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 »
The dark side – frogs eating frogs
July 3, 2010
There is evil lurking in the shadows. No wait, that’s just a killer frog.
Until recently I thought all that bullfrogs had to fear were birds, snakes and the occasional snapping turtle. Wow. Was I wrong. To my more squeamish readers, don’t scroll down and just stop now. You’re welcome. 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 »
Testing the audio post function
July 2, 2010
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 »
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 »
Wildlife in Photography 