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Outdoor Sightings

April 15, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Nice looking country

  I beautiful and pleasant day was on hand and some outdoor related events needed to be part of this day. I elected to visit State Lands 247 near Center Hill, Pennsylvania. The object was to enjoy a walk and see some critters.

I purposely drove in to the game lands via a different route. I figured I might see my friend Frank Maus along the way. I did! Unfortunately, I couldn’t chat long since I was located along some bad curves on the road. We bid a see ya and both went separate ways.

     My walk wasn’t long before I began hearing some gobbling turkeys. I decided I was hearing, at least, three birds. Later I saw a gobbler along a trail. The hike continued along until I heard another gobbler about 100 yards from me. I stepped among some brush and let out three soft yelps. Several gobbles later then silence. A few minutes on I could see the gobbler working towards me. I managed about six photos. Unfortunately, most were blurred some due to the bird’s movements and close vegetation that caused hazy images.

Turkey Vulture

Eight turkey vultures circled me for about 40 minutes this morning. I surmised they were hoping I would fall over to supply them with some fresh carrion. I fooled them by not succumbing to their desires. Several soared over me while at the house planting too. I wonder if they know something about me that should concern me.

Wild leek (Ramps)

  Other critters of the day included a grouse drumming on his log. I saw one deer; some geese; a pileated woodpecker; a fox squirrel and a grey squirrel. I found some wild leek. I think I may have started this planting of leeks many years ago by planting some seeds. I would carry seeds from my personal supply at home.

White-Throated Sparrow

   Another first for the season was the white throated sparrow. Quite a handsome little fellow.

Later, I stopped at a friend’s to ask permission to dig up a few white birch trees to replant at my home. We chatted a bit and an hour later I was planting trees among my landscaping.                                    

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Hike Around My Homestead

April 14, 2011 by larrysmailart

My step father, Bob and I went for a several mile hike this morning around the hills where I was raised in the Silvis Hollow area. The day was beautiful and we needed the exercise and why not combine the two for a great trek.

Bloodroot

   We walked along the road and turned and walked the length of what is known as Coffee Hollow. The return walk went in a different direction across fields and small woodlots. (Our feet became wet!) We saw a turkey at the field’s corner, but failed to get a positive look as to what sex the bird was.  I saw the first dandelion of the season along with two brown thrashers..

My mother watched Susie, my springer spaniel while we walked. Later I took Susie for a small walk just for some more exercise.

Hepatica

  A home, I walked the property examining the flower growth. I enjoy checking on the rapid growth each spring. Besides the non-native daffodils and hyacinths I have plenty of native flowers planted. I dig some up and transplant them to areas in the wilds where they are non-existent or rare due to past poor land practices by mankind.

Currently, I have hepatica and bloodroot blooming. The Dutchman’s breeches are about to bloom as are the Virginia Bluebells. Some trilliums are getting buds forming too.

I have been watching a hen turkey close to the house on two different occasions. Last year she raised a nice flock of turkeys. I would guess around 12-15 survived into adulthood.

I did see another hen and deer near my homestead while traveling .

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, My Family, Wildflowers | Leave a Comment »

Grace Christian School in West Kittanning

April 8, 2011 by larrysmailart

The Grace Christian School located in West Kittanning, Pennsylvania held an art event this day. Stacey Phillips, an art teacher, requested for me to bring in some art for several classes. I was happy to attend, after all the school is about  one mile from my home. We discussed several options. We decided I would demonstate drawing with the youngest classes. The two classes I demonstrated with consisted of kindergarten to 3rd grade and the second class covered 4th and 5th grades.

All students were given paper and pencils as I slowly drew a panda bear head in steps. I used the “circle method” to build up to this bear’s cartoonish face. These young ones enjoyed this very much as I walked around checking on their progress.

The second class actually continued on with their drawings. Several requested to me if they could do more to their drawings. I told them the art is their drawings. This, of course, brought about alien hats; sharp metal teeth and a hodge-podge of other interesting additions.

The third class were 6th and 7th graders. Panda bear heads would not be as fun so I showed some of the various steps I used on the Gettysburg painting called the “Wheat Field”.  They were very interested as they observed my rough sketches and notes and so forth. They enjoyed asking questions on this painting and the two other wildlife paintings I had brought along.

To learn more about the school check out: www.gracechristiankittanning.com

Posted in My Art, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Missions Night at Dayton

April 2, 2011 by larrysmailart

Dana Gould

Members of the Dayton United Methodist Church in Dayton, Pennsylvania annually travel to the Dominican Republic. Here they minister and build homes and churches for the poor populace.  These homes are unbelievable to the American way of living. The homes replaced often feature corrugated tin for walls and roof. Tin with many holes are the norm. Light and rain easily pass through them.

To see their annual videos of their efforts type in or click here: www.godtube.com .Once at that site type in “superparakletos”. Then look and click on Dominican Republic Mission trips. The scenes are very moving. You should be thankful we live in America!!!

This evening, a fund-rasing event was had to help raise cash for the 2012 trip.  The group features music, a turkey hunting seminar; gospel presentation; free spaghetti meal; drawings for door prizes and fellowship.

Shawn Kotchey

Shawn Kotchey (www.millcreekvalleygamecalls.com) presented the turkey hunting and call seminar. As always, Shawn supplies a wealth of information to the turkey hunters of the group.  To see his assortment of hunting supplies and calls visit his website .

Walt Marr

Walt Marr of Elderton, did a portrayal of Sgt. Marr of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Walt did this service in his usual flair in Christian messages. You can visit Walt’s site at:  www.waltmarr.com

Michael Coates on right and me

Musical entertainment for the evening was performed by Michael Coats and myself. We did an acoustic set featuring contemporary gospel music such as: Shout To The North; In Christ Alone and the moving song, It Is Well With My soul and a few other songs.

To learn more or donate contact: Dana Gould at 814-275-2299. To visit the Dayton United methodist Church website type in or click here at: www.dayton-umc.org

Great job with your mission work!

Posted in Music, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

“Wheatfield” Update

March 28, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Flag detail-Emmitsburg Road in distance

    The painting of the “Wheatfield” Civil War art is still far from completion. However, I have had some questions as to the progress at times. I took a few photos of just to give the reader an idea as to what has been accomplished thus far. This important  battle was fought at Gettysburg in 1863 during the difficult times of the Civil War. Many of the soldiers came from the Armstrong County, Pennsylvania area where I live.

Although, detail is beginning to take shape, many hours will be needed to complete to my satisfaction.  Much of the detail  will be in the form of insignia; details on hats and uniforms. the research has taken about as much time as the painting. I am learning much through books loaned to me from my friend, Bob “Slim” Bowser. Slim is a Civil War historian.

More work needed

   The photos included here were taken in natural light with a hand-held camera. Please, be advised the quality is not the best. I took the photos as a progress detail only.

I am hoping the painting to be 100% completed sometime this summer and, probably will be. However, there is a gobbler season between now and then..plus some other art I wish to work on… plus the music..and the …………………………

Lt. J. Truitt

Posted in Historical, My Art | Leave a Comment »

Rails To Trails Walk

March 26, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

The Allegheny River

  I spent over three hours painting on the “Wheatfield” painting and decided to get outside for a walk. Laurie stated she would like to go too. Of course, she didn’t wish to walk on wooded and hill conditions. She suggested to walk along the Rails To trails north of Kittanning, Pennsylvania. I told her to dress warmly since the air is always moving near the river, meaning wind chill in the twenty degree temperature.

Song Sparrow

  As suspected the air had a wintry chill. We traveled about 1 1/2 miles before she sucumbed to the cold air. Along the river wildlife was scarce. We did see some chickadees and several song sparrows. The chickadees were busy working a hollow tree planning their brood. The song sparrow announced its presence with a beautiful song, but locating him was difficult. Those birds love brush and thick areas.

      Several sycamore trees were loaded with their 2 inch seed pods. The ball-like seed podslooked much like Christmas ornaments

Sycamore seed pods

 

Chickadee

    I find walking without my Springer Spanial to be sad since her age and diabetes have slowed her done. She couldn’t have done a long walk easily. She becomes tired. I had her out last week for about one mile total and she did well. I wouldn’t want to push her much more.

Anyway, Laurie and I had a nice, bit breif walk.

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A Needed Hike

March 21, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Kittanning (looking north- early March)

   I was working on the “Wheatfield” Civil War painting and yardwork and many other items. A little hike was in need since the day was pleasant and rain was coming later. I chose to walk south of Kittanning, Pennsylvania along the Rails to Trails. The trek would continue up and over to a mile long wood lot. 

I saw about six or so walkers and one biker on the trail.  Also, I could easily observe that the river is still rather high, being slow to recede. I didn’t see any waterfowl on the waters this day. Of course, I always keep an eye for the white of an eagle’s head.

Early Dame's Rocket

   The green up of spring has been started for all of those willing to observe. The travels would locate a number of various flowers in their “rosette” stage of growth.  A rosette is a cluster of leaves of certain flowers visible at ground level. Often a dry stalk from last year may be present. The specie I saw this day were the common mullein, garlic mustard, teasel and Dame’s Rocket. I, also, saw lots of wild onion here and there.

The mullein, at this stage, has a very velvety gray-green set of leaves at ground level blooming in summer. The teasel is often used by dried flower arrangers. The blossom dries into a oval-shaped mass often spray painted and used for decorating.

The garlic mustard is an invasive plant seen in mass in early spring with white flowers. I have eradicated them at my landscaping by about 95%!

Teasel

    The “Teasel” is often used in dried flower arrangements. Arrangers will often spray paint them. Be careful when handling them for the dry flower has some  slight spikes.

    Wildlife was abundant this hike. I saw chipmunks; ground hogs (woodchucks); and plenty of bird life.                                                                                                           

Ground Hog

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“Critters”

March 21, 2011 by larrysmailart

  

Ring-necked ducks

     March is a great month for firsts.  This is a time when a number of “critters” reconvene back to good “ole” Pennsylvania to begin their annual courtship and mating cycles.  Although, a native, I noticed the first groundhog of the spring on March 7th. The little guy seemed slightly confused as it walked along a barren field of white. The snow was still a ground cover on that date. I guess the internal clock caused a stir and a time to see what is up at ground level. I have seen  several more since that date.

A true first of the year appeared for me on March 10th.  I heard that unmistakable call of the killdeer. That “misplaced plover” is a field bird , whereas most plovers are shore birds. The killdeer lays its eggs in sparse covered fields or barren areas.

    On March 16th, I needed to go to Dayton, Pennsylvania to meet a friend, Dana Gould,  and another gospel musician named Michael Coates. We are planning to do some gospel music at the Dayton United Methodist Church on April 2nd. I decided to go cross-country to see what wildlife would be available to observe. I took some horse photos too. I needed some reference detail for a painting.

   Turkeys! I saw a flock of about 20 birds in one area. Also, I saw a lone gobbler at about 200 yards. I could easily see his beard with the naked eye. At a water hole I saw a lot of geese and  about a dozen of a migrant known as te ring-necked duck. A handsome little duck! I saw the first red-winged blackbirds this day too.   

On March 18th while heading to a banquet of the Alamos Square at Frogtown I saw another flock of turkeys and a lone gobbler near Sherrett, PA. I heard my first spring peepers at dusk this day. I love to hear that little tree frog. My dad would always make sure I was aware of them as a young boy. They would be at a nearby pond.

  I would see a small flock of gobblers near Kittanning. This area is an annual siting place. I saw several great-blue herons this week and some squirrels too.We had some wonderfully pleasent weather as of recent. This allowed for some much needed yard work to be completed.    

Coltsfoot

Also, I have noticed the first coltsfoot flowers peeking out. Those yellow blossoms brighten the drab-colored forest floor.

Posted in Wildflowers, Wildlife | 1 Comment »

Allegheny River Backwater

March 15, 2011 by larrysmailart

    Boy, the time has flown past since my last blog. This is not because I was not involved in things. I just haven’t been active with my site. I have been playing  quite a bit of music. I played five times in seven days last week.  I have been doing some yard work too.

High water

   Today, however, I needed to drop the car off for inspection. I loaded up my walking stick (The Tost Stick was mentioned in a previous blog.) and started walking the railroad tracks on the west side of the Allegheny River.  The river has been high for weeks now due to snow melt-off and lots of rain.

Wood ducks

  The walk began walking the railroad tracks. The high water bordered the tracks and plenty  of waterfowl were present. I saw lots of geese and mallards. I saw one scaup, some mergansers and some wood ducks.

I didn’t go far when I decided to scale the steep embankment and walk parallel to the river. The steep river hills are always a challenge. To add more of a feat I would have to find passage across several steep hollows where beautiful spring-fed streams rushed over rocks towards their river destination.

View from the rocks!

   I climbed higher upslope when I noticed a rock outcrop extending out from the hill-side. My boyhood mentality overtook my maturity (A-hem) forcing a further climb to stand on those rocks to peer the valley and river. I wondered how many native hunters and /or warriors may have stood at this exact site to view the same area.

Beaver gnaw marks on oak

   Eventually, on this hike,  I needed to drop backdown  to the railroad tracks. That destination yielded one problem. Those tracks were cut out of the hill so few places were available to descend with ease. I ended-up using the walking stick as a third leg and carefully worked among rocks and trees to the tracks and my trek back towards West Kittanning.

Muskrat

 I saw plenty of waterfowl, one fox squirrel and a muskrat. Of course, there were plenty of various usual small birds here and there.

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildlife | 2 Comments »

Walkabouts

February 22, 2011 by larrysmailart

   I have been behind with some of my adventures. Last Friday, February 18th, I gathered myself up and headed for State Game Lands 247 between Skinall and Center Hill, Pennsylvania.  The day was very springlike with warming temperatures and plenty of birds-a-singin’.

I noticed a quick scurry among some downed-limbs when I saw the form of a chipmunk. This was the first sighting in a while. I later saw a couple at the house rushing to duck under my deck. Laurie and I enjoy watching them over the summer.

Turkey Tracks

    On northern and protected areas, some snow was still present. Here at one of these sites I noticed fairly fresh turkey tracks. I couldn’t say for sure if the birds left upon my approach or had been feeding earlier in the morning. I saw two deer too.

I saw a couple of firsts for the year this day. I saw three turkey vultures and some grackles. usually their announcements to the year in this area are around mid-March.

I found a dead 6-point buck and a mole. Questions began filling my mind as to the probable scenarios to their demise.

**************************************************************************

Top of Pine Hill Road

   February 21st, President’s Day, witnessed another heavy snow in our area. The following morning a total of 10-11 inches of snow could be viewed on my deck and yard and driveway and roof!!! Laurie suggested a walk during the night hours during the snow. I quickly agreed and off we went walking about in the West Kittanning area. The falling snow made for some beautiful sights. Unfortunately, the winds were blowing steadily causing some chilled cheeks.  The following morning forced several hours plowing and shoveling the heavy accumulation. Regardless, this day brought out the warming sunshine and the cleared areas quickly began to melt. Spring is near!                                                                                     

Interesting photo

   The following morning, however, would bring a beautiful winter wonderland.

Female House Sparrow

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature | 2 Comments »

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