Larry A. Smail's Blog

I have been on this Pennsylvania Game Commission property several times over the years, but this particular area I had not been on for a long time. The last, and only, time I hiked this section was at the time the Deer Tick explosion was in full swing.  I was calling turkeys in September and the birds were very vocal. I had my camera ready as I crouched between some limbs from a downfall. For whatever reason I glanced down to my pants and ticks were everywhere. I killed a few and decided to get the heck out of Dodge.  Ticks can ruin an otherwise enjoyable hike. In fact, I removed and destroyed about ten this morning, too. I hadn’t seen many at all over the hunting season last year.

I lucked out with watching a longboard gobbler with his harem of about eight hens. He wasn’t too concerned over my presence with so many admirers all around him.  They carefully went up the hill away from me and within moments they were all out-of-site.  I saw several deer, too.

Owl pellet

I kept my eyes towards the trees, as I walked, searching for a Great-Horned Owl’s nest. I found  one of his pellets. Hair and bones within the pellet told the story of some poor

Multiflora Rose

mammal being utilized as food. I did not see any nests. (Owl pellets consist of any hair, feathers and bone regurgitated by the owl. These are not digestible and discarded from the internal stomach of the owl. I have found complete mouse skulls on occasions.)

Much of the area had fairly open timber with visibility of over a hundred yards, however, once I got into an area with Multiflora Rose I began noticing ticks. Those pesky critters like to crawl out the stems and attach themselves to anything that brushes against the rose stalks. Theses plants are around the first to leaf out each spring.

There were some patches of another painful plant scattered throughout the walk.The Green Briar is a native plant to Pennsylvania. Those thorns can add much pain to a human calf or arm.

I circled around this property and eventually began a descent back towards my jeep. The walk was enjoyable and I was plea

Green Briar

Birch leaf illuminated by the early sun.

hen

Redbank Creek

Last week I was on the Redbank Valley Association’s trail to hike from the community of Climax, Pennsylvania to New Bethlehem. The day was to be sunny, but the temperature at dawn was below freezing for I could see ice build up on non-moving water.

Eagle nest

I was chilled initially for the sun had not risen over the tops of the hill hills to my right. However, it was bright enough to see. I kept a quickened pace to get the “blood flowing” as the old timers used to say. Laurie and I had walked a section of this area last spring, but this time I was determined to complete my goal.

Various birdlife was heard and viewed along the trail. Chickadees, Cardinals, Song Sparrows and Bluejays were common. Crows flew overhead at times as did a Red-Tailed hawk. I had hoped to see a Bald eagle foe a nest is visible to see to the observant. The big birds were not active this morning.

Old railroad ties

Canada geese were present at places with their honking “to scold me” racket. I did see a hand full of deer.

Beaver sign was spotted throughout the traveling. Some cuttings were old and some were fresh. Turkey, deer and coyote tracks were on the trail.

A lot of history remains can be seen along this trail,. Old coke ovens from the later twenty years or so of the eighteen hundreds are scattered around. they would refine the coal into a carbon for hotter burning. An old bridge over Long Run had some wash out issues and was roped off, but I crossed it anyway on the way back through. Old remnants of railroad ties could be seen here and there. They were in bad shape for the most part and covered with a thick carpet of moss. I walked through the old Climax Tunnel which recently had been repaired for public use again.

As I maneuvered along, especially on the return trip, the sun had come up and created some warmth. It was a beautiful morning to be out.

I haven’t been able to add photos the way I had traditional completed the task. I have discovered an different way so I am back in action again.

Bridge over Long Run just south of New Bethlehem.

Old coke ovens

Song Sparrow

Beaver cuttings

Climax Tunnel

Beautiful Pennsylvania

Last Friday and a clear day was being forecasted. I knew a walk was going to become reality. I prepared with the needed apparel for the temperature in Kittanning was a sultry 8 degrees early.

I realized rather quickly that the cold temperatures and the breezy conditions were creating a chill. I picked up my pace to get the “old blood” moving for warmth.

The wildlife must have “holed up” for I didn’t see much except for one deer and various small birds. I walked old common roads, trails and woodland areas. I looked up on occasion to search for Great-horned Owl nests. Finding their nests can be difficult, but if you do walk upon one they are often easily discerned. Nests can be quite large at times.

Porcupine quills

I did find an unusual subject. I noticed some black among the underbrush. Upon a closer look I was surprised to see a dead porcupine. Of course the wondering thoughts begin as to what killed the small creature.

Ruffed Grouse track in the frost

Another sight of rarity anymore were a series of grouse tracks.  I sure miss hearing those drumming Ruffed Grouse and their thundering wings.

An old snag.

Frost

Old hornet’s nest