Great day, with an emphasis on beavers
July 30, 2010
Earlier this week I had a great outing in Huntley Meadows Park. Among the highlights were another green heron, adorable beavers and un-photographed raccoons/fox.
Recent rains have replenished the water supply in the park and the boardwalk area was active with a variety of life. Read the rest of this entry »
Good idea, bad idea? (VIDEO)
July 22, 2010
Well friends, my apologies for the delay in posting. I’ll be rolling out new posts soon, but here is a short one to tide you over.
The photos from this outing in Huntley Meadows, predictably, are a bunch of herons navigating slowly in the downpour.
As I fled, I noticed that the toads came out in mass along all the wooded paths. I’m not sure if they liked the rain, or just couldn’t hide for fear of drowning.
Getting my bird fix at the JMU Arboretum
July 12, 2010
Saturday I was able to make a run on the JMU Arboretum in Harrisonburg.
It was great to be back. In the past, I’ve had luck at the venue with birding, and this weekend didn’t disappoint either. Read the rest of this entry »
Terror from the skies
July 9, 2010
While it might sound a little dramatic, it’s still true – on my Wednesday visit to Huntley Meadows, I was under attack. An aerial attack, to be specific.
My typical scan of the park began to turn into something else when I reached the main overlook. Glancing upward I noticed swallows circling. Without a second’s delay, one turned toward me from about 50 feet up and dove DIRECTLY for my head. Then another. And another. And another. Read the rest of this entry »
Water levels dropping with the heat
July 7, 2010
With the summer heat, the landscape of Huntley Meadows is changing.
The wetlands are drying out, but that environmental change has allowed for some new observations. Read the rest of this entry »
A productive day in Huntley Meadows
July 3, 2010
Thursday’s trip to Huntley Meadows was interesting from a number of perspectives.
Most notably I was able to watch a Green Heron (Butorides virescens) that was pointed out to me by a fellow park visitor. Read the rest of this entry »
Cooler day in the park
July 1, 2010
Thanks to lower temperatures and humidity, I had perfect outing conditions Wednesday in Huntley Meadows.
When I first scanned the boardwalk area, I noticed an abundance of frogs. Unlike past visits where they just sit still and bake in the sun, a number of them were slowing walking through the water. Although that seems minor, I guess it speaks to their preference for moderate temperatures.
It wasn’t until I reached a buttonwood tree that I saw something a little different. Read the rest of this entry »
Post-rain Holmes Run trek
June 29, 2010
The past few times I’ve been out, I’ve noticed dry conditions and lower water levels. Mother nature worked a little magic on Monday and opened up the skies for some serious rain.
It didn’t last very long, but I’m sure it will be a help to the local flora and fauna. Read the rest of this entry »
Steamy day in Huntley Meadows
June 28, 2010
There’s no broad theme to describe Saturday’s afternoon trip through Huntley Meadows besides hot. I’m not talking a ‘roll up your sleeves’ kind of hot, but rather the muggy steamy feeling like your head is against an iron hot.
The smart animals stuck close to the water, and so did I. Read the rest of this entry »
Huntley Meadows or land of the dragonflies?
June 25, 2010
If I had to choose, I’d say the latter was a better description of Huntley Meadows on Thursday in Alexandria. Dragonflies are out in full force.
Weather conditions lately in Northern Virginia have created high heat and humidity. Some sources put Thursday’s temps around 100. Let’s just say it’s warm. Read the rest of this entry »
