Bobolink chorus

Every morning when I get up, I can hear the robotic sound of the Bobolinks in the vast pasture across the road. This photo, taken by Brian Small shows you the interesting "top-knot" on the male Bobolink's head. Seriously, the sound he makes is very much like "R2-D2" of the "Star Wars" movies.

I have seen so many neat creatures lately, unfortunately I have either not had the camera with me, or the batteries have gone dead! But I can surely describe all that I have seen. First, the neighbors Guinea Hens continue to bring their wild Turkey friends to my bird feeder. The Guineas seem to guard my back deck as if it belongs to them.

On my way to work last week I had occasion to see a litter of baby Woodchucks! That's right, three of them were next to the road near the Surry/ Walpole line. I turned the truck around and went to take a closer look. The den is under the pavement! The little Woodchucks were scurrying around in the tall grass, occasionally running up into a small enclosed field where a pair of Oxen where standing. The Woodchucks were no bigger than Guinea Pigs, in fact that's exactly what they looked like. As I watched them, a nervous elderly lady made a lap around her house, keeping a watchful eye on ME. I had to chuckle.

Further down the road, I happened to glance to my left as a flash of tawny brown upon lush green caught my eye. I saw a doe, and the smallest fawn standing there in the grass. The fawn looked so fragile, no bigger than my biggest cat! I just gasped, and thanked God for putting me there at the right moment.

What else? Yesterday while kayaking/fishing on Granite Lake, I watched a Bald Eagle soaring over the water. I hadn't ever seen a Bald Eagle there before, though I know they have nested in nearby Hancock in the past. He knew as did I, that the fishing was bad. Despite the lack of good sized lunkers, I did catch a good sunburn! After a while I paddled to shore, and hopped on my mountain bike. I pedalled up and over Twin Hill to Stoddard, via the M-S Greenway trail, then back to the lake via Rte 9. A nice long ride for a hot day. I didn't see any creatures along the way unfortunately.

As I was packing up my boat, and my bike to head back home, I saw a good sized snake slithering along the beach in front of the camp. The snake was at the water's edge, staying in the water as he went. I went closer to check him out. It was not a Garter snake, so I was thrilled to see a snake I don't usually see. He spotted me and darted into deeper water. The snake popped out further down the shoreline. I was able to get close enough to identify him as a Milk Snake. Beautiful with rusty colored diamond patterns on its back. He was probably nearly three feet long.

Grosbeak Heaven

This afternoon while I was working at my computer, I glanced up at my bird feeder occasionally. I thought it neat that a female Downy Woodpecker and a male Grackle came to the feeder, but then..... Several male and female, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, including a male in his first spring colors. Then Evening Grosbeaks, and then to my great surprise, this Blue Grosbeak! I had never seen one before. I always keep the camera at hand, so I snapped this picture. Before I posted it, I had to run it past my birding teacher from Antioch, just to make sure I was right. Meade Cadot confirmed that this bird was an adult male Blue Grosbeak. He also said that Blue Grosbeak will stop at feeders when they first arrive after their migration. I was thrilled.

Ovenbird Nest

This picture is my interpretation of the Ovenbird nest I saw last week with my friend, Robin. It looks like the bird finds a spot in the leaf litter, then begins pushing the litter up with its bill. He keeps pushing the material up until he can fit inside. Amazingly the litter with pine needles remains standing straight up, as long as nothing, and no one steps on it. So if you're out in the woods, and hear the telltale "teacher, teacher, teacher..." look around on the ground for a small mound like structure of pine needles and sticks. The nest we found had an oak leaf over the opening, kind of like a "screen door".

Birding 101

This morning I went birding with my friend Robin. It's purely coincidental that her namesake is a bird. Robin is a very accomplished birder, so I was sure to see every kind of warbler possible. We saw 27 species of birds! We made a good team, as she recognized the bird songs, I located the birds. I was delighted to see a Parula Warbler, a Scarlet Tanager, and an Indigo Bunting. We also so saw Yellow-Rumped, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, and Black and White Warblers, Common Yellow-throat too. Robin showed me an Ovenbird nest which was on the ground in tree litter. She just happened upon it herself while out birding. I will have to draw a picture of it, because the photo I took really doesn't do it justice. We found an Oriole pair, busily creating their nest in a Maple sapling of all things. Usually they prefer Willows. This pair chose to make their nest relatively low, compared to the typically high placed nests in Willow trees. The photo is of the nest in progress.

Pinheads and Bearded Hen Turkeys

Another glorious spring day, and perfect for mountain biking. After I mowed my dust bowl, I hopped on my mountain bike and headed for Mine Ledge Rd.(north), then to London Rd. in Westermoreland. I located a rarely used trail that I know of. The trail travels westerly, toward a place locally known as "Windgate". In 2004, a conservation area was established there in memory of Phillip Faulkner, Jr. The trail is dotted with several cellar holes, and the ever present stone walls. I know of at least two "pinheads" out there. Pinheads are mounds of stone piles. The one in the background, was painstakingly piled to perfection. Whoever put the granite squares there knew just how to pile them, so they wouldn't topple. I found another, not pictured that was more deteriorated, and constructed of round stones like you would find in a stream bed. If you "double-click" on the photos, you can get a closer look.

The turkey photo comes to me compliments of a friend in Westmoreland. He is lucky enough to have not one, but two hens frequenting his yard. The interesting thing about these turkey hens is, that they have beards. Although not unheard of, a little rare, and unfortunately for these girls, makes them fair game for hunters. Tom turkeys are easily recognized by their longer beards, and colorful combs. Additionally, they have a beautiful display of tail feathers while courting. Bruce tells me this hen's beard was at least two inches long. Perhaps an androgenous turkey hen? :-) I would be curious to see her offspring, and how they develop.

Endless Falls

After having enough of house chores, I decided to explore a falls I noticed the other day. I was walking my bike up Joslin Rd. in Surry. I saw a beautiful falls to the west, but I had to press on because of time constraints. I returned there today. WOW! I went to the first falls, only to find yet another upslope. I walked up to that falls, and then another, and another. Each falls more impressive than the first. The ravine grew deeper and deeper. Lush with mosses and ferns. If you didn't know better, you might think you were in a rainforest. Just spectacular really.

I came upon a winter deer kill. All that was left was a huge spread of deer fur and shattered bone.
It was easy to find bone shards because they were so white against the brown leaves. The deer path was nearby. The path was well worn, and traversed the steepest parts of the ravine. These deer certainly have no fear of heights.

I found an old engine in the bed of the brook. I could only imagine how long it had been there. It was not of this era, very large, with huge pistons. I continued along hoping to find the headwaters of this beautiful place. I emerged in a pasture at the foot of a huge hill. At the top of the hill, Merriam Rd. intersects with Joslin Rd. in Surry. I found a deer stand, one of those that you can climb the tree with. I noticed a strange plastic bag hanging from a branch next to the stand. The liquid was a translucent red color, and I could only imagine what it might be. GROSS! Guys have some strange routines when it comes to using the ole deer stand.

Just a bit further and I found a snowmobile trail. This trail is accessible from the Old Walpole Rd. or from the Pond Rd. in Surry. Perhaps I'll return with my mountain bike and ride that trail. All in all a nice short hike, with beautiful waterfalls all the way. Some tricky bouldering. But if you wear rubber soled shoes, and aren't afraid of heights, it's worth the climb. Heavy hiking boots are too stiff I learned. I'll post more pictures of the falls later. I took many!

Turkey Dance

Just a while ago, I was witness to something really neat! I was pushing my vacuum around, when I noticed something up on the hill across the road. I grabbed my binoculars, and the show began.
First, I noticed a hen Turkey moving quickly across the slope. I looked around for whatever might be frightening her. I didn't see anything for several moments. Then in all his glory, Tom Turkey sauntering, if a Turkey can saunter up over the crest of the hill. Every now and then, he would spread is beautiful tail feathers out in huge fan. His comb was brilliant red. The tom seemed to be in no particular hurry really. But then, there was a second tom! A brief battle of turkey claws ensued. One jumping up feet first at the other. The hen taking this opportunity to escape, stage left. The confrontation moved over the hill, where I could no longer see. So I grabbed my binoculars, and my camera and made my way up the hill.

I hoped I could count on the toms being too caught up in their tussle to move quickly away. It took me several moments to climb up the hill. When I got to the top, of course the three turkeys were no where in sight. But.....I know how much they enjoy scratching in the leaves on the wooded side of the hill. I made my way over there, and began calling. It wasn't long before I heard movement in the leaves. The hen, and one tom came to within about one hundred yards before they realized I wasn't another Turkey. Unfortunately with the brush, and limited focusing capability, I couldn't get a good picture of them. Perhaps I will draw what I had seen earlier. These wild encounters are rare and cherished in these Walpole hills. AAAYYYYYAAA!

PS. the photos I took while looking for the Turkeys - Smooth Shad A. bartramiana, and Bluets H. caerulea , respectively

Blooms of spring

Rather than my usually three mile "jog", I went for a hike up back yonder, over Sheep Hill(SE) to the Rapids Rd. Rapids Rd. is a class 6 road used by hunters, snowmobiles, and wilderness wanderers like myself. I always find things to look at when I'm wandering. Today was no different. I love the spring blooms, which include the Flowering Dogwood(Viburnum acerifolium) top, and the Trillium(Trillium sessile). The dogwoods are oriental-like with their flat clusters of white flowers, and sparse green mapleleaf shaped leaves. One of these days I'll paint them in water color. I noticed the Star Flowers were aching to open up too. Star Flowers are yellow and grow in moist forest soil. The Stiff Moss was brilliant green, and many ferns were unfurling.

I didn't spy any creatures on this trip, then again I was moving right along. I have noticed more Porcupines lately, and I'm told it's because there is a shortage of Fishers! Fishers love to eat Porcupines, so now the Porkies are flourishing. Watch your outhouses! Porcupines love to munch on plywood walls!

A funny for ya

So I noticed this morning that gas is now at $3.54/gal. for unleaded at the Citgo on West St. I'm thinking, Ok, so I can buy a little more than six gallons this week, and keep my gas spending at just a little over $21.00. Ouch! I don't think that's gonna even make a quarter of a tank. I have been riding my motorcycle to work, but now we're having rain. I don't do riding in the rain. Bummer all the way around.

They're Back!

The New Hampshire state bird....nope, not the Purple Finch. The Black Fly!

I was out in my yard doing some raking yesterday. Something about stirring up the leaves, seems to bring em out. They were just flying around my head. I don't think they are actually biting right now, but it won't be long.

The Walk to Troy

On Saturday, I joined a small group of walkers for a stroll. The walk began at the Stone arch bridge which spans the Branch River in Keene. We headed south along the old Boston railroad bed for about 8 miles, ending our journey at the restored Troy Depot. The walk was well attended with eight walkers, and a toy poodle named "Sophie". Sophie kept the pace with no problem. She was decorated with a pink, rhinestone embellished collar. The lovely rhinestones spelling out her name.

Along the way we examined old remnants of the railroad that was once a popular ride to Boston. My grandmother used to tell tale of how she and her friends would ride from Keene to Boston for a day of shopping! I think it would be nice, and more economical to have that opportunity once more. We found concrete posts with the letter "B" painted on them. Beneath the "B" which stands for Boston, we found the number "88", which signifies the number of miles to Boston. Four of us found the large nails used to attach the rails to the ties. The rails and ties have long since been uprooted. We found piles of ties scattered along the way. As we made our way through ledgy granite, we couldn't help but feel like we were in another world. The granite cliffs were dripping with spring melt, and covered with green moss. It looked like a rain forest. The temperature there was markedly cooler, and refreshing as the day was very warm.

We stopped briefly to picnic, before completing the last two or so miles. I heard stories of hiking in Tuscany, and being robbed in Spain. One man told me about his youth, growing up in Switzerland and all the great hiking there. Yes, this was a diverse group with many neat tales.

There are several more walks planned for the coming Saturdays. Though I will miss the next hike, I will definitely plan to attend the others! A fun group, and a glorious day for a walk.

Far Hills

I had a chance to take a mountain bike ride the other day. I make a point of staying on the drier trails this time of year, to keep my impact on the land at a minimum. I usually enjoy alittle bushwhacking while I explore uncovered paths. It's neat to wandered off a logging road to follow a well-worn deer trail. I found several sizable vernal pools complete with chirping frogs.

I rode around the edges of a couple large hay fields, and saw a lone deer who had seen me long before I saw him. He stood very still for a long time, then quietly bounced away, tail in the air. I took this photo facing the Vermont ski areas. You can still see the snow covered ski runs. What a great view, and so peaceful. In the distance I heard a Barred Owl calling. Perfect.

Me & Jack the Dane

First I have to tell you that I was mistaken about the absence of "Spring Peepers" in Walpole. I went for a bike ride last evening around 5 p.m. I was delighted to hear two different frogs along Mill Rd. I noticed that in some places, there was still some ice on the vernal pools, but the frogs were active. In pools where there was no ice left, different frogs were active. Their songs were more shrill, and found at the pond near the Hooper Institute.

Today I worked at Monadnock Humane Society, taking care of my boarding charges; Jack, Kuchen, Greta and Rascal. Kuchen went home in the morning, full of energy, and so excited to see her master. Greta and Jack are Great Danes, each belonging to a different person. I tried to get a picture of me and Jack, so you could get a sense of his largesse. What a big baby he is. He loves to play, and bound around. Most of all, he likes to lean into you, and coax a good long scratch on his rump. Greta is a smaller Dane, and not easy to warm up to. But Greta is also a sap, who enjoys rump scratches, so I'm happy to oblige. Rascal is a pitbull mix, and he's with us for a month. He was really timid at first, but now has settled in just fine. He also likes the rump scratch!

A breath of spring

The weatherman called for rain all weekend. But what a wonderful surprise! Temperatures in the upper 60's, and partly sunny. I'll take it. I pushed the last big chunk of ice off my deck, broke up a sizable chunk in front of my shed, and did some raking(around snow that won't give in). It's the kind of day where you just want to breathe in the fresh spring air. I did just that, and I'm not done yet. I'll probably go out for my daily jog in a bit too. The only drawback I've found is the pollen in the air. My eyes are burning from it, but it's a non-issue.

The bird is a White-throated Sparrow, and I;m pleased to say that he and many other birds are back. I spoke with a friend yesterday who saw Snow Geese flying up the Connecticut River. I've seen them there as well, but not this year...yet. In Keene, the spring peepers are singing once more, and that is truly one of my favorite sounds. Many of the vernal pools in Walpole are still partly covered with ice, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to the frogs up here. No matter, I'm just so grateful to have spring back, and winter GONE!

BAAAAA Ram you!

This is the time of the year when lambs are born, and sheep are shorn. The drawing above is my rendition of the "BAAAA Spa at nearby Longridge Farm". While I'm sure the sheep aren't getting the pampering shown, they will be getting high and tight haircuts.

It was snowing once again when I got up this morning! I'm thinking those sheep are going to want to hang on to there fleeces, and their little ones for a few more weeks. Winter is relentless. I still have two feet of snow in my front yard. Just a few miles south of here, the snow is nearly gone.

I've heard many new bird arrivals; Woodcock, Chipping Sparrow, Red Winged Blackbird, and Killdeer. I've seen Robins, Turkey Vultures, Canada Geese. The hummingbirds will be in for a big surprise when they finally come back! Hopefully their sixth sense about weather patterns will tell them to hang tight where ever they are, before venturing up here.

The snow is turning to rain, so the melt is on.

Winter Won't Let Go

We have reached the record snowfall, of I don't know 122"? Yikes! The last time we had this much snow was 19-dark hundred. This morning I awoke to a snow squall that lasted several minutes. I just shake my head at this point. Next week we are slated to have ONE, yes one warm day, before the cold comes back. So next week, for one day we could see a high temp of near 60F.

Meanwhile, I have seen the return of the Red-Winged Blackbird, Killdeer, and Robins. The Robins have flocked to the scarce bare spots on area farmland. As I drive down the road they fly up in front of me, seeming to remind me that Winter IS nearing the end.

Nevertheless, when I see more snowfall, I feel like this guy, the Komodo Dragon. Yet another beautiful creature at the Lowry Park Zoo. He is a massive lizard at least five feet long. Though not really a vicious killer, the bacteria in his mouth is so toxic that his bite could kill you!

The Honeymoon is over

Ask me how much I wish I were back at this beach! As the wind howls around outside, the sun's warmth is very much subdued. I have plenty of snow and ice left around my house. Who knows what the "windchill factor" is. So I look at my beach pictures, remembering the wonderful warm sand on Honeymoon Island last week. The wind blew there also, but the difference? about 40 degrees!

The bird, a Great Egret. This bird was stealing a fisherman's catch from his five gallon pail, while the fisherman stood in the water waist deep. Very slick thief that Egret. He could not be dissuaded or scared off. Each time the fisherman tried to scare the bird away, the bird would return. Finally the fisherman took his shirt off and spread it across the top of the pail so the bird couldn't get in.

Give me a break

The Orangutans at Lowry Park are not dissimilar to human families. The female/mom appears to be trying to sneak in a power nap, while Dad keeps track of junior. Junior on the other hand wants Mom(at the right) to pay attention to him. Dad gives up on watching junior, and goes off to the yard to play with tools, or swing from a rope.

Back to reality

This handsome bird is one of several kinds of Lorikeet. He and many others live in the aviary at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL. I went to the zoo on Friday amidst spotty showers, but it was a pleasant experience nonetheless. Many of the exhibits were being renovated so I did not get to see the Tigers, as I'd hoped. I wanted to check on the height of the fence, after the news of an attack on three people a couple months ago in another zoo. I'm convinced those fellows antagonized the tiger, so she went after them.

Anyhooo I enjoyed the zoo immensely, especially the birds. I took several pictures which I'll try to share with you if my dial-up connection cooperates. I spent a good amount of time in the J.B. Starkey wilderness park also. Starkey is just a mile and a half from my mom's house in New Port Richey, FL. There is a bike path that passes through the park for 6.5 miles. The path hooks up with the Suncoast Trail which will take you all the way to Tampa! I was wishing I had my road bike, but my mom's beach comber single speed worked just fine.

Whenever I am in Starkey, I see wildlife, without fail. I was able to approach a deer, and take a video clip within about 15 yards. She was very small, as are most Florida White Tail deer. I thought about how comfortable she seemed to be despite my approaching on a bicycle. I wonder if the rangers feed the deer? I have found deer feeding stations in the past, just beyond the park boundary. Those feeding stations were privately owned, and not by the rangers.

I saw several Armadillos meandering through the Palmettos. Armadillo have both bad eyesight, and hearing, so it's very easy to approach them, and even touch them.

I'm back home now. Back to the snow, ice, and mud. Spring is fast approaching. I can hardly wait to smell those Lilacs, and hear the Spring Peepers.

I'm not blue

This is "Blue", he is a Blue Macaw. What a beauty. He keeps track of folks coming in and going out of "The Crab Shack" in New Port Richey, Florida. I'm down here on Spring Break, chilling with my mom and stepdad. My mom likes to "do lunch" out alot, so we go to little places anywhere near the water. The Crab Shack is along the Pithlascotee River. Boats use this waterway to get out to Tampa Bay.

We tried the beach this morning but it was pretty chilly, and overcast. The water temperature is about 60 degrees F, but that's nothing compared to Maine. I did wade along the beach at Anclote Key, a beautiful spot for swimming or fishing from the shore. The sun came out this afternoon, so I caught some rays in mom's backyard. Tommorow we're headed to "Honeymoon Island". The beach there is made up mostly of coral that has broken off, and washed ashore. People love the shells you can find. Who knows maybe we can find a Megalodon tooth! A nine year old boy found one just the other day. Across the water is Caladesi Island, which is one of the top beaches in the world. You can swim among large skates without fear of being stung. Don't step on one though, THAT really hurts like hell. Take it from one who has experienced it!

Coming In for a landing

I took this clip while attending the B.O.W.(Becoming an OutdoorsWoman) weekend at Squam Lake last September '07. One of the seminars I attended was Falconry. This bird is a Marsh Hawk.
We each took a turn feeding the various birds of prey on hand. There were several; Marsh Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons. Because the weather was hot, we could only allow the birds a few runs at our baited gloves. The bird would fly up into a tree, then we would hold a piece of bait in a thick leather glove. The bait was baby chicks raised just for this purpose.

The bird of prey would see the bait, then swoop down from its lofty perch. It was amazing to watch and experience. The instructor told us that birds of prey are opportunistic hunters that are not actually "trained" to respond to a glove with bait. The birds are simply following their instinct and need for food. The birds tired quickly after landing on many gloved hands. They began to pant, their bills agape.

In order to be a falconer and hunt as such, you have to jump through several complicated governmental hoops. You can't simply go out and catch yourself a Marsh Hawk and start hunting. There are federal and state laws that govern both catching and using your winged hunting partner.

Twy-linator

I had intended to attach a video clip of my recent snow shoe hike. However, I have "dial-up" and even after several hours, the clip would download! So I decided I will have to go out and get more "stills", and give up on the video until DSl gets to the hinterlands of Walpole.

This is Twyla, my newest cat. My mom says Twyla is a Norwegian Forest cat. I'll have to take her word for it. I looked up NFC in my cat encyclopedia, and found that Twyla does have many of the characteristics. The ears sit high on the head. She has a beautiful full mane, and tail. Her back legs are longer than her front legs. Her eyes have a beautiful green tinge to them, and are distinctly more almond shaped than my other cats. Twyla has white whiskers, and on her feet, the toe pads are pink while the big pads are black!

We got a lot more snow last night, so I will head out on the snow shoes again. Now that March is here, hopefully some signs of spring will begin to show. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Gram

My grandmother's birthday is today. She would have been ninety-six. Gram died last June in a nursing home. She battled cancer several times throughout her life, and won. She had a heart attack and numerous broken bones. But her indominable spirit always touched everyone she met. Gram, Florence, a.k.a "Mac"(McCann) always had a positive attitude, but she worried about people incessantly. Gram greeted her family and friends with a smile, always. She was one of the most stoic people I've ever known. If she was hurting she really never complained, she just dealt with it as part of life. Arthritis bent her body, and she kept right on trucking like the "energizer bunny". Often she would try to take care of chores, even the hard stuff, rather than ask for help. We would scold her for not calling. I think she got a kick out it, as if she had gotten away with something. Gram was a really bad "fibber" too. She would fib about little fender-bender she got into, despite the evidence on her car's bumpers. She would fib about eating this or that. She would fib about knowing about something. Gram would have been terrible at Texas Hold'em.

We all love Gram even though she is gone. There is barely a day I don't think of her and remember her. She had some funny coloquisms. I wish I could remember them all. Let's see if she got mad at someone, she'd "Lay them out in Lavender". If she saw someone speeding, they were "Hell bent for election". She told me if someone was getting the best of me, I should tell them to "run up a gum tree, and stick there!". That was my favorite.

Busy, busy, busy

It's been a hideously busy week for Anatomy & Physiology II! I had to do a life size drawing of the major blood vessels. It was alittle difficult to trace my own outline. Of course I took artistic license and made myself thin. Not that I'm huge, but you know... I have to write up a case study that I have been working on with four other students. Tomorrow is a huge lab practical exam, so I will have to be able to identify various tissues, blood vessels, formed elements in blood. I have to gather up all the lab sheets, complete with drawings of those pesky cardiac muscle fibers, and maps of both the systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Last week I asked my instructor if she would be interested in having me bring in the deer fetus I collected. She was totally psyched, so I'll bring that into class tomorrow night also. It's been in my freezer. I know what you're thinking. I have other frozen creatures in there too..... If some unwitting person went looking for something to thaw for dinner, they might be alittle surprised! I promise no human remains!

Unfortunately I have not had time to go out exploring in the natural world. But I will soon!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

I went back to the site where the doe had been killed. No more canine activity, which leads me to believe that it was dogs that took the doe down. I don't think coyotes would leave a kill like this. There is still so much left of the carcass. I noticed a lot of bird tracks around the carcass, crows I imagine. I took a hemlock bough and swept over all the footprints, so that I can return tomorrow to see what comes by.

The photo is also from yesterday, these are Fisher tracks.....not Fisher Cat, since Fisher's are not cats, but members of the Mustelidae (Marten)family. I would expect Fisher traffic to the dead deer as well. This picture was taken farther a field, during my hike. Notice the prints show five pads which Fisher have on both their front and hind feet. One night while I was hiking, I surprised a Fisher who was in a tree along the trail. We exchanged pleasantries and I continued on down the trail. Wearing a headlamp often provides these great opportunities on night time hikes. Try it!

Not For the Squeamish

I've not been out on my snowshoes for forever it seems. There has been so much ice lately, I've been relegated to the treadmill for my exercise. But today I got out after a light snowfall yesterday. I was out over three hours, and keeping my eyes open for things to take pictures of. I flushed two owls, found skads of tracks, grouse, fisher, coyote, fox, snowshoe hare. I recently "pecked" tree, demolished by a Pileated Woodpecker. I took photos of the Fisher and Grouse tracks, fearing I wouldn't find anything really interesting. Then not more than about 15o yards up behind my house, I came upon a horrible sight! A freshly killed doe.

Last night on my way home from class, at about 8:30 p.m. three deer crossed the road near my house. I thought it somewhat odd, considering they don't like to travel much through crusty snow. Today it added up. I had noticed so many canid tracks on my way out, many tracks appeared to be of the animal skidding and quickly braking.

So I did the math on the way back when I found the carass. There was plenty of it left, which makes me wonder if dogs were responsible. Tracks of all sizes all around. And blood, like a massacre had taken place. I can only imagine an arterial bleed would cause such a mess. What's worse is I found two fetuses, completely developed and about 5" long. There was a female and a male. The trail of death was evidenced by the very lengthy drag mark from upslope. I found the spot where she fought for her life. She had been chased, and tired through the crusty snow. Finally she fell, and soon after, the arterial blood spatter literally everywhere.
I can only hope that death came swiftly.

I had hoped for an interesting day, I had no idea how interesting it would become.

Hors d'Oeuvres Anyone?

A gourmet hors d'oeuvres you ask? Nay, it's an owl pellet. I found the owl pellet on a recent snow shoe hike. The pellet was found at the base of a tree, near some bird droppings. The bird, an owl. Owls regurgitate undigestable animal tissues. Fur, bones, etc. is burped back up from the bird's crop, in the shape of a ball. Kind of like a hairball my cat might "upchuck". This pellet is a smaller one, but it clearly contained gray fur, and bone pieces. If I were to break into it, I might find some teeth. Most likely this pellet used to be a mouse! Yum

Nice day for a ride

It was actually alittle cooler than I thought, but I did have a nice bike ride nonetheless. I replaced my summer tires, with a more aggressive tire before I headed out. I don't have studded tires, but they are available, or easy to make.

I took a snowmobile trail that is less popular. Those trails are best because the trail has hardened up. If a sled has gone by recently, the snow is churned up and soft, making the ride more difficult. I rode to one of my many favorite overlooks. The view from there is spectacular to the west. You can see over to Vermont, and many of the ski areas. I didn't hang around long though, my toes were starting to get cold. Next time I will be sure and put those disposable toe warmers in my bike shoes. I was happy to find that there wasn't much ice on the trail. Hitting ice on a bicycle is very unpleasant. Falling is swift, and painful. Being gravity-challenged, I will walk the bike along an icy trail, before I'lll try to ride it. After 40 yrs, ya don't take as many chances. I didn't escape this ride without a wipeout, but it was a none-issue.

I noticed that all the snowshoeing I've done has really helped my stamina for bike riding. I never had to stop for a breather, so I was psyched. I did however have to stop to get the ice out of my cleats. The ice made it impossible to "clip-in" to the pedals. I'm thinking about carrying a little can of de-icer on these rides.

I didn't see any snowmobiles until the very end of my ride. By then I was pedaling up County Rd. toward home. The two sleds I saw were on a private trail, and had just come up from Fay Falls. I wondered where all the snowmobilers were, it was certainly a great day for that as well.

Hanging out

Yesterday while working my new part time job at the animal shelter, I took Bella the German Shepherd out for her "constitutional". The door closed behind me, and guess what? Locked, and I haven't a key for that door. I had heard that everyone who works there has done this very same thing. The only resolution, climb the chainlink fence. It's about 8' tall. When I got to the top, something caught my pants. It actually tore my pants, and I was hanging upside down! Mind you it was very cold yesterday. I hoped no one would spot me there, dangling. Bella sat and watched me. Finally I was able to release myself from the fence, and get to the other side. I thought the situation would have made a good video clip for "World's Funniest Videos". I also decided I wouldn't bother travelling to Japan for a try at "Ninja Warrior".

Last night, I went for a beautiful but bitterly cold walk in the moonlight. The moon was full, and the landscape became a painting of contrasts in blue/black and shades of gray. The silence, the crispness of the air, made me wonder if this might be what it's like in the far north. I heard not a sound, save a dry leaf blowing in the wind.

Snow Bunting

Last night at about 7:30 p.m., I was out on my snowshoes. I was near the end of my sojourn, crossing the top of a hill/pasture. I was wearing a headlamp. Suddenly four birds flew up from the snow. I wondered why they were in the snow, out in the open, easy targets for predators.
With no clue, I fired off an email to my old Ornithology teacher, Meade Cadot. He told me the birds were likely Snow Buntings. I was excited to have seen them, having never seen them before! The birds are about the size of Robins, and are mostly white in winter. Meade told me there were Snow Bunting sightings during the annual Christmas bird count.

Crystal Spring

Check out this 200 hundred year old spring. In the summer months you can't even see this unique cistern because it's covered with plants. On the front is carved "Crystal Springs 1808".
I imagine people and animals used this spring on there way to/from the village of Walpole, NH.
To look inside the spring now, you are not inclined to sip. The spring is full of leaves and sediment, but one has to wonder how deep it is. I also wonder, if it were cleaned out, would it be potable?

This photo was taken during a perfect sunset last week. Sunsets in winter have such a painterly array of color.

Snow Bugs

After voting my choice for our next president, I decided to try the xc skiis out. Temperatures were into the fifties, with bright sun. Lovely spring-like conditions. I noticed many, many insects on the snow surface; spiders, a cricket, and this little creature. He measured no more that probably one centimeter long. What will become of these early risers?

I decided shortly into my adventure that I really don't like the skiis for exploring. My boots offer zero ankle support, and I had very little control of the skiis on the downhills. The snow was wet, and slushy in spots. I stuck to the snowmobile trails of the Hooper Hill Hopper snowmobile club. I'm afraid that the trails will be mostly mud after the next two days of forecasted rain. At times during my walk, I felt blasts of seemingly tropical warmth. I loved it.

The sunset this evening was a spectacular orangey/pink. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
If you haven't voted....you have ten minutes!!! Hurry

The Walpole Guide

Thursday I took my high school art teacher out for a snowshoe hike on one of my favorite trails.
The sun was pouring through the white pines, creating a fairy tale scene. We made our way to the cabin I've mentioned in an earlier blog. She had never been there. She commented that I looked like a Maine Guide standing by the cabin.

It surely looked like something you might find in the Whites. The weather that day was frigid, and a biting wind kept us moving right along.

Fay Falls

The other day on one of my more adventurous snowshoe hikes, I made my way along the ridge of "Sheep Hill". I traveled west to Fay Falls. There are some awesome falls that were created by huge glacial erradics. The large boulders also create some great caves.
I had hoped to find a hibernating bear, but no such luck. I did find a den which had been inhabited by a porcupine. There were quills and skat around. The falls themselves were covered by ice and snow. The video clip can't do this place justice.

Winter fog

This morning I grabbed my camera on my way out to run errands. You just never know when you'll get a good photo-opp. I was passing a beaver pond on my road, and noticed this serene winter scene. The sun was bright, and a fog had settled on the ice covered pond.
I'm not sure the photo really does it justice. Experiencing the spot made me take pause and thank God for putting me there at that moment.

The Day After

This picture is of my sister and me. You know the guy in the middle. I really didn't know what to make of him.
I'm guessing I was around four years old at the time.

Christmas dinner was at my house this year. We remembered my grandmother, Florence who passed in June of this year at the age of ninety-five. Christmas was one of her favorite times because she loved having her family all around. Though she wasn't there physically, I definitely knew she was with us.

I tried to get folks to sing carols with me, while I played my guitar. Trouble is I hadn't practiced, so the carol idea fell by the wayside :-) All in all, Christmas was a success. How could it be otherwise?

It's Just a Crush

Last Wednesday night, I had the misfortune of crashing my truck. I didn't think the roads were slippery, they hadn't been until I reached Surry. Surry, NH has a reputation for not maintaining the roads very well, and I shouldn't have guessed. Anyway, there was just enough greasy slush on the road to bring me in to a fishtailing skid. When I landed, I had slammed into some trees. I banged my head on the driver's side window, and bruised my legs on the steering wheel. I think perhaps I pulled a muscle in my lumbar region too as it has been achy ever since.

Who knows when the truck will be fixed, there was a problem with my auto insurance. Apparently when I bought the truck last February it was never processed. I have been paying for car insurance on a car I don't have anymore. The insurance company is investigating and will determine if they will be helping me repair the truck. Meanwhile, I'm driving my dad's plush Blazer. It's kind of a gas hog, but a nice ride nonetheless.

With all the rain we're due to get today, hopefully alot of the snow will melt. My roof is leaking despite raking the snow off, so I am definitely anxious for the rest of the snow to disappear.

On a more cheerful note, Christmas is nearly upon us. Merry Christmas one and all!

The Life of Merle

We've had a pretty good dump of snow the last couple of days. I ventured out on my snowshoes Saturday. It was sooooo cold, I stayed out there for two hours. Today it warmed up a bit, and I have about 9" of snow everywhere. Sleet came down on occasion. I stayed inside most of the day, running on my treadmill, watching TV, studying for my A & P final, and watching Merle basking in the firelight. She hadn't a care in the world, Oh the life of a cat.

The First Snow

The first real snowstorm hit Sunday night and into Monday. It has been a beautiful sight for sure. I decided to give up my wicked cool Christmas job at UPS. The thought of pushing a couple hundred pounds of packages through the snow using a two wheeled dolly wasn't worth $9.50/hr. I went hunting instead. For several hours I tracked four deer but never saw them. I suspect they could hear my heavy breathing! I was on snowshoes, and struggling. I was soaked with sweat but warm. I had prepared by wearing my "under armor" then a layer of wool. Works every time. I didn't see the deer, but I got a great workout, and found the biggest White Birch I've ever seen. I am going to estimate it to be at least 7' around. Two people would have a hard time stretching their arms around it. I may go back and take a picture of it, while my tracks are still there.

As I made my way out of the woods, I heard a shot ring out from the other side of the brook where I had been! Only one shot. I wondered if that hunter was successful, or whether he just had an itchy trigger finger.

This photo is of my neighbor's apple tree. There were deer tracks beneath it. The tree is only a few feet from the road. I imagined this deer could be that four pointer that has been eluding me! Just imagine what would happen if he got a hold of all these apple? He'd be so drunk! Then I might stand a chance of getting him. Perhaps I should shake the tree?

Winter Is Upon Us

This just in! I just got this photo from my Mt Monadnock connection, Jim Bacon. He lives just above the foot of Mt Monadnock, more like the ankle. Anyway, snow fell there from daybreak until 10:00 or so. I had some brief spits of snow in Walpole. I am betting on a white Thanksgiving, and absolutely a white Christmas.

Just more photos of "Tobacco Rd." to the Pinnacle

Trust me, when I saw these places I did NOT get out of the truck! I could just imagine all the booby traps. I think these folks don't like tourists come through their neighborhood to hike. The good news is, there is another trailhead south of here!
In case you can't read the sign, it says, "Vermont Chernobyl Evacuation Zone". These signs were all over the place.

Scary Road to a Nice Trail

Today I bought a book on Vermont trails. So I decided to "take a hike" in nearby Westminster West. It took me nearly an hour to find the road I needed to take to reach another road/trail to the trailhead. The journey took me along a dirt road, and then to a not so great logging road, where people were living in squalor! It was like driving somewhere through a scene in the movie, "Deliverence". There were weird stenciled signs warning of Chernobyl Vermont, and Evacuation Zone. The photo with the little piece of heaven you see, was littered with everything under the sun. There was even a scarecrow dressed up in gas mask, and radiation warning signs. I got the feeling that either the person who lives in "there" was really eccentric, or there was a psychopath in there. It was creepy. I passed travel trailers, that appear to be inhabited. Mind you, I didn't see any electrical wires overhead, no telephone poles. At the end of the road, there is a more normal looking house, also with no electricity! I quickly backed out of this guys' driveway and continued down the road a little further, bearing left. Ah, finally the trailhead to "The Pinnacle". By the time I found this place, it was too late to do any decent exploring/hiking, but at least I know how to get there. I did have the benefit of a beautiful sunset. The trailhead faces west, and is mostly upland, hardwood forest with lots and lots of ledgy granite. I walked down "Paul's Ledges" trail for about twenty minutes, then walked back because I didn't want to be out there in Deliverence.....alone, .....in the dark....no worries, I was armed as usual. I'll go back there another day, earlier.

Cabin in the Woods

This little cabin is well into the woods on Monadnock Conservancy land. Every time I've visited, I check to see that it's still in good order. It has never been vandalized or even chewed on by porcupines. In fact, there is only a screen door between in the inside and the outside. One day I closed the inner door, figuring I was being a help. A few days later I returned to find the inner door was now held open by a small piece of firewood. The owner apparently wants the door open. Surprisingly, the cabin is no worse for the wear. Inside, there is a big wood stove, two pair of snowshoes, two bunks, a small table with hours of melted wax piled up from candles long since burned out. There is a neat trail leading away from the cabin, through a fairytale forest of older White Pines. The landscape changes to ledgy granite hilltop, and hardwoods. A most interesting and inviting stand of young Sugar Maples. Always on the lookout for deer, I spotted a great scraping. I thought it ironic the buck should be on conservancy land, and not mine! Oh well, next Wednesday I will be out on my land. I've chosen a spot along a stone wall. I'll sit out there and make my silly sounds(bleats), that actually do bring deer in. It actually has worked for me, but no bucks. Maybe I'm bleating out of key?