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Archive for the ‘Wildlife’ Category

I’VE BEEN WALKING

Posted in Hikes, Music, Wildlife on September 22, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I have been walking some. However, I have been lazy in regards to this site. While walking about I have seen deer; turkeys; squirrels and many species of flowers and bird life.

 

White Snakeroot

Bob and I have walked  a couple of miles at my homestead. In fact, we have done this rural road walk twice in recent weeks. As we walked along this road I noticed what appeared to be a turkey wing in the ditch. It was! Apparently, the turkey was a road kill. Upon inspection of the remains I was surprised to see one inch spurs. Immediately, I thought I need to get these legs for my friend, Kip Feroce. He would make back scratchers from them. Unfortunately, when I returned to remove the legs some critter must have relocated the remains far away.                                                                                                                          

Another hike I did consisted of walking a rural road that one can  easily make a circle instead of backtracking. I am guessing th e entire walk to be , at least, 4 miles around.  I did, however, walk off the road to pass through the lower area of a local state game lands. Here I was blessed to see a march hawk  flying through the fog. These hawks tend to fly low often hovering in one spot watching for movement of a mouse.

Marsh Hawk

   Last evening, while planning to visit the land owner, I first went for a mile long walk to see if any turkeys were in a field searching for grasshoppers. I did see a buck in the field. Later, I would see about 15 turkeys within feet of another of the landowners building.  Later, I saw another buck and six does. Another two deer were viewed while traveling home before dark.

Today, I spent working on some art. I haven’t been painting lately and the rainy day helped inspire me to paint. I have been putting lots of hours working with a digital recorder and , I am , pleased to say I have completed the twelve songs. I have actually placed the songs onto a CD!  This has been a time-consuming venture, but I have learned a lot. I , literally have hundreds of hours involved with studying the manual; retyping the  instructions into a computer and making a guideline to ease my study. Most songs have, at least, seven different tracks of music!

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LIVING TREASURES

Posted in My Family, Wildlife on September 12, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Prairie Dog

The weather was looking good when we decided to go and visit the Living Treasures along U.S. 422 towards New Castle, Pennsylvania. Living Treasures is a zoo-like site where individuals can walk about observing many species of animals and bird life. The site even has a small-scale aviary where one can walk about with the birds.    

Laurie, has always enjoyed visiting such places where feeding and petting many of the animals is permitted. Today was no different. We purchased some animal feed and raw baby carrots and off she went happily feeding!

Many of the animals present are exotic, that is coming from other countries. There are monkeys; Crowned Cranes; African lions; leopards (which we were blessed to see one of the new babies.); camels; tigers; McCaws; tortoises… me, however, I enjoy American species much more. Some of these included flamingoes; alligators (At least 36) lynx; otters; turkeys; some various waterfowl species; painted turtles; caribou…They had , both kangaroos and wallabies present. We saw several mothers with babies in their pouches!

Painted Turtle

  One thing that happened while we were there was very laughable to us. It seems a little boy ran ahead of his mother only to stop at a machine where animal feed can be obtained. Some species were only allowed Cherrios. This little lad was busy reaching about the containment area of this machine eating heartedly the Cheerios laying about! The young mother reached him gouging her index finger into his little mouth to remove as much as possible. Hilarious to watch!       

Afterwards, we stopped at my ex-in laws for a brief visit to pick up a gun ticket. Then off for an early supper. Later, my friend Joe Wagner stopped in to collect various flowers from my stock. His church in Chicora, Pennsylvania is needing many flowers for a planting project.

  The rest of the evening was spent in rest. This aging body enjoys rest! Hope you enjoy the few photos. 

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Nicholson Run Walk

Posted in Hikes, Wildflowers, Wildlife on August 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Silvery water spots on milkweed leaf.

This walk wasn’t a planned excursion in any sense. This walk came to be because of an instance that happened in the pre-dawn hours. I guess I should explain. I had Susie out for a nature call when, suddenly and without warning, a severe coughing and choking event overcame me.  These spells are not unheard of in regards to my health, but they are not usually this bad. I actually dropped to the yard and had a burning discomfort to my arms and legs. I am assuming this is because of a lack of oxygen. I have had these sensations before too, but usually after a difficult sneeze.

Catbird

I remember securing Susie’s leash for fear if I passed out she would be wondering towards the road since she is blind. In a couple of minutes the event was over except for a slight burning in my right arm and extreme fatigue. I went to my “man cave” to recoup. To use a saying of my dads; this “knocked the wind out of my sail”!

Ironweed

I laid down and awoke about 7:15 and gave Susie her insulin. I felt weak, but I decided to go for a walk and get some fresh air…hence, Nicholson Run. I parked and forced myself to walk the road  parallel to the small stream. I literally mean that I forced myself for physically I was tired. Eventually, I received a second wind and the walk became more enjoyable.

Joe-Pye

The road is about 3 miles in length, so I am guessing so I walked approximately 6 miles,  give or take. The later summer flowers are in abundance. I found lots of woodland sunflowers blooming with their brilliant yellow petals. Also, the yellow-colored, green-headed coneflower could be viewed. The deep purple of ironweed contrasted the yellows, as well as, the pinkish joe-pye. I have joe-pye at my home reaching over 8 feet in height. As one would expect, the bees and butterflies were prevalent.

  Birds were common today around the flowers. I saw goldfinches; catbirds and various other species. I saw 4 deer in total. One was a doe with fawns.

Nicholson Run isn’t a very big stream. A local sportsman’s club stock trout in it for a youth fishing day. The vegetation is thick along the borders so for most of the walk the stream was unseen. I did, however, notice a few small beaver dams. I had watched beavers on this stream many years ago when the mammal was first making a strong comeback in the area.

green-headed coneflower

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Walk Along The River

Posted in Wildflowers, Wildlife on July 25, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Cardinal Flower

Frank “MUSKIE” Maus

I elected to go to the Armstrong County Historical Society museum very early to add a few items for the Native American Room there.The temperatures were to become hot so I decided to allow time to walk along the Allegheny River. One never knows what one might find along the banks.

The vegetation, of course, was dew-laden at this early hour. I was seeking anything of interest to take photos of too. Wildflowers flourish along the water sources.

 

Citizen’s Bridge at Kittanning, PA

I had not traveled far when a fishing boat was viewed travelling north on the western side of the river. I though I recognized the boat and soon definitely noticed the operator of the craft. It was my friend, Frank, “MUSKIE” Maus on his daily quest for the elusive fish the muskellunge. He didn’t notice me as he turned to his right and moved to about 60 yards from the shore. I hollered over to throw the lure, pointing to my left, over there for that is where the big ones are! I heard the familiar laugh. We chatted a while before I drifted south along the shore.

Pickerel Flower

One of my favorite summer flowers of areas near water sources is the cardinal-flower. The brilliant red colors stand out in dominance over the greens. I, also, noticed some pickerel flowers growing in the shallow water. This flower seems to be rather scarce in my travels.

I was fortunate to see some mallards;  a great blue heron; a groundhog and a couple ofrabbits throughout the short venture.

Groundhog

 

 

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Memories, Trout Fishing, Gobblers and Bikes

Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildflowers, Wildlife on April 20, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I love rural roads!

I, once again, headed for Cherry Run to enjoy

Cherry Run

some   quality time with nature. I elected to fish a mile long section of Cherry Run that isn’t stocked with trout.  This decision was made for a couple of reasons. I have many memories of this section as a boy.  My great Uncle Charly Yount and Great Aunt Hazel owned a small farm here. I have memories that I cherish. Oh, how I wish I could spend a day with these two… the salt of the earth!       

A corn field stood here many years ago. Today small trees  cover the field. We would come here for great home-cooked meals. I helped butcher chickens here. My dad and I gathered ice along the creek to make home-made ice cream. These two wonderful people died around 1975. Like I said, I sure would love top spend a day with them again!!

Jake

I fished this section as a boy enjoying many hours catching chubs and a few trout. Today, I cast a line into this section maybe eight times. The water was clear and low. I could see no trout, but seriously I just wanted to walk along and remember. I returned to my vehicle by walking higher up the hill through the woods again searching my thoughts.

Dwarf Ginseng

I drove south and parked again. here I could see a couple of brown trout. I caught both and released them. One, however, went belly up so I retreived it and dropped the fish off at my relatives for consumption.

  The weather was rapidly warming as I walked about the steep hill destined for stripping  for coal. I dug up some Hepitica; ferns and Sweet William to replant at home.

Wood Turtle

I managed to see some critters today too! I saw mockingbirds, 1 deer;  a red fox; Wood Turtle (Commonly known as a Land Turtle locally.) three groups of turkeys; squirrels;  pileated woodpecker;  towhees; mallards; wood ducks; geese and many small birds.

Old stone foundation.

As the evening approached I spent two hours riding bike on the Rails To trails from Kittanning, Pennsylvania to Rosston.

Slug

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Loving Nature

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildflowers, Wildlife on April 18, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Hen turkey

I didn’t sleep well! Suzie, my 14-year-old springer, needed to go for nature calls twice. Laurie had forgotten to turn her cell off and, for some reason, she had two texts. of course I was wakened both times. (One text was a sale ad and the other was a wrong number!) Unfortunately, when awakened, I have difficulties falling back asleep. This night was no different.

Golden ragwort

Chickadee

Although, I wasn’t very lively, I decided to either fish or hike. The walk took priority. I elected to return to my beloved Cherry Run area to inspect the timbering project and future stripping sites. I walked along Chery Run wich is an approved trout stream. I noticed a few trout left over from the April 14th opener.  I could hear the shrill din of mating toads in a local wetlands too. Always a joy for me, is the sight of spring wildflowers. Today would not be disappointing.

Brown trout

The three or four mile hike covered steep hill, fields and timbering sites. I heard three different gobblers gobbling during the mid-morning hours. I watched a hen walking about unconcerned over my presence. A nest was, no doubt, close.

I could hear a drumming grouse as I approached the summit of one hill. I almost was able to see him on his drumming log prior to the flight.  A few steps farther and the white dancing tail of a deer was viewed through the woodlands.  A hundred yards farther and I witnessed a male sharp-shinned hawk perched on a low tree. I almost was able to get a photo… almost! I saw a mockingbird and a red fox in a field. The fox was carrying something.  I saw a gobbler in a field too.

Red Fox

Pete and Donnie

Eventually, I climbed down the hill to walk a secondary road heading towards the Cherry Run Gun, Rod and Reel Club where I was parked and a member. I was within sight of my vehicle and could see my cousin, Donnie Smail fishing. At that time, another friend drove past and chatted. Our plan was to stand on the bridge and toss rocks near Donnie. Donnie, apparently, smelled mischief and quit fishing. We spent an hour talking and carrying on some!

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Last week, on April 12, my step father, Bob and I went for a couple of mile hike. We heard two gobblers and later watched two strutting longbeards with hens. Towards evening, I visited a new acquaintance for a walk. We saw two hens and two deer. While heading home, I saw a small flock of turkeys on the back side of a hill near my  homestead again.

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Permethrin..(A Preliminary Test)

Posted in Hikes, Wildlife on March 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Foggy at SGL 247

My hike today was for many reasons. I wanted to enjoy the beautiful spring weather; get some exercise; look and listen for wildlife; photos and to perform a test. As you know, the deer tick issue has become a major problem in Pennsylvania. I love being outdoors, but removing and eliminating 30, 40 to over 60 ticks from my clothes (and sometimes embedded ones on my body) is proving to be a deterrent. I just sent away for a product with permethrin as an ingredient. This material is produced from crushed chrysanthemums. The reviews of the product were very good so I decided to give it a try.   

Last year's Teasel

You can not use this as most other bug sprays. You need to spray your clothes prior (at least two hours in advance)to the hike or hunt. The test of this morning proved to be successful for the most part. However, I walked about State Game Lands 247 as I would have done BT. (Before Ticks) The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s food plots were not very high yet. Vegetation averaged from 3 inches to one foot. A few areas had higher grasses and dead goldenrod. I removed and killed one tick from my pants. BUT, I have had ticks on me in similiar circumstances here!

More time afield will be needed to totally convince me, but things are looking good!

Ring-neck Rooster

The morning produced a fog that was quickly dissipated once the sun’s heat reached a certain temperature. I heard, at least, four different roosters and saw at least four different ring-necks. I took about 10 photos of these beautiful birds. I heard a hen turkey and a gobbler off and on throughout the morning.Later I would see a different gobbler among the heavy plant life.

Mallards

I, also, saw a doe and her two fawns from last year. I saw a mallard hen in a field. I approached her and two ducks flew from the field. I have no idea as to why they were so far from water. Many small birds could be viewed darting among the multiflora roses.     

I was scolded by a Canada Goose along a game lands pond. I knew a nest had to be somewhere at the pond’s edge.

The two-hour hike was enjoyable, but the temperatures were getting warm by 9:30. I will add more information on this product as time goes on.

Foxtail

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Spring-like Morning Adventures

Posted in Uncategorized, Wildlife on February 28, 2012| Leave a Comment »

    

Abby!

  Another day looking more like late March than late February. I needed to get outside and do some nature snooping and shooting. Yesterday, another day of spring found me being domesticated. I had some chores such as changing oil and filters in the cars; raking; washing cars….                                                                                   

Mergansers

   I was to visit a friend sometime around 10:30 to do some shooting. However, after running a few errands, I elected to stop at the mouth of Cowanshannock Creek and the Allegheny River. One never knows what one might see along these waterways.

I was looking about when quacking sounds could be heard towards my left. Common or American Mergansers!The waterfowl were exiting the Cowanshannock Creek and entering the Allegheny. The eight birds were about 40 yards from me and not overly concerned over my presense.I managed a number of photos prior to their flight across the river’s width.

Larry

I drove up the hill of my friend’s driveway. I was happy to see Larry Delaney and later the exuberant excitement of his dog. Abby is still a three-year old puppy at heart!The three of us walked around the woods with Abby running all about searching for chipmunks!         

A third, and new, friend named Ruger was with us too. We used a man-sized target to experiment with the shooting ranges and laser sight. I did better than I expected since I seldom shoot revolvers as I once enjoyed. I shot from about 25 feet to as close as three steps. The close range  shots was actually shooting from the hip. Needless to say many shots would have been  fatal if a real-life scenario would be happening.

Larry and I had some good conversation as our morning evolved. I wish to thank him for his hospitality.

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Great Day Afield

Posted in Fall Turkey Hunting, Wildlife on October 31, 2011| Leave a Comment »

     I was hoping to get my step-father, Bob in place for a fall turkey this day. One obstacle we encountered early was the left over snow from Saturday. The remaining snow patches were iced and very crunchy. We tried to stay in the areas melted off when possible. I stopped higher on the hill to listen because of the noise. Within a short time I heard something walking when a buck walked by at about 18 yards. I believe it was a 6-point. 

As dawn lightened the area we proceeded farther down. I heard a little bit of turkey talk and moved in for a break. Apparently I failed for Bob and I set and called for over an hour and did not hear any lost turkey calling. However, we saw two more small buck. I took over 30 photos of the one with most photos being acceptable.          

Big problem was keeping glass fog-free

Small buck

Later we began searching for other turks when I saw one sneaking out ahead. I circled and saw more. I tried for a break and one bird broke away. Later I called this bird in but Bob’s movement while trying to manuever the shotgun spooked the turkey. We remained for a while when a buck was observed coming through the trees. This buck came within 10 yards of us. He was a legal eight point. I didn’t have my camera out of the case due to falling snow from the limbs. The buck when upon us yielded some sad information. He was blind in his left eye. I went for the camera and managed a few shots but the best opportunities had been lost!                          

     We quit hunting a little after 1:00.  I came home and did some yard work. All in all, we saw about 12 turkeys; some squirrels; 4 buck and some doe. We are planning a Wednesday hunt. I removed over 40 ticks again this day. I placed them in a container with Chlorox. However, one was later found beginning to dig into my back after I was home. He, like the others didn’t survive.

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Another Fine Autumn Day

Posted in Early Flintlock, Wildlife on October 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

     Bob and I walked up the hill in the pre-dawn grays. Recent rains had ceased but the cloud cover still darkened the sky. This changed as the sun came through around midmorning.

Bob, using a .44 magnum elected to watch a field until about 9:30 when he had to leave. He saw 5 deer. My smoothbore “Jeremiah” and I still hadn’t prioritized a desire to connect on a deer. Turkeys and photos were more important.

I listened for turkeys and was blessed to hear a Screech Owl and a Barred Owl too. Always enjoy their eerie wavering call. I had seen various deer by noon including two different buck. Around 11:00 I noticed a deer in the multiflora rose and autumn olive patches. I under estimated the range by, at least, twenty yards.  The deer was about 75 yards. I try to limit my shots with the smoothbore .62 caliber flintlock to 40 yards or less. Anyway, I missed! I spent an hour zigzagging around to ensure my hopes of a miss.      

Small buck at 5 yards

  I crossed a road where I saw other deer including a nicer white-racked buck and turkeys. However, the highlight of the day was while sneaking through a timbered area. I saw a black mass about 40 yards away and knew I was seeing a bear in its bed.  Shortly, the bear caught my scent and got up and soon began walking away. I couldn’t get a photo through the dense brush.

I was debating leaving for the day close to 5:00 was the time and I was tired and hungry. Within sight of my vehicle I could see a feeding deer. The stalk began. I passed up a couple of 50 yard shots waiting for a better one. The one deer became three. When I was about 40 yards from them a fourth deer spotted me and reacted. I hurried a shot from an uncomfortable position and after much searching realized a miss was indeed.                                                            

Groundhog

     I again, began heading towards the vehicle when a deer  stepped out in front of me. I cocked the hammer and lowered the gun. I was chancing this 50 yards shot the way the shooting was going for me this day. The deer back tracked and my exit continued.  Suddenly, that same deer was spotted about 35 yards away in the goldenrods. I instinctively raised and fired. the deer dropped immediately.

I had the deer home and skinned before 7:30. This deer will become steak and burger.

I saw the first juncos (commonly called the snowbirds) this day. Many robins were enjoying eating the grapes and dogwood berries.

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