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.