Do you have a favorite place in Northern Virginia?
June 16, 2010
If you’ve been a follower for a while, you know I’m a fan of lists. In the spirit of diversifying my wildlife locations, I’ve been researching additional sites to explore.
The following are sites in Northern Virginia I’ve identified based on websites and/or satellite imagery. I’d love some feedback if you’re familiar with any of these places, especially if any would be a waste of time (or private/restricted property). Read the rest of this entry »
Another side of Shenandoah
June 7, 2010
My apologies for not having posted in a while. Let’s just say I was spending some quality time in Shenandoah National Park.
Frogs and feathers
June 2, 2010
When navigating Huntley Meadows Park these days, be ready for a lot of vegetation.
Despite storms in the afternoon, Tuesday evening was nice in the park. The humidity was high, but the mosquito count was low. Read the rest of this entry »
Surprises at Huntley Meadows
May 31, 2010
I love being surprised by something that I see on an outing. This little guy certainly did the trick Sunday in Huntley Meadows Park.
On a walk through a wooded section of the trail, a squirming mass with legs in the air caught our attention. “What is that?” Read the rest of this entry »
Another day for the snakes
May 30, 2010
Saturday afternoon was great for reptiles at Huntley Meadows Park.
Near a familiar type of bush was a Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus aestivus) like I’ve seen in the past. This guy was smaller than the one I saw last time, with a body about the thickness of a pencil. Read the rest of this entry »
Another day at Holmes Run
May 27, 2010
Wednesday in Holmes Run Park I dedicated a lot of my time to making plaster casts of raccoon tracks on the bank, but I was also able to see some other neat signs of animals.
Back in the woods on a steep hill I found a well-worn path that was only a few inches wide. Based on the width and the low-lying trees in that area, it isn’t a path for people. Read the rest of this entry »
Meet Mr. Creepy
May 25, 2010
Tuesday I couldn’t decide if I wanted to go to Huntley Meadows, but the traffic made the decision for me. After barely moving on Duke Street for 20 minutes, I turned around and made a run on Holmes Run Park in Alexandria.
The weather was great, but the sightings were not. Read the rest of this entry »
Growing up in Huntley Meadows
May 25, 2010
Between the seasons and the life cycles, one of the only things that’s certain in nature is change. Monday in Huntley Meadows I was startled to see the mother Merganser all alone standing on a log. Her young, five at last count, were nowhere to be found. Read the rest of this entry »
Exploring Great Falls Park
May 24, 2010
Sunday was my first visit to Great Falls Park in Virginia. Weather predictions called for rain, but luck was on our side.
After rendezvousing with a friend, we checked out the views of the Potomac and then set off on a circuit hike. Read the rest of this entry »
Checking out Jefferson District Park
May 22, 2010
Friday as I was driving near McLean, I decided to pick a random park out of my GPS to explore. The nearest on the list was Jefferson District Park. As it turns out, the full title is Jefferson District Park and Golf Course, and it wasn’t quite the experience I’d hoped for.
When I first arrived, I did a quick scout by car to find the most wooded area, but all I saw were families on playgrounds and people with golf gear. For a minute I thought it would be a total loss, but then I found a tucked away trail at the back of the park.
This short trail connected the park to the surrounding suburbia. Although a continuous walk could get you from beginning to end in less than 5 minutes, I slowly scanned the trees and the underbrush along the way. Read the rest of this entry »
