘coon; a rabbit and some squirrels. I saw a flock of turkeys on the railroad tracks too.

A mussel.

Sassafras seeds/berries

The highlight of the morning was the sight of a porcupine. I was able to get quite close to the prickly little guy. He immediately chose to get into his defensive posture once I became known to the ‘pine.

After, a few minutes to take photos and observe the porky. He/she decided it had had enough of the foul- smelling human and departed to a tree.

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Tagged Filled!

Posted in 2014 Spring Gobbler Season, My Family, Wildlife on May 6, 2014| 4 Comments »

A beautiful sunrise!

I sat and watched the morning sky become illuminated as I heard a gobbler sound off across the hollow and road. I waited for five more minutes hoping I would hear another much closer. I failed to do so. I began to go back down the hill I had just climbed and try to get to the gobbler before he left the roost and get a set up to call him in.

Porcupine

I set down and called and I heard nothing in return. I waited and believed I heard a gobble way out across the field. I slowly began a tour of the area with calling and listening.

Downy Woodpecker

I saw some movement and noticed a nice-sized porcupine. Most of my photos were blurred in that gloomy, dark time. As I circled around I heard a hen calling back to my turkey calls. I set up and she came in and close just chattering away. I hoped a gobbler would tag along behind her. None did!

This deer almost walked into me!

I saw plenty of deer and squirrels as I continued sneaking and calling when I heard it… a gobble from above me. I moved in and set up and gave a series of calls and waited. The big gobbler crept close gobbling and strutting. I could hear his drumming sounds as the gap narrowed.

He moved very slowly as I watched his approach. He was being cautious! The gobbler stepped behind some young maples and I waited for his next step. The thirty-eight yard shot dropped the bird and my first tag was filled.

The bird was a two year old with one spur being 7/8 of an inch and the other spur was exactly one inch. The beard was nine inches in length. However, the weight was unexpected. The bird was just a couple of ounces shy of being 23 pounds.

My mother, Ruth struggling!

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Some Pictures of the Morning!!!

Posted in Wildlife on May 1, 2014| 1 Comment »

I won’t be able to hunt gobblers this coming Saturday. May 3, 2014 is the first day and I have committed to play some contemporary gospel music at an event at Dayton, Pennsylvania. The event is called the Christian Sports International. Seeing a gobbler like this one drives that fact home.

two of three Jakes in this small flock.

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The Badlands & Prarie Dogs (Out West 13)

Posted in Western Excursion, Wildlife on September 4, 2013| 2 Comments »

The Badlands

The Indians claimed this area of South Dakota to be “bad lands” hence the name. I have to admit as a Pennsylvania boy I am used to lush greenery. My home lands here do not compare with the countless acres of Badlands. But the Badlands do have a strange beauty about them.

Note layers of stone and vulture

The Badlands are primarily a barren, arid, sandstone and rock piece of real estate. There is little vegetation around in the immediate Badlands. However, there are grassy, prairie-like plants on the places where erosion hadn’t washed away any amount of top soil.

The day we were visiting them the temperature was 104 degrees. I imagined early native and trappers traveling along. I, easily, envisioned outlaws heading into and among the massive eroded slopes and rocks. Deep, steep hills and gullies make up the Badlands. How does anything survive? How did anyone exist here?

I watched a turkey vulture soaring about with its shallow V-shaped wing position. Rattlesnakes are living here as well. I hoped to see one for photographs, but, I failed to see any of the ratting serpents. Other wildlife species survive and exist within this bleak-looking landscape.

The rock formations yield an array of colors. One can see whites, yellows, reds, blues, purples, browns and pinks depending on the time of day and sun positions.

As we traveled about the loneliness of the badlands began shaping more into grassy, yet treeless areas. Erosion had not reached these places. We noticed the white earthen mounds scattered about . these sometimes would cover acres of ground. We were witnessing Prairie Dog colonies.

I don’t know why these little groundhog-like mammals intrigued us so, but we were exited to see them. We really wanted to see them up close and when we stopped at a close colony we did just that.

Prairie Dogs

We immediately could see a lot of Prairie dogs. Occasionally, one would, while standing, arch its back and pull the head backwards and give out a squealing type of bark.

One Prairie Dog, upon seeing me, walked up to me to gnaw on my shoe. I moved away allowing the little guy to approach Laurie. He did the same thing until the teeth started towards the shoestrings. We backed off.

Two predators of Prairie Dogs are the rattlesnake and the Black-Footed Ferret. The ferret was once believed to extinct until some were found in Wyoming in 1981. Reintroduction programs appear to be promising. Let us hope so!

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Yellowstone!! (Out West 6)

Posted in Western Excursion, Wildflowers, Wildlife on August 29, 2013| Leave a Comment »

I have heard of Yellowstone all of my life. I never expected to actually make a trip to see the United states first national park. The park was established in 1872 and has around 2.2 million acres of, mostly forest and grassy lands. Pines, namely Lodgepole Pines are the dominant specie of evergreens.

New growth

Just as the Grand Tetons, many species of wildlife make this land their own. Of course, bear and wolves are present here, as well as, bison, elk and mule deer.

Badly burned area

Chipmunk

The most well-known river is the Yellowstone River. This waterways flows approximately twenty miles through the park. The Yellowstone Lake is, also, found within the park’s boundaries. (A separate entry will be written on the lake.)

Falls

The river yields to some great, scenic views, namely the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Two waterfalls are predominate here. The Upper Falls is 109 feet high and the Lower Falls is 308 feet high. They are spectacular to see. The canyon formed by these waters is steep and high with a host of beautiful colors. The colors vary in regards to the how the sun strikes their surfaces. We stood in awe at the breath-taking view!

Coyote

Pine Marten

Laurie and I were walking along a trail when a reddish-brown streak went streaking by. I recognized the mammal immediately as a Pine Marten. The speed and terrain allowed for several quick photos, but none are of the quality I would have liked. the little guy just wouldn’t turn for me! (Laurie saw one earlier near the lodge and said she saw an animal that resembled a small fox. It was a marten.)

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Natives inhabited this land in times past. the Kiowa; Blackfeet; Crow and Shoshone are better known names. I can imagine these people struggling with the elements of this potentially harsh winter climate. The park shuts down many aspects of the park from around November til May due to the deep snows.

Wyoming state law prohibits getting closer than 25 yards to bison and 100 yards to wolves and bear. I would find myself breaking this law more than once over the two days here. however, all encounters like this were totally by chance and unintentional.

Indian Paintbrush

Native wild flowers abound in the park. Spring would be wonderful to see I am sure. Several species I found were the Mexican Hat; Wild Lupine and Indian Paintbrush.

The pine forests are dominant as I said earlier. however, many acres were burned at various times. The fire of 1988 burned the most acreage. The remnants of this fire can be witnessed throughout the park with charred limbless trees and downed logs. Over twenty years later a young forest is emerging and growing.

The bear…sorry!

Sunrise

One morning, I exited the lodge at 5:40 to work towards a T-intersection of mixed forest and grassy lands. Yesterday, we had seen some cow elk feeding and I hoped to se a bull early this morning. this intersection was over a mile away.

I eventually entered the woods for a personal experience. I adjusted the camera for some flower photos. I entered the roadway again and walked a short distance when twenty paces ahead and to my right a big black bear emerged from the pine growth. I fumbled for some pics and I was disappointed to get one clear photo. however, the bruin was entering the woods again and my whistles were ignored. The big guy’s head was behind the greens. Oh well, I am including the shot!

I, eventually entered the woods again and heard an elk bugling a few hundred yards away. I circled the grassy areas but never say the elk. On my return towards the lodge, I spotted a large bull elk with dangling and bloody velvet on his antlers.

We saw bison, mule deer, pronghorns and a coyote this day.

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Snake River Float (Out West 5)

Posted in Western Excursion, Wildlife on August 28, 2013| Leave a Comment »

What event to view nature could be better that a ten-mile float trip on the Snake River? Fortunately for us, this is not a Class 5 float!!

Immediately, upon entering the Snake River an eagle was observed. The mature bird was settled on a bluff’s edge with his wings slightly opened to dry off. The rest of the trip just had to be a good one!

The Snake River consists of clear, cold water favorable to fish species such as the native Cutthroat Trout. Our native trout in Pennsylvania is the Brook trout. Eagles, otters and osprey prey on these trout when opportunity exists. This might be why the eagle was drying out. The bird may have attempted to catch a trout.

The float guide knew the waters well as we drifted south. We were all in constant state of alertness for various wildlife species. We wouldn’t be disappointed! In total we saw seven different bald eagles including one immature eagle of the year. the big birds seemed to tolerate us very well.

Pronghorn

Bald eagles

We continued on and suddenly we saw a young bull moose. What a thrill this was! Unfortunately, the vegetation did not allow for any quality photos. Fishermen, farther along, reported just seeing a cow elk, but she had disappeared.

Other bird species observed were Common Mergansers, a sandpiper and Canada geese. We saw a raccoon looking for food along the water’s edge. the ‘coon didn’t seem concerned our presence at all.

Bull Moose

A small heard of pronghorn antelopes were grazing in the lush grasses. They allowed several photos.

Immature Eagle

So, with seeing all of these varied species of wildlife with the majestic Grand Tetons contrasting the green pines how could we have asked for anything else!

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Larry A. Smail's Blog

Art, Music, Biblical, Wildlife and Nature

Archive for the ‘Wildlife’ Category

Birds!

Spring Can be Sensed

Some Hours With Bob

Presque Isle Adventure

Porcupine

Tagged Filled!

Some Pictures of the Morning!!!

The Badlands & Prarie Dogs (Out West 13)

Yellowstone!! (Out West 6)

Snake River Float (Out West 5)

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