When I entered the park this morning I was greeted with an amazing serenade. To be honest I believed I was hearing North Mockingbird with a phenomenal repertory of songs. It is a Brown Thrasher sitting in the Tree above me greeting the morning with a spectacular serenade to the sun. According to Cornell Lab All About Birds “the Brown Thrasher has one of the largest song repertoires of any North American bird”.
Archive for March, 2010
30 Mar
Spring is in the Little Details of the Forest
When the Birds of prey are crisscrossing the sky above the forest only the brave appear. Above the greening canopy I can see the flickering shape of a Hawk as I hike up North Mountain. It’s cries are echoing throughout the forest silencing the song birds. There is a soft murmuring underground as the chipmunks sound their alarm, it is an eerie mix as I head higher onto the mountain.
28 Mar
Cardinals Among the New Spring Leaves
Clouds cover the sun this morning, it is a gray day. Gray skies make the greens seem greener and today makes a Male Cardinal an amazing Red. As I step closer he looks right at me but does not move, I feel blessed to be so close and hear his song. A little White-Throated Sparrow joins us as the sky darkens and rain seem eminent. The trail sparkles with the new spring growth in lovely light green and red. On the Short Cut Trail I find a wonderful Rock that is an orange red color with black Mold and green Lichen.
27 Mar
The Birth of Spring in the Forest
It’s in the details that we witness the birth of spring in the forest. Today the park has a light green glow of the baby leaves sprouting from once barren branches. I head up the Dead Chief and connect to the Short Cut Trail, stopping along my journey to view the delicate green and red emerging. For the second day I see two young men plotting out different hiking routes to complete with friends. I am happy to see another generation enjoying the park, most of the hikers I see are are my age or a bit older.
26 Mar
Peregrine Falcon, Wildflowers, Lovely Birds and Small Mammals
The sun rise is spectacular as I head into the park, rays of light beaming between the forest giants. The lower reaches of the park are quiet so I head over to the Dead Chief Trail and connect with the Short Cut Trail. As I near the top I see both a Male and Female Hairy Woodpecker flying from Tree to Tree. They are a beautiful site high up in the Tree Tops.
25 Mar
Spring Rain, Warbler, Woodpecker and Wildflowers
The Spring Rain was back again today, it left a glossy coating on everything. I notice a cool rock as I enter the park, black with a vein of white. The Spring blossoms and tree buds are glistening from the mist of the light rain. The park is quiet as I hike up the Dead Chief to the Short Cut Trail. The trail ahead harbors an unexpected sighting, a small well fed cat/kitten is standing far up the path. I try to get close enough to the take a clear photo, but as I take a step forward it is off like a rocket.
24 Mar
Spring Wildflowers, Little Birds and Small Creatures
I Love the Park, an overcast day is made sunny by Squirrels and more Squirrels. I am taking photographs on the Tufa Terrace and Peak Trail of blossoms and small buds. As I straighten up it becomes apparent I am surround by squirrels. On the ground in Trees everywhere I look Squirrels, some are indifferent, others skittish and a few are curious. Digging for nuts, eating breakfast, staring at me and hanging off of Trees. They are a beautiful early morning sight.
23 Mar
Woodpeckers, Cardinal, Squirrel, Spring Leaves and Wildflowers
Another lovely morning in the park, the air is a mix of Blossoms, Green and Earth. I love taking in a deep breath of Nature’s Spring perfume as I beginning my hike. The sunlight on the tops of the Trees on North Mountain are enticing as I hike up the Floral Trail. I am blessed to see both a Male and Female Yellow Belly Sap Sucker. They fly in a swirling pattern among the Trees as I connect with the with the Lower Dogwood Trail.
22 Mar
Spring Blossoms, Woodpeckers, and Squirrels
The rains cleared and it’s a beautiful sunny spring day in the park. I head directly to the Carriage Road to connect with the Dead Chief Trail and Short Cut Trail. I spot a blue rock with white veins that look like a Tic Tac Toe game has been set up. I Love Nature’s artistry, there is always something new to discover. The trails are quiet, but the sky is above is active with crow fly overs.
21 Mar
Life Giving Spring Rain in the Park
Rain came to the park today, life giving liquid. A little rain never stopped me, I put on my oiled cloth hat and head into the park. The blossoms on the Tufa Terrace are coated in glistening drops, so beautiful. I stop to admire the pink that is more pronounced against the gray damp air.
The rain is cold and blowing as I hike up the Peak Trail I am fighting to protect my camera as I climb higher. I cannot stop looking at the beautiful little leaves that are busting out on each branch. The glistening bark on the trees is spectacular as the rain deepens the color of the forest.
