Awesomness continues

1/4 of the way through 100 happy days

For some odd reason when I went to put on my hiking cloths this morning, instead I ended up putting on my old running cloths.  Yup me....I went trail running!  It was totally awesome.  I did pretty good too.  Still saw and heard lots of wildlife.  Did planks in the field while I listened to Wood Thrush Singing.  Stopped and did log push-ups and dips, lots of balancing on rocks. I did a full work-out. As I headed to my car I watched 2 Pileated Woodpeckers.   I'm really happy with myself right now, I may just get myself back into shape.  :-)  

Basha Kill Juvenile Eagle

Photo by Linda Kantjas

Here he is!  Out of the nest! 

Beautiful Morning at the Bash

I had my final shift up at the Basha Kill.  On the way in I stopped at Haven Hill Road and while looking in the water heard a noise in the long grass behind me, it was a little Musk Turtle!  The juvenile Bald Eagle seems to have fledged yesterday, I was disappointed not seeing him, but did see a parent and a Immature 2nd year bird flying over.  I also saw 3 Osprey, 2 on the nest and one on the wing.  I love t he Bash and feel very lucky to have had the chance to spend more time there this year. 

Soltice Party

Last night while awaiting for our guests to arrive at the tipi my son spied a bear, and then a second bear! It was a pair who proceeded to mate.  Many our our guests were able to view this pair for over an hour.  I love our land. 

Happy Summer Solstice!

Almost done!

I'm finished with the educational part for attaining my Master Naturalist.  I have two more volunteer days that I have to complete, one on Sunday and the other for NAAMP in the next two weeks and that should do it for my volunteer hours.  Now to fill out all my online paper work and submit it! 

After I finish with the Master Naturalist, I'm planning on continuing volunteering with the Basha Kill, Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge and NAAMP.  I've enjoyed these volunteer opportunities immensely. 

Next I start Kamana One!  Exploring Natural Mystery.  I've had the book for years and I have wanted to begin a few times and never committed to doing the work.   I am ready to dig deeper into Nature Study. 

Day 16

Amazing evening walk with my Monty.  No more hockey so now we can take advantage of the gorgeous evenings and get a hike in.  The field is full of wild flowers, the scent was intoxicating being carried on  a gentle breeze.  I really enjoyed my walk. 

Day 10, Happiness project.

Flat backed Millipede Apheloria virginiensis

I did a loop in the park and didn't see any herps or mammals until the very end of my hike except of cause lots of birds.  I saw a gorgeous male Pileated at the start of my hike and then numerous other nesting birds that call the park home for the summer.  On my way out I spied two garter snakes and as I was pulling out in my car, I happened to look down a unused road and noticed a large dark lump.  I grabbed my bins...low and behold...a Snapping Turtle!  I jumped out and went over to look at it.  A huge, maybe 30+ pound female out to lay her eggs.  What a treat!  Get out there, you never know what you are going to see! 

Old Beaver Pond

The park was too full of dogs, so I had to abandon looking for herps and go to a different part of the park.  Today's hike took me up to an old abandoned beaver pond that is now turned into a Sphagnum bog.  It amazes me how only a year ago there was water and now it's full of moss.  I enjoyed the solitude of my hike and I'm glad that I always seek it because it never fails to renew my soul and quiet the voices in my head. 

Squirrels go free

I didn't raise these guys, but I got to release them today.  Long life little guys! 

How amazing has this week been for me?

What a hike today!  I can't believe how much fun I'm having this week!  It has been hands down my best Herp week ever!  Checked on the Red-shouldered nest.  I couldn't see the female, but that doesn't mean she's not on eggs.  I heard the male there a couple of days ago.  Also saw a young beaver at the pond!  I noticed sign at the end of the Winter but I wasn't sure if it had moved on already, it hasn't!  Watched it for 10 minutes eating and grooming. While on my way to walk a dog I had a doe and fawn cross in front of my car.  I was able to watch them for a few minutes. 

At the very last minute we decided that it was the perfect night to get out and do my NAAMP frog monitoring.  We left the house at 8:50pm.  It was under 60 degrees and few frogs calling.  One pond did have a lot of Bull and Green frogs.  It was a beautiful night, sky full of stars and a half moon shining brightly.  I hear Whip poor wills calling.  I haven't heard them in decades.  We arrived back home close to 11;30pm.  One more count and I'm done for the year.  

Herp day!

And the Happiness continues!!!

My Aunt Judy Holding a Hatchling

What a morning!

Incredible morning!  Lots of turtles,  birds singing, a bear and a Pileated Woodpecker. You just never know what you will find when you step out into the natural world. These are my day #2 100happydays.com  photos. 

Friday night

I love the view from the Breezy.   Gorgeous night, empty restaurant and a excellent meal. 

Basha Kill

Photo by Linda Kantijas

Yesterday I had a volunteer shift at the Basha Kill Wildlife Area.  It was a gorgeous day.  I enjoyed talking to the public and watching the birds. 

100 Happy Days, Day 1

I'm participating in  the 100 Happy Days challenge.  http://100happydays.com/ These pictures represent the things that made me very happy today.  The trees were full of Cedar Waxwings today on my hike with Monty.  Soon as I entered the woods I completely decompressed.  I took a trail that I knew no one would be on and soaked all the quiet into my soul.