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 »
Martha’s Vineyard – the experience
June 22, 2010
It’s hard to describe a region with such diverse environments and rich history in a few paragraphs, but I’ll attempt to give you a brief overview.
Menemsha Beach
Getting to the island from the mainland of Massachusetts is relatively easy by way of a ferry that shuttles passengers and their cars. The ferry departs Woods Hole, Mass. and arrives about 45 minutes later at Vineyard Haven on the island. Read the rest of this entry »
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 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 »
Wildlife in Photography 