Monarchs

As of Sunday September 26 we still have Hummingbirds passing through and feeding on the flowers. I cleaned and refilled one feeder, the rest are cleaned and stored for the Winter. This is the latest I've ever seen one in my yard.

This morning I have several Monarch's on the Butterfly bush. It is rainy, but humid and fairly warm, they are still migrating. I take great joy as I see each one passing by. The last few years there haven't been many during the migration season. This year has been the best in over a decade for the Monarch population. A massive die off in 2002 in Mexico their Wintering grounds took it's toll on the population. Tens of millions died due to a snow storm and then temperatures in the 20s for several nights in a row. This past warm Summer helped massive numbers of them survive and now make their long way down to Mexico. I've seen them every where I've been over the last month, in great numbers too. Not just the occasional sighting. Seeing something as fragile as a butterfly survive a long journey to Mexico, makes me realize that lots of things in life can be overcome with a bit of hard work and tenacity.

Turning over a new leaf

As the Summer of 2010 comes to a close....I spent my hike today reflecting on my past and planning my future. The close of a season and the start of a new one is always a good time to get rid of thoughts that are holding you down or back. During the past month I started to simplify my life. It is so liberating to get rid of possessions you no longer need or want. I find it makes me feel so much freer and very happy. My plan for this new season coming is to continue what I've started and each week have a goal to clean out and purge even more *stuff*. I hope to be fairly well cleaned out by the time Winter begins. It is so much easier to do everything when your home is neat and organized. Simplifying gives you more time to do what you love, it is also easier on your wallet, I haven't bought one thing since I've started.

This is going to be a very special Equinox, because the full moon is also on the same day. I'm sad that I have to work....I would love to mark it at our Tipi doing something meaningful.

Lifes a Beach

I spent the weekend on a friends boat out in Great South Bay. Gorgeous weather, good friends, eats and drinks....awesome time. Lot's of Osprey, a few Great Herons, some Sanderlings and tons of gulls. Monarchs everywhere in the dunes.

Garter Snake

I always miss them and feel like I didn't see them enough. They are such amazing little creatures.



Final Hummingbirds at the feeder were on September 13th.


I spent quite a bit time last week at the hawk watch. The Broad Wings began moving on Tuesday. Wednesday I skipped work and we had close to a thousand. That day we broke our Bald Eagle record, we had ten! I was there for nine of them. Thursday it was pretty good, but rain halted the count at 3pm. Friday was my scheduled day....I hit the jackpot! A total of 2299 birds! I had fantastic cloud cover, perfect winds and lots of great birders helping with the count. I ended up staying an extra hour and picking up another 340 birds. It was an awesome day. Love my hawk watching friends.

This was not the Summer of snake sightings for me, and it was bumming me out. Well that ended this morning when I almost stepped on the biggest Garter snake I've ever seen. He was was in perfect health, shiny and beautiful. What a joy to see him and get such a great picture with my phone.

Hawk Watch

Had a fantastic day at the watch yesterday....835 Birds, and we broke the Bald eagle record....10! Today they had another good day, I missed it due to work.

Our little slice of heaven has a name.....

We have had this sign for 27 years, found it in Maine when we lived there...why we kept it?....I have no idea...it has moved with us, and just been here all this time....but now it totally makes sense, this is what we have named the road on our property...what a fitting name for a turtle lover and rehabbers road to their home! My wonderful hubby hug the sign the other day. It makes me smile every time I go to our property.

Coffee Time

Took my two pooches up to Turtle Point Road with my coffee this morning. So peaceful and what a wonderful way to start the day.

Hawk Watch

Started the Hawk Watch September 10, 2010. I had a total of 34 birds. 6 were Ospreys. It was very windy, but 24 Monarch Butterflies managed to brave the wind and continue their migration down to Mexico.

Sunset

When you have to be out and about when you least feel like it, pay attention to what is going on around you....there is always something amazing and beautiful to look at in nature. Last night I had Monty's first OB2 class and didn't want to go, because I had too much to do at home with our big party coming up. As I set out....the Sun filled the sky,huge on the horizon due to a 95 degree day. I realized I'd be up on top of a mountain by a beautiful farm to see the sunset! I was running a little late, but pulled over anyway and treated myself to all it's spender. One small moment in a full day.....but the most amazing. Take time to be out in nature...it's free and it fills your heart.

Night Hawks

Happy 1st day of September! The splendor of Fall has begun to unfold. Bird migrations are already in full swing. Shorebirds, Warblers, song birds and some Raptors have already started their long journeys south to their Winter homes. Last night towards dusk I was blessed to see dozens of Night Hawks migrating. Being attuned to nature makes everyday special. To me every nature experience is a gift.