Building a backyard bird haven
August 17, 2010
Several weeks ago I was visiting a friend in Rockingham County and was surprised to learn that she likes birds. A lot.
This crafty little lady has converted her backyard into a sort of bird haven. I’m sure many people do the same thing, but I wanted to point out a few clever things she’s done in case anyone wants to try it in their yard. Read the rest of this entry »
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 »
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 »
Visiting Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge
June 23, 2010
What started last week as a visit to Chappaquiddick Island to see the Cape Poge Lighthouse soon turned into a sandy trek through Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.
Over the course of my week in Martha’s Vineyard, the lady and I had visited four out of the five lighthouses on the island. The Cape Poge Lighthouse was the only one left on our list. Read the rest of this entry »
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 »
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 »
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 »
