Nature Notes

Harbinger of Spring!

2012-02-20T08:08:00.004-05:00

I'm participating in the annual Great American Backyard bird count as I have since it's very first year. While I haven't had great numbers of birds due to the mild winter we are experiencing, I can always count on decent variety. I had Grackles, then Cowbirds and now today....Red-Wing Blackbirds, our harbinger of Spring on the East Coast! Spring is almost here again, with all its glory. I love this time of year best as the earth after a long rest comes alive again. There are already chipmunks up and running around the yard, and I eagerly anticipate seeing all the reptiles and amphibians who have been hibernating since the Fall. It won't be long before the song of Spring Peepers fill the air, and I have to take in my bird feeders because the bears will be up and hungry. Life begins again.

Florida trip 2/9-14th

2012-02-17T20:31:00.008-05:00

Hubby and I had a great trip to Florida. We made the usual rounds. Cork Screw Sanctuary, Manatee Park, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Port Charlotte Wildlife Rehab Center. Lots of wonderful animals and birds. Moms place is so awesome, there is nothing like backing up to the mangroves right on the water to bring in amazing numbers of birds. Also had lots of nice visits with loved ones. Perfect way to spend a long weekend.

2012-01-31T12:06:00.001-05:00

Amazing weather today for the very last day of January. I stopped by the swamp by the railroad tracks on Lower Wisner Road, there are a pair of Red-Tails on the nest. 3 pairs of Pin-tail ducks, a king fisher and lots of mallards. I'm heading out for a nice hike with the dogs.

Foster girl

2012-01-27T14:09:00.006-05:00

I've been fostering a sweet 3 year old dobergirl for the last 11 days. A friend who is very involved with a rescue out of PA asked me if we could take her until she finds her forever home. Having her to take care of hasn't left any time for doing any writing or much nature time. I have been taking her out and hiking most days, but she must be on the leash as she has a really high prey drive. She has settled into our family really well and Monty is enjoying having a friend to play with. I do know after the last week and a half that at this point in life I only want to have one dog, unless I'm fostering, which we will do again. Once my wildlife rehabbing picks up again in the spring it will be too much for me to have a high prey dog in the house while there are so many babies to care for. I hope she gets a good home, as we are already so attached to her, she is a very cute smart girl. I don't understand how so many have given up on her.

This has been a very warm Winter, we have had snow one time since that crazy storm in October. There has been a lot of rain. Not to many birds at the feeders. Two weeks from today I will be in Florida, I'm looking forward to birding there.

A fit women is a powerful women!

2012-01-13T09:28:00.003-05:00

My Gym and Training Partner Monty!

Early this morning as I was out in the park in a show squall, I thought to myself, I almost feel guilty being able to be out here in nature getting a good fast hike/run in, while others are on their machines doing their time. I can't imagine ever going to a gym, no wonder so many people hate to work out. For me getting outside there are so many opportunities to see so much more then the 4 walls of a gym and a bunch of people you don't know. Nature has gifts just waiting for your eyes to see them. Just the change of the weather is stimulating, and also changes the intensity of your hike/walk or run. This morning the ground was soft and slippery again after a day of rain, that alone helps build leg muscles. Two days ago it was frozen. Mother nature provides so much entertainment as you do your miles, there is never a dull time out there with nothing to see, the clouds alone today took my breath away. I'm so happy that I have discovered for myself how to have a lasting commitment to a lifetime of fitness. It's hiking for me and I'm blessed.

I also did some thinking this morning about my Petey. He has been gone 5 months tomorrow. I had a dream about him the other night where I really felt like he was with me. In the dream he had died suddenly, just like in real life, but some how he came back alive, but he wasn't well. He couldn't walk far with out falling over. He was leaning on me. He wasn't in pain or suffering, and it was such a amazing feeling to be holding his big brown body again, to have him lick my tears. He was very happy to see me. But his condition wasn't good, my big strong man was no longer the dog he was meant to be. It was as if in this dream Petey gave me a message and let me know that when he died it was his time. That no matter what I did medically, the outcome would not have been good for HIM. CHF would have been tragic for him. He went out of this life when and how he was suppose too. He didn't want to become any less of himself. That is how I now think about my dads sudden death too. For me my dad never got old. He went out before losing his manhood, which was everything to him. I know now that Petey did the same thing. They both were such proud dominate beings, that their lives had to end that way for them to keep their dignity.It's hard on us, but easy on them. Their deaths weren't about me, they were about them, and what was best for THEM. Petey and my dad didn't suffer at the end of their lives. They lived fully and gave all that they had to us. It was their time to go. We all will have a time to go, we don't get to choose it, those of us left behind have to learn how to deal and move on. That is what my dad and Petey would want for me. I had trouble figuring this out for the last 7 years since dads passing. I got it!

Yesterday would have been Petey's 5 year gotcha day. I am still trying to make sense of why he came to me, as nothing is an accident in this life. I think Petey came to protect me,to take over for my dad, because I was weak after so many deaths and so much hurt. He took his job very seriously from minute one, he made me feel safe and secure, he took away my fear of living. He left when he knew I was going to be ok, that I'm going to be able to get back in this game of life and become the strong women I was before my dad passed away. I let myself go after his death. I gained weight and lost my fitness level. I ate out of grief, and caused myself more pain, as for years I've suffered the symptoms of eating foods that I can't tolerate. A horrible self defeating punishment instead of facing the pain of life. I'm done with all that,I'm facing life. I now have a dog who needs me to show him that a I'm confident leader. Monty came to me so I can pull myself back up again and BE ALL THAT I CAN BE. I'm two weeks into not using food to console myself, and I feel incredibly fabulous. NO grain, dairy or sugar. I have also cut my alcohol down too! I've set myself up for some future goals, I want to backpack again. I know that this would be a dream come true for both hubby and myself to spend long weekends out in nature. I am so looking forward to getting myself fit enough to get back to my life out in nature! One day at a time....just get out there and DO IT! Put those shoes on and show up!

Monty 22 monhts old

2012-01-10T20:33:00.008-05:00

“If you care about something you have to protect it – If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.” ~ John Irving

Today is Monty's 22nd month old birthday. I decided that the best way to celebrate was to take a long hike with him. It was over cast and in the high 30s, no wind and very comfortable weather to hike. Not too many birds around, mostly junos, chickadee and I heard a Pileated woodpecker calling.

It was good to have so much quality time to think. I've had so much company since the week before Thanksgiving that there has been little time for long hikes. I can't remember the last time I hiked for 2.5 hours. I decided during my hike that I need more quiet in my life. I am back to turning the TV during the day when I'm home and despite watching nature shows, they are depressing me. All of them talk about how bad things are on this planet, how everything is on the verge of extinction. A decade ago I gave up reading the news paper and watching the news, because I was internalizing all the pain and hurt that people were going through. Now the same thing is happening to me with animals and nature, I feel so hopeless thinking about what is going on, and how bad things really are. My heart is too big, I feel pain too deeply. I can only do what I CAN DO. I can't save the world, but I can write letters to the editor, donate to organizations that I believe in, walk my talk and continue to help my local wildlife in need with my Rehab work. Tonight I took in a sharp-shinned hawk, he had a collision with a car, hopefully he makes it though the night. He is resting comfortably in a dog crate, in our back bedroom.

I came to the conclusion that my bucket list for the year is a bit overwhelming. It has my head spinning. I am not going to pursue the Master Naturalist right now, nor do a volunteer project this Winter. I realize now that I need to tackle one thing at a time, right now it's going to be my eating and fitness. Until I get that under control nothing else is going to be easy for me. The first 10 days of this year have been effortless. I feel great, not hungry and not craving. Next I will work on Simplifying again, it's time to purge the mess and stop buying anything new except food, vitamins and personal beauty items. I have a closet full of clothing that I can't wear because of the excess weight. I could have a whole new wardrobe in another month if I keep eating right. It feels good to let go of everything else until I'm good and ready to tackle it. One day at a time, eat right, exercise and sleep good.

Wolf Moon

2012-01-09T20:40:00.004-05:00

Our mild Winter continues. I've been really enjoying getting out every day since the New Year has begun. Tonight is the Full Wolf Moon. On the drive home from our dusk hike around the fields the moon was coming up in front of the road as we drove, it looked so huge and amazing. Took my breath away. I wish that I could have taken a picture of it, I would have had to stop traffic to get a shot. I did get this picture at 8:50pm in our backyard.

There have been very few feeder birds, I'm saving a ton on birdseed. I think the milder weather has them foraging out in the wild and not having to depend on the seed. Some days there have even been insects out. Lots of squirrels though!

Getting out there

2012-01-02T20:00:00.002-05:00

Hubby and I are committed to getting back in shape this year. We have been out there hiking the last 3 days. He is kicking my butt making me hike hills at a fast pace. I feel really good today. Began weights and stretching too. I will be working out in some way every day. Eating healthy too.

2012

2012-01-01T14:17:00.006-05:00

Wonderful New Years celebration with our best friends and youngest son. All my boys called at midnight, I feel so blessed. I am the luckiest mom in the world to have the most wonderful sons in the world. We had our annual Fondue party. Cheese Fondue with bread and crudites for appetizers, Seafood Fondue for Dinner with Lobster tails, shrimp, clams, scallops and squid and then Chocolate Fondue with fruit and pound cake for dessert. I burned my candles until they all went out on their own. I also burned a bayberry wax candle to remember my daddy. He always bought one at Christmas time, I continue that tradition.

Today I watched *I AM* a documentary made by Tom Shadyac who directed the Nutty Professor and many other great funny movies. I think this is a must see by every human in the universe! Today is the perfect day for all of us to reflect on the past and start the NEW YEAR with great intentions to change. I want to watch this film a second time. What a powerful uplifting message this movie has given me. I feel empowered. I AM.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE!

Last day of the year 2011

2011-12-31T18:10:00.004-05:00

Took an awesome hike with my hubby and Monty today. Gorgeous 40 degree weather. We tried to get moving a bit quicker and do some steep hills as both of us have committed to getting back in shape this year. We have a 30th wedding anniversary coming and have booked a trip to Costa Rica where we will spend all of our time hiking around the jungle. I want to feel like a million bucks for this trip and enjoy every moment!

I've already set my goals for the year on my birthday. So no need for resolutions.

I want to say that I'm deeply grateful for all the good things in my life. I have an amazing husband, 4 awesome sons, great family, lots of friends, Monty, food on the table, roof over our heads,bills paid and many adventures awaiting us in the coming year. Happy 2012!

Simplifying the Holidays

2011-12-30T10:57:00.011-05:00

Brown Paper Wrapping

Simple Holiday Tree

Wild Greens

XMas Eve Tree for the Birds

Goodies for the wild birds

This year I tried to simplify our family holiday traditions. It isn't easy letting go of the past and embracing a newer more peaceful less commercial season. I plan on furthering the simplifying next year. I realized what I love best about this time of year, is the time we have with our family and friends. If I spend every available bit of energy getting things done so that others can have a wonderful time, where does that leave me? Exhausted and unable to enjoy any of it. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life taking care of everyone but me. I am going to further cut back next year.

I did decorate my bird tree with lots of goodies, and I love that tradition just as much as the very first year I started doing it. This year we picked out a smaller Xmas tree and I filled it with all my bird ornaments, it was my dream tree! I loved decorating the tree for the first time ever. I actually enjoyed the process. I am the only one in my home who puts up and takes down tree, so why do it for anyone else? They don't care what I do with it. I decorated the outdoor Window boxes and baskets with wild greens and berries that the birds can eat. Hubby put up his big wreath on the barn, which is his favorite tradition. He also baked a couple kinds of cookies that HE enjoys. I wrapped all the gifts in brown paper that is recyclable, no one said a word about it. We threw a Winter Solstice Bon-Fire party up at our Tipi. I think that was our favorite night. Being out in Nature and grateful for all that we have filled us with so much love. Next year I am going to make a suggestion to our family and friends that no gifts should be exchanged, instead make a commitment to meet everyone at a restaurant or each others homes during the year and enjoy a special meal together. Same cost, just less stress for all of us! I am also not going to do cards again. I feel they are a big waste of paper, and with facebook email and the phone....I keep up with everyone I care about on a daily basis.

My newest tradition was celebrating the Festival of Lights. Each day I would light a candle that focuses on a Pantheist value which corresponds to the value focused on in each month of the year. It is simple, beautiful and reminds me just how blessed I am. The tradition starts with the Solstice and continues until the New Year. Love it.

12/20-The Universe (Jan)
12/21-Nature (Feb)
12/22-The Environment (March)
12/23-Humanity (April)
12/24-Love (May)
12/25-Unity (June)
12/26 Freedom (July)
12/27-Virtue (August)
12/28-Peace (Sept)
12/29-Beauty (Oct)
12/30-Knowledge (Nov)
12/31-Joy (Dec)

Festival of Lights

Despite having the major loss of my beloved Petey and then going through the death of my wonderful step brother with my mother and stepfather, my life is good.

I am feeling extremely blessed and grateful for all of 2011. I am happy to be back to my old self, I missed being full of joy and a sense wonder for each blessed day that I'm given here on this beautiful earth.

Happy Winter Solstice!

2011-12-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

Tonight we celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Tipi with friends and family. I'm looking forward to celebrating the real meaning of the season, being with those we love out in nature. I have all the goodies ready for my annual bird tree.

Birthday Bucket List

2011-12-16T12:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my 52nd Birthday. Not the best of birthdays having to spend it locked in my office doing a payroll down in Spring Valley. I am grateful for having a job, and for my hubby having another successful year. There are many who are suffering greatly right now. Working is good. I did have lots of birds at my feeder all day long, which is always awesome. On Wednesday we had a Peregrine Falcon fly and land on a tower just behind work. Exciting sighting for me, and I'm sure one with a message. Yesterday morning work I took Monty up to our land with an offering for the birds who live near the tipi, lots of seed, corn and a suet cake. I went over to Petey's grave and thought about my wish from last years birthday candles....I wished that Petey would be with me for another birthday. Sadly we all know that didn't happen. I do need to be grateful for everyone else in my life who spent that birthday with me last year, they are all alive and healthy. I am indeed blessed. My life is full of so many people that I love and who love me. It's ok for me to be sad and miss my Petey, but it isn't ok to forget the infinite blessings of this life that I've been more then lucky to have come my way. Souls come and go in our lives, each with the possibility of teaching us new lessons, but only if we are open to the possibility of receiving them. I'm open and ready. Thank you for a wonderful year, I feel full and blessed.

Bucket list for 53rd year:

!. Become a *MASTER NATURALIST*
2. Do my volunteer work at CLP
3. Continue to Simplify my life
4. Get in shape again, sick and tired of feeling so weak and achy
5. Mind my own backyard
6. Be grateful everyday for everything
7. Stop spending so much time online, get up and out there
8. Embrace the paleo eating lifestyle completely. Eat: Meat, Fish, Eggs, Nuts, Veggies & Fruit
9. Trip with hubby to celebrate our 30th anniversary....Costa Rica
10. Be HAPPY!

Full Moon

2011-12-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

Red Girls

2011-12-05T18:41:00.003-05:00

I continue to see my baby girls every day. There are at least 3 of them hanging around each with different territories now. Knowing they are out there free and wild makes all the hard work of rehabbing so worth it.

Kimberton visit

2011-12-05T10:10:00.004-05:00

Love seeing all the farm animals. I feel like a kid again when I'm around them, and my heart tells me to become a vegetarian again!

This past weekend we visited our oldest son at his Americorp assignment at Camphill Village in Kimberton PA. What an amazing place for him to be spending a year. This is the description of what the village is all about from their website:

Located on 432 acres of farm, gardens and woodlands in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Kimberton Hills is also a local center for culture and a model for sound ecological living.

Founded in 1972, Kimberton Hills is part of the international Camphill Movement. Developed by Karl Koenig, M.D. in 1940, the first Camphill village was started in Scotland. Camphill now includes over 100 independent communities in more than 20 countries on four continents. The communities value service, sharing, spiritual nourishment, and recognition of each individual’s gifts, and offers a model of renewal for the wider society. Camphill communities include children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as those with societal and personal vulnerabilities.

Rudolf Steiner (1861 to 1925)
Dr. Koenig and the Camphill movement were inspired by Anthroposophy, the work of Rudolf Steiner, Ph.D. (1861-1925), an Austrian scientist, philosopher and educator. Anthroposophy is a contemporary path of self-transformation which enables people to be in the world in a fuller way and to contribute to healthy social and ecological endeavors. Anthroposophy embraces a view of the human being which recognizes the spiritual nature and wholeness of individuals, regardless of handicapping conditions.

OUR MISSION is to create a living and working community environment where everyone, especially those with special needs, can discover and develop their full potential. We value each person, regardless of ability, for his or her unique contribution to the village.

Community members, with and without disabilities, live and work together as expanded families in comfortable homes throughout the village, forming a supportive community based on shared responsibility and caring. This lifestyle helps to foster mutual help and understanding, as people live and work side by side, day by day, each learning from the other.

Long week

2011-12-03T06:35:00.002-05:00

Last evening I was finally able to get Monty out for a much needed nice run with a couple of other dogs. The day after my last post my step-brother passed away after a long hard battle with cancer. I wasn't close with him, because I chose not to be. He had already been diagnosed with cancer before he came into our lives. I've lost so many already, I felt my heart couldn't take another hit right now. Well that back fired. Now I regret not having spent more time with him. He was a wonderful kind human being. What can I learn from this? LIVE IN THE DAMN MOMENT! When given the opportunity to go or do something...DO IT! Open your heart and soul to everyone and everything. Do not be afraid to love, because when it's all said and done....LOVE IS ALL THAT REMAINS! It stays in your heart forever. Thank you Jr. for another life lesson that I got too late. For a couple of years, I had the older brother I always dreamed of having, too bad I didn't get to know him better. I think my heart and mind was so wrapped up in Petey's illness and subsequent death that nothing else mattered to me. The heart can share pain and happiness all at the same time....practice what you preach!

Today is it...this isn't a practice run. Heading down to PA to visit my oldest son, really looking forward to seeing him and sharing his new life.

My little Red girls continue to come to the feeders, it warms my heart to see them looking so healthy. I squirrel sat over TG for Oscar the horror, WOW is he nasty. Amazing how different they are when raised without siblings.

2011-11-26T17:16:00.003-05:00

Gorgeous warm weather. Had a nice hike with Monty. Not much bird life about, a single Pilated, pair of Mallards on the pond, some chickadees, nuthatch and titmouse.

2011-11-21T17:27:00.002-05:00

I had five American Pipit up in the Co. Park this afternoon.

Found my calling

2011-11-19T07:06:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I took an amazing Intensive Turtle Rehabilitation class, taught by the states top turtle rehabber. She is a total inspiration. I learned so much from her, and her methods are so simple and straight forward that I feel so much more confident to try and save turtles who have been hit by cars or chewed up by dogs.

As of late I've been spreading myself out a bit too much with what I want to do with the next chapter of my life. It's been great fun to take classes and connect with like minded people, to finally have the opportunity do what I've dreamed about since I was a young girl. I love all aspects of nature, but was confused as to what I should focus on to make a life contribution that has a lasting effect in the world. Turtles have always been my first love. Saving just one native turtle is an incredible contribution to the species. They are so long lived and in such danger of extinction, due to development, traffic and poaching. It takes a female wood turtle sixteen years to reach sexual maturity. Because her egg clutches are so small, she needs to live twenty years to reproduce herself just one time. Taking just one turtle out of her habitat has devastating future consequences for an entire population. I am going to do everything I can to help preserve the local populations of turtles here in my town. I have finally found my calling just a month before my 52nd birthday. How beautiful of a birthday gift is that? So grateful.

2011-11-17T05:53:00.003-05:00

Animal signs...the last couple of days I've seen a skunk, fox and a bear. How lucky am I to live in an area where wildlife is so prevalent? It absolutely makes my day to see a wild animal. Last nights bear was a different one, I hope it hibernates now, as hunting season starts on Saturday.

Native American animal sign meanings:

Skunk: Just think what a remarkable defense mechanism: Nonviolent, passive, effective. The skunk sends a message to would-be predators: "Nothing personal, just back off and nobody gets hurt."

This unique method of self-protection and the way a skunk handles its predators is symbolic of:

* Defense
* Prudence
* Protection
* Confidence
* Awareness
* Pacification
* Effectiveness
* Good judgment

We would all do well to take this animal symbolism from the skunk: Do no harm. Indeed, as a totem animal, the skunk asks us to defend ourselves effectively, without causing further conflict.

Interestingly, the skunk would prefer to be even less assertive. You see, it takes over a week to reproduce its stinky juices after using them (their glands are only good for about 4 sprays). Ergo, the skunk is 100% sure it must spray before doing so as this defense tool is a commodity in the wild - not to be wasted on false alarms.

In recognizing this, we see the skunk is the ultimate pacifist, and by adopting its peace-loving ways we may obtain the carefree lifestyle this creature enjoys.

Carefree indeed, the skunk has very few predators because most of the animal kingdom recognize its tell-tale markings and know from wildlife scuttlebutt the skunk is not to be fooled with. As such, the skunk goes about its business with aplomb, and has an innocent quality that few wild creatures have the luxury of exhibiting.

Fox: Native American lore, fox animal symbolism deals with two interpretations. One perspective (Northern tribes) observes the fox as a wise and noble messenger. The other (Plains tribes) views the fox as a trickster playing pranks, or worse - luring one to demise.

Overwhelmingly, cultural consensus on fox animal symbolism deals with:

* cunning
* strategy
* quick-thinking
* adaptability
* cleverness
* wisdom

It is noteworthy to observe the fox while it is on the hunt. We see its entire body is pointed like an arrow - straight and tightly aimed. This is a symbolic message for us to set a determined, and powerfully focused mindset in order to "hit the target" of our desires.

Bear:
* Peace
* Resurrection
* Powerful
* Benevolence
* Sovereignty
* Motherhood
* Duality

And after we consider these beary obtuse keywords, we might think bear symbolism may hold many contradictions.

We can justify that juxtaposition when observing the bear in nature. Although omnivore, the bear prefers a banal diet filled with sweet snacks like berries. Further, the bear seems heartily content to languish in sunny spots where it can stretch and snooze in leisure. We observe an amicable, mellow, easy-going energy with the bear when all conditions are favorable.

While looking for the meanings of each of these special animals I found a Native American horoscope page, I am a Owl. I like this idea so much better then our traditional horoscopes.

Owl Animal Symbolism:

The owl is sacred to the Greek goddess of learning, Athena and is even depicted on some Greco-Roman currency as a symbol of status, intelligence and of course, wealth.

In ancient Egyptian, Celtic, and Hindu cultures the symbolic meaning of owl revolved around guardianship of the underworlds, and a protection of the dead.

In this light the owl was ruler of the night and seer of souls. A misunderstanding of this necessary relationship gave the owl some negative associations with death.

It should be clear that the owl was honored as the keeper of spirits who had passed from one plane to another. Often myth indicates the owl accompanying a spirit to the underworld - winging it's newly freed soul from the physical world into the realm of spirit.

A quick-list of owl symbolic meanings:

* Wisdom
* Mystery
* Transition
* Messages
* Intelligence
* Mysticism
* Protection
* Secrets

Native Americans associated the meaning of owl with wisdom, foresight, and keeper of sacred knowledge. This may largely be due to the fact that the owl is a great foreteller of weather conditions. Also its ability to see at night is legend among the Native Americans, and this attribute would be invoked during ceremonies when an oracle of secret knowledge was required.

Similarly, West African and Aboriginal Australian cultures viewed the owl as a messenger of secrets, kin to sorcerers, as well as companions to seers, mystics and medicine people.

During medieval times in western and central Europe it was fabled that owls were actually priestesses (witches) and wizards in disguise. To this day the owl is considered a witch's familiar (an animal soul-spirit linked to a spiritual person via a unique, communicative bond).

Vison

2011-11-15T09:51:00.005-05:00

I spent the better part of yesterday as well as some of the middle of the night wrapped in complete utter sadness. I could not stop thinking about my Petey and how much I miss him, how my soul is screaming for him to come back to me. It's been three months since his death. I still have been unable to move on with my life. I have a few good days and then many bad ones. I've been treating myself very badly with food choices,too much alcohol and allowing myself to sit in depression. I woke up thinking I've got to get moving forward, get back to living in the moment, cherishing each precious day given to me.

This morning while dressing I looked out my window and there were 5 Canada geese with 1 lone Snow goose flying by. I was happy to have caught that moment in time to see the snow goose, also thinking how sad it was that he has somehow been separated from his own kind. I decided to get Monty out for a early hike before the rain we are expecting started. We headed up to the Co. Park. Hoping that today's hike was much better then yesterdays. We had a horrible time yesterday, one of the worst I've ever had with him. He took off on me for a good 20 minutes. I wanted to kill him, to just leave and be done with trying to get him to bond enough to me, that he would never take off like that again. This isn't the first time he's run off, but it was the longest. My other dogs had never done that to me, they would take chase but return with in a minute or 2. I came to the realization that it's not Monty that's keeping us from having a better relationship, it's me. I'm still holding onto Petey. Poor Monty doesn't have a shot at my heart as long as Petey is still between us. He doesn't have the sort of attachment to me that would keep him from running off. I can't blame him, I've held him at arms length for 17 months now.

We parked down below the parking lot and started up the trail. I marveled at the beautiful carpet of leaves that now covers the forest floor. Winters nourishment for trees, how perfect nature is to have no waste. When we arrived at the vernal pool where I spread Uno's ashes, I became over whelmed with emotion, tears filled my eyes and I began to cry. A light breeze started to blow and suddenly I felt my heart expand, the world suddenly got brighter, more in focus, I felt totally alive, and then I saw them Khan, Bigelow, Uno, Mason and Petey all there with me! I truly felt their spirits! They were all happy tails wagging having the time of their lives hiking with me. I was so overwhelmed that I had to sit down. I looked at Monty....and he suddenly runs towards me with a complete look of joy on his beautiful puppy face, he starts licking my face and tears.....I could hear him saying....welcome back, I've missed you! I started to laugh and continued to feel the presence of those 5 dogs that I loved so dearly. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude that I got to have each of them in my life even if they didn't get to live long lives.

Monty and I continued on our hike, it was as if I could see all my boyz running with us. Monty was completely attuned to me, watching for direction, and constantly looking at me. He even stayed close. Towards the end of the hike a large buck ran right in front of him. I yelled STAY. Guess what....he stayed! He didn't even move a muscle. I walked up to him, leashed him and away we went. No pulling either! I was felt shear joy. So proud of my boy. As I began the drive home I looked at my odometer...it was about to change to 46,000 miles.....I took that as another sign....time to build my relationship with heart dog number 6. I am going to try and get someone to make a painting for me of my five boyz and myself hiking in the woods.

Hawk watch final day 11/11/11

2011-11-11T19:57:00.005-05:00

Today was my final shift at the Mt. Peter Hawk Watch. It was brutally cold and windy. We were hoping for a good Red-tail flight with strong N NW winds but it never happened. I did get a total of 5 Bald Eagles, 3 countable, 3 gorgeous Harriers, 2 females and a stunning silver male,1 Red Shoulder, 11 Red-tails, 14 Sharpies, a very late Osprey, and a couple of T.V.s. I had wonderful company and as always...feel blessed that I have the time to volunteer at the watch.

I am sad that the Fall is over, it went lightening quick for me. I think Petey's death 3 months ago altered my perception of time. I miss my big brown boy. Now it's already time to get ready for the holidays. I hope that I can pause long enough EACH DAY to breath, get out in nature and enjoy each precious moment of the coming season. Tomorrow I begin getting ready for the onslaught of company that is expected to begin coming and going one week from today. I want everyone to have a wonderful time filled with laughter, love and good food. I aim to do my best. House will be done completely by Sunday, grocery shop will be done on Monday and possibly Tuesday if I forget anything.

Hubby and I have begun to plan a 30th wedding anniversary trip for April, we are going back to Costa Rica, but this time to a remote part. I am beyond excited at the prospect of birding and animal watching in Costa Rica again...a dream come true for me.

Frogs out

2011-11-10T07:07:00.003-05:00

Its still so warm out that the frogs remain active in my pond. This morning I found them all around the pound again. 55 degrees today @ 7am. Few feeder birds around. It is the full moon today. I lit my Pantheist candles.

Skunk

2011-11-09T07:52:00.004-05:00

Last night under the bird feeder we had a very large skunk who's upper body was completely white. He was s stunning fellow. I am very glad that I scanned the yard and saw him before I let Monty out.

Wood ducks up at the Lake. Not too much else around, typical Winter birds. Chickadee, T.Titmouse, Nuthatch, Kinglets, assorted sparrows. There were a few Robins. Thrush, Warblers and Phoebes seem to be gone now for the Winter.

Witch Hazel

2011-11-07T17:58:00.003-05:00

The witch hazel is in bloom. Beautiful day, sunny clear and 60. They broke 10,000 at the Hawk watch despite the cloudless sky. Bears continue to hang around. Gray Squirrels and a few Reds are all still coming around. Really warms my heart to see them doing so well.

Gift of Nature....

2011-11-06T13:37:00.003-05:00

This picture of my oldest son makes me smile and it also makes me realize I did what I set out to do as a mother. I gifted my four sons with a great love of the natural world. I don't think there is anything I could have done with my life that was more important then raising my boys. They are my pride and joy.

Pileated Woodpecker

2011-11-06T09:10:00.003-05:00

Sitting drinking coffee on this gorgeous Sunday morning, an extra hour in my back pocket as it's daylight savings time. Suddenly I spy a large bird over on the side yard. A Pileated Woodpecker! I watched him for a good 15 minutes pecking holes in a dead tree and feeding on grubs. At one point one of the baby red squirrels saw him in her tree and tried to chase him! Round and round the tree they went, the Pileated didn't give up his prime grub hole, lil Red left. It's going to be a great day, nice mild temperature, sunny skies and a whole day in front of me to get out there and explore.

If you can do one thing to help nature at home, it would be to leave dead trees in your yard stand. At the very least have them cut to a manageable size if you fear them falling. So many species of birds and mammals are dependent on dead trees to feed and nest. Not only would you help some birds and mammals survive, you would open up an opportunity to observe them and add a little nature joy to your life.

Hawk Watch

2011-11-05T12:37:00.004-04:00

I've had a great Hawk Watch season. I've enjoyed the birds and the company of my fellow Hawk Watchers. Hawk Watchers are a great group of people who are for the most part very different then regular birders. Identifying and counting Hawks at a long distance is a specialized skill that you can't learn from a field guide. You have to get out there and just do it. It takes a lot of time out in the field to learn how to ID the birds in all wind and light conditions. You end of spending a ton of time with people from all walks of life. I'm never sorry for the time I put into the watch each year. We are only 2 dozen birds away from our goal of 10,000.

Hike

2011-11-02T20:56:00.005-04:00

Gorgeous November 1st hike. What a contrast the white snow and the colorful leaves made against a brilliant blue sky. I felt blessed to be alive. I hadn't been out for a week and this hike was so needed after my oldest son leaving the nest on the 31st. I felt like a completely new person after-wards.

Large flocks of Cowbirds in the yard. Ruby and Golden Crowned-kinglets continue in my yard and the woods. Bears still hanging around. Both Gray Squirrels and two Reds also continue at the bird feeder at least once per day. Wildlife call for a Brant. Wrens have taken up residence in the Paper wasp nest.

Oct 29th Snow Storm

2011-11-01T06:36:00.004-04:00

What is a true friend? One that comes out in a snow storm to bring you a Paper wasp nest so that your resident Carolina Wrens have a warm place to sleep at night! The other night with a threat of frost I brought in the two ferns that hang on the front porch. I put them in the family room. Monty didn't see me move them, so when he went to go in the family room, he got a bit upset as to what was on the floor. I walked him over to the plants and suddenly a bird flies out of the fern! OH NO....I knew immediately it was one of the wrens. As we were trying to catch this poor bird, my son comes in the room and asks why there is a bird flying around the FR? We were in the LR....YIKES now there was two in the house. I managed to catch them, put the ferns and birds in the breezeway. Early in the morning I opened the door and they both flew out, none worse the wear for their experience. My friend had offered me a big beautiful nest a few weeks back, we were waiting for a killing freeze. I texted him to see if he still had the nest for me, told him the story, yes he had already cut it down. I never made it over his house to pick it up. During the early hours of the crazy snowstorm, he shows up at my house with the nest. I hung it on the front porch and almost immediately the wrens were there checking it out. I know were there are two more big nests this year, both are too high and hanging over ponds for me to collect. Grateful to my friend!

Junco

2011-10-25T18:44:00.004-04:00

Bird of yesterday, White Thoated Sparrows, they have arrived in great numbers. Also had Winter Wren,Hermit Thrush, Kinglets up at the Co. Park. Bird of today was Bluebird! Dozens at all different spots around the fields.

First Junco under the feeder, can winter be far behind? Still no more monarchs last two days.

Bear pics

2011-10-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

No monarchs yesterday, I'm sad to see them go.

Great day...I'm back

2011-10-22T10:59:00.009-04:00

Bear at our land.

I'm having a blissful morning. There is NOTHING that I have to do today.No one is at home which is so rare. I'm Drinking coffee, enjoying my wonderful peaceful life and doing some writing. I did some thinking yesterday while I spent seven hours up at the Hawk Watch. How lucky am I to be living this life, that when I was a kid I could only dream about? I grew up in the heart of suburbia. I so wanted to live in an area that I could immerse myself in Nature everyday. Some how, I've made it happen. For the last 23 years I've lived in this beautiful town, surrounded by more wildlife on a daily basis then most people see in a lifetime. I can look out my window and see one of the most magnificent creatures that live on earth, bears. I have several parks where I can be enjoying the outdoors with in minutes of deciding to go. I can't even begin to imagine just how awesome it will be to finally build our log cabin on that gorgeous piece of property that has even more wildlife then where we live now. And recently becoming a certified naturalist and wildlife rehabilitater. My heart is singing....LIFE IS INDEED GOOD!

Nice Backyard birds this am Y.B.Sapsucker, RC Kinglet. first W.T. Sparrow! Lots of chickadees, Nuthatch and TTmouse.

Awesome hike up in the Co. Park. The most gorgeous fall day I can ever remember and no one, not a single soul was up on the trails or in the fields! There are literally thousands of cars cursing into Warwick to enjoy the Fall colors, but no one hits the trails. Birds of note today Swainsons thrush, Towee, Kinglets, W.T. Sparrow, first Junco of the year and the bird of the day....is the WB Nuthatch! They were everywhere!

Hawk watch count for yesterday, with Westerly winds and complete cloud cover, 173 birds total, 4 Bald eagles and 5 Merlin. Also saw 3 Brant flying with a canada goose. 11 Monach butterflies.

Birds

2011-10-18T15:24:00.003-04:00

Yesterday the first of the W.T. Sparrows have started to return to our area. Today there are even more up at CL Park. Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Golden-Crowned Kinglets and Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers (2) are around. Prarie and Yellow-Rumped Warblers. More chickadees, Nuthatch and Tufted Titmouse are hanging around the feeders.

Feeling lost.....

2011-10-18T07:15:00.003-04:00

There is nothing on this earth that feeds my soul better then getting out into nature daily. No matter how I'm feeling it always helps me to see the world clearly again. It is my drug of choice to heal my heavy heart. I can fully escape from what ever is getting me down just by stepping out into the woods. It helps me to make decisions that getting clouded by the chaos of daily living. I now know why I'm feeling so lost with out my Petey....he was my hiking partner, he was part of my nature tonic for the last four and a half years. When I'm out there, I miss him terribly. I feel like my soul is screaming for him. I feel lost. He wasn't *just a dog*, he was my dog. My constant companion, he knew me inside and out. I miss the simple bliss of just being with him sitting on the side of a mountain or in a pine forest, or at the side of a lake. I miss his zoomies, always thanking me for taking him. I miss his Dobe smile, his utter joy of living in the moment. I miss him making me go for a hike by poking me and barking at me until I put my shoes on. I MISS PETEY. What we had was very special. I hope that Monty and I can build the same kind of quiet understanding, the same bond. I know it will take time, strong bonds with dogs are earned with time together. For now.....we are out there everyday working on it, in Petey's honor.

Random Fall wanderings...

2011-10-17T12:11:00.004-04:00

We have yet to have our first frost. Many monarchs continue to gather on the last of the Butterfly blooms. We lost some of our leaves during the rain over the weekend, but many trees have not even changed yet, it will be an extended Fall color change, to the delight of all the leafers who travel north to see them in all their spender. This morning, two Red squirrels were hanging around the feeders as well as both Gray Squirrels. Seeing them all doing well put a smile on my face first thing today.

Oops someone left the fryer pot on the deck

2011-10-16T18:11:00.005-04:00

This is what happens when you leave a large pot full of cooking oil on an open deck and there are hungry bears roaming around. We had people to dinner and ended up running out and forgetting to lock the pot back up in the garage. Derek was in the Living room in the early hours of this morning when he heard a loud crash. He looked outside to see the mess.

The weather is GORGEOUS this weekend. Last night we had a small gathering of friends and family up at our Tipi. The moon came up while we were all arriving, it was stunning. The air was crisp and scented with fall. We hope to spend much more time at the tipi now that we have furniture. I feel so at home on our land.

Hawk Watch on Friday was a bust, 6 total birds, rainy on and off all day. I do love being up there and watching the change of seasons. Having so many hours to stand in one spot helps me to stay in the moment and really observe nature, each minute detail of it.

Red Squirrels go free

2011-10-15T16:18:00.005-04:00

Today was the day to let the five little girl Red Squirrels free. Once the cage was opened it didn't take long for them to come out and begin to explore. With in a half hour all were in trees. Miss them already, but know in my heart freedom is all that matters to a wild animal. Wildlife Rehabilitation is very rewarding work. I'm glad that I decided to work on my bucket list now rather then later....because already I'm starting to check things off, one from way back was to get my Rehabilitators license. Another dream was to become a Naturalist, that I accomplished two weeks ago. I'm now working on becoming a Certified Master Naturalist. There is so much to learn and do... Life IS Good!

Gray Squirrel Rehabs

2011-10-12T21:09:00.003-04:00

The two gray rehabs are doing really well,they were released a week ago. The last two days they have showed up at the feeder in the afternoon. They both look healthy.

Fall Hike 10-11-11

2011-10-11T13:52:00.002-04:00

Goose Rocks Beach weekend

2011-10-11T13:51:00.002-04:00

So incredibly blessed to spend an awesome long weekend with my wonderful hubby and our pup Monty at Goose Rocks beach where we lived 28 years ago. We stayed across the salt marsh from our old cottage. Spent the entire weekend soaking up the beauty of the area and eating lots of delicious seafood. How blessed were we to have lived there for a whole year. Several times we watched a Immature Bald Eagle up close, just before leaving the cottage he flew right in front of it, almost as if he was saying goodbye to us, maybe he was.....

The're back!

2011-10-06T20:25:00.005-04:00

The last two nights I've been awoken by lots of noise in the backyard. The first night horrifying noise, the rehab squirrel cage being knocked over. I knew immediately it was a bear. I was up in a flash and ran down stairs, outback and began banging and yelling, I looked under our patio canopy and there was still a bear there! I couldn't believe that he was being so brazen. It's rare for them not to run at the first sign of humans, especially when there is that kind of noise. Bobby ended up throwing two fire crackers and the bear finally left. Just before that he stood at the end of the patio and stared at me. He was a little guy about the same age as Monty. Only about the same height, but he weighed more then a hundred pounds. I was able to right the cage, one squirrel was out, the other settled back in his nest box. I left the outside light on and the cage open. The next morning I took the nest box out of the cage and left the squirrel some food. He spent the early morning exploring the trees and feeders. I left for work. Later on that morning I received a call, it was my son, Jason said the bear was at the house again. That is what these pictures are from. He did scare him away. Early this morning I awoke again to lots of noise,knew instantly it was the bear again, flew open the window and had a thought...I'll be there are TWO. Sure enough there were! They were under the apple tree pigging out on all the apples on the ground. I now know why it seemed like the bear didn't get out for under the canopy during the squirrel ordeal, the first one did, his bro didn't! Lets see what tonight brings.....

2011-10-03T20:13:00.004-04:00

Monty and I had a fantastic hike today. We went up to the AT over looking Greenwood Lake, via Cascade Lake Park. We were out about 3 hours total. Bird migration was in full force everywhere we wandered. The overlook was filled with migrating Raptors, 1 Eagle, 3 Osprey, 1 Red Shoulder, 1 Sharpie and lots of Red Tails and Vultures playing in the wind. Other notable birds, lots of Phoebes, Towees, King Fisher, Wood Duck, Nashville, Prairie and C. Yellow-throat Warblers. Only one turtle remained sunning himself on a log. Sad to see the warm weather leaving us for the year. Upon returning home a lone Hummingbird was feeding on all the flowers in my garden. I filled up the feeder with fresh nectar for her. Hoping her migration is successful and she gets to her Winter home below Southern Mexico.

Over the weekend I took two shifts up at the Hawk Watch. Friday I did an 8 hour shift and had 152 birds and Sunday I did 7 hours for a total of 65 birds. Lots of great company, beautiful birds, I enjoyed myself completely. Yesterday was the Applefest here in Warwick, the roads were jammed with people, I was asked to count because no one wants to try and drive to or from Warwick on Applefest day. The entire time I was up at the watch I thought about just how blessed I am to have such a undying love for all of nature, how it carries me through my life like nothing else. No way I'd trade a bad day up at the watch for a single Applefest. Watching beautiful birds is far more exciting then looking at crafts and fighting crowds of people.

October 1, 2011

2011-10-01T11:31:00.007-04:00

I have the seven squirrels back now. 5 female reds, 1 female gray and 1 male gray. They are almost old enough to release. I've weened them off the bottles and started to dish feed the reds. I've gathered some natural foods for them and will be putting the cages outside today or tomorrow. They will spend about two weeks getting used to the sights and sounds of the yard, and then the cages will be opened. They will be allowed to return to the nest boxes each night to sleep. I will provide food for them all winter.

Yesterday was my regular day at the hawk watch. I did a 8 hour shift and was rewarded with 152 birds. Lots of fantastic company as well! I've also taken tomorrow which looks very promising for a nice count. It's dreaded Applefest...crowds of people headed to our lovely little town. The traffic makes it impossible for anyone to get around.

I'm feeling pretty good about some of the things I've added to my life. I'm proud that I took the steps to become a certified naturalist, a wildlife rehabilitator and also an official counter at the Mt. Peter Hawk Watch. I feel as though I'm beginning to fulfill my destiny, doing what I was born to do. Now if only I could come up with a job that encompasses some of what I love.

Fall is here...

2011-09-27T14:18:00.005-04:00

I've had a very busy couple of weeks. Spent a few days out on Long Island with my HS girlfriends. Part of the time we were in Montauk and the other at Tobay Beach. We had gorgeous weather, good food, lots of laughs and awesome scenery. The ocean always makes me feel better.

Last weekend I spent up at the Cornell Arnot Nature Teaching Forest becoming a Certified Naturalist. I met many interesting people who are cut from the same cloth as myself. I will be working towards my Certified Master Naturalist designation next. I have more credits to earn and 30 hours of volunteer service to do. Still trying to figure out my niche, what can I do with my knowledge and passion? I am happy to be moving forward.

I have a nice male Painted turtle in rehab, he had a fish hook in his face/eye. He appears to be healing really well. I'm hopeful he can go back to the wild this coming weekend, other wise I will have to let him winter over here in one of my turtle tubs. Most of the wild turtles have started to slow down and eat less. I don't want him to have problems hibernating because I've been feeding him. Baby squirrels are all coming for a visit tomorrow. They will all be good and wild now!

Today I took Monty up to the lake for a nice hike. Still far too many mosquitoes out. The weather was perfect. Lots of birds still around. Winter Wren, C.Y.T. Warbler pair, Phoebe, Wood Thrush, Song Sparrow. On the way out, in the parking lot, I noticed lots of Raptors moving through, Bald Eagle, Peregrine falcon, Sharp-shined and Red shouldered. Wish that I had gone up to the AT over looking GW Lake now. I have the Hawk Watch this coming Friday and Sunday. We are in for a bit of cold snap, so it ought to be pretty good. I miss my HW friends and birding. Time to get back out there.

Last day of Summer 2011

2011-09-22T20:59:00.003-04:00

I wish that I could say it was a good Summer, I can't. I spent most of it worried about losing my best friend Petey and then mourning his loss the past six weeks. He was an amazing dog that I was blessed to share my life with for four and a half short years. I miss him terribly. I have no regrets as I loved him deeply and gave him a great life. We shared thousands of hours out in the woods hiking and loving life. I will never forget his zoomies of joy each hike, when he would run back to me, it was his way of saying thank you for taking me. My life and the way I see how a dog should live is forever changed, I just wish we had more time together. I feel sick when I think of how young he was. He didn't deserve to die. Big hole in my heart, but filling it with the happy memories of my best friend Petey.

First bear

2011-09-13T20:15:00.004-04:00

Let the Fall bear sightings begin, tonight at 6:55pm I saw a bear cross the road from our Turtle Hill Road Property to the other side of the road. Bobby was working just a few yards from where he crossed. Always thrilling!

All my squirrel rehabs are gone, another rehabber took back the 2 greys and assumed care of the 5 reds. The flying squirrel was let go on Turtle Point Property and the Chipmunk here in my yard.

September 15-18th Nice trip to Montauk Point and also Great South Bay with my oldest and dearest girl friends. I love going back to my roots and spending time at the ocean. We had wonderful weather. I also did a little walk down memory lane and went to my childhood home and past the Park that gave me my deep love for nature.

Life passing by....

2011-09-13T07:28:00.002-04:00

I still feel like it's all been a really bad dream. It's been 4 weeks since I lost my beloved Petey. My heart hurts every moment, the missing is excruciating. I loved him like no other dog that has come my way. Why only 4 years and 9 months of life for him? He was still a baby. I spent the final 20 months of his short life worrying about how and when he would die from DCM. I hate that disease. How horrific is it that perfectly healthy beautiful dogs have such bad hearts....and WHY have breeders done nothing to breed it out of Dobes? I know Petey taught me to live in the moment, but there have to be other lessons, I'm still searching for those. I miss his presence, my life will never be the same again, he was my heart and soul dog. Not sure I will ever allow myself to love another dog like that ever again, it is just too painful when they leave us.

Lots of Squirrels

2011-09-11T20:14:00.011-04:00

The storm brought in lots of squirrels. Grays, Reds, Chipmunk and a Flying Squirrel. These were all shared with my co-rehabber. I'm so grateful that we share the work, this way we can still go away and have a life. I hope our relationship continues for a long time. One weekend I had all four species in separate enclosures on my DR table. Monty left them alone the entire time. I am beginning to love doing Rehab work. It is so interesting and when the outcome is good, very rewarding. To be able to help these animals get back to the wild is for me the greatest gift I could give back to the world. I love protecting what is meant to be, wild and free.

Baby Wood Turtle

2011-09-11T16:45:00.010-04:00

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What an incredible find....a true gift for me.

More babies

2011-09-05T16:19:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I got in 5 female baby Red Squirrels. Their tree had to be cut down due to Hurricane Irene. I think they are just under 4 weeks old. I found out online that we shouldn't feed them the same as the Grey Squirrels. They need yogurt and heavy cream in their mix. I started that this afternoon. Hoping they do well. They sure are adorable!

Beautiful Hike

2011-08-30T13:03:00.002-04:00

Life continues.....

2011-08-26T14:44:00.006-04:00

Words can not adequately express the profound sadness I'm experiencing losing a 3rd canine companion in less then 5 years. Petey was by far the most special of all, we spent hundreds of hours each year out in nature exploring. I do know the sadness will get less intense with each passing day and that I need to get back in the game. I have a 17 month old puppy who all of a sudden only has eyes for me. He is going to become my new side kick. He was always overshadowed by Petey who had a personality bigger then life.

Last weekend a fellow Rehabber needed a squirrel sitter for 4 babies, I was her women! I enjoyed it immensely. They are adorable and I love doing rehab work. I will get them back in another 2 weeks, while their caretaker goes out of town for the weekend. I'm really looking forward to seeing them again, all furry and running around. Later on in the week we also took in two grey squirrels and a chipmunk all victims of the hurricane.

I need to get my Bins on and get out there birding! I'm missing the other best time of the year for migrants. Hawk Watch starts September 1, and I'm signed up for my traditional Friday shift all the way until mid November. Looking forward to seeing all my hawk watch buddies.

My Petey

2011-08-23T12:12:00.002-04:00

August 14, 2011 we lost our Petey. We had returned from the vacation to Lake George earlier in the day. Petey had a blast the rest of the week, lots of playtime and very happy. He wasn't acting right on the way home, and seemed out of it the rest of the night. He awoke at 12:55am, I got up to take him out, he collapsed and died. Very quick and no pain. I will miss him forever. What a gift he was for me. He got me outside every day. I loved him so much.

Lake George Vacation 8/6-8/13/11

2011-08-12T13:33:00.013-04:00

While this was not one of my favorite nature vacations by far, I some how managed to find lots of little moments filled with natures infinite beauty. The house we rented was in Ticonderoga. Right on the end of Lake George, actually the last water front piece of property possible. It is surrounded by other houses. If I had to choose over again, I would have made a phone call and asked more questions. I was very disappointed after arriving here. I really needed to have lots of nature time to clear my head out and do some deep thinking, and it was immediately apparent it was not going to happen in this house during this week of vacation. Having the two dogs with me, and no easy access to nearby trails other then getting in the car and driving for a long distance was a huge disappointment. I made the best of the situation, and enjoyed the vaca for what it was worth. Lots of people I love were around, so quality times with all of them made up for the lack of deep nature time. I think it's time to take Backpacking up again. I need to get away from it all.....into the wild.

On a bright note the owner of the house left lots of native plants all around the house instead of ornamental plantings, so the bird life was awesome. There was constantly birds around to watch.

I also read an entire book, that hasn't happened in a very long time. *The Nature Principle* by Richard Louv Excellent read and about the very subject I've been thinking about for my entire life. I've always tried to put a name on how I feel when I'm away from nature for too long, and this book describes exactly how I feel. I am at a crossroad as what to do with my life after my parenting is done. I want to find a niche that I fit in to. I need to do some worthy work now that I'm not needed any longer to mother 24/7. Helping people get over their Nature Deficit Disorder seems to me a very worthy way to spend my free time. To give people back the awe and wonder they once felt as children....that alone would be the biggest gift I could give to others.

As I started to spend more quality time with my two dogs,Petey and Monty, letting them swim and have fun, I remembered WHY I took this cottage....for THEM to be able to come along, and also have their own vacation. It isn't always about *ME*. Some day I will have my time, it just isn't now.

Naturalist Class!

2011-08-05T22:17:00.002-04:00

I finally was able to sign up for the Cornell Master Naturalist class! I'm so excited. I am officially going back to school in September. I hope this is the beginning of a new life for me.

Wood Turtle Rehab

2011-08-04T20:14:00.002-04:00

On June 29, 2011 I took in a female wood turtle that had been hit by a car. She suffered from several breaks in her shell, none of them life threatening. One on her back was very close to her spinal cord. I was able to clean her up,medicate, hydrate, and keep her quiet for a week. By the end of the week she was eating earth worms, and no signs of infection. Tomorrow she goes free. I love doing rehab work.

Sedge Wren

2011-07-26T21:19:00.004-04:00

New life bird for me today Sedge Wren. I went out birding to Oil City Road out in Pine Island a the Wallkill River National Refuge. There were a lot of other birders out there looking for it, including one of my Hawk Watch friends. Other nice birds were a Sand-hill Crane and a little Blue Heron, white phase.

Books to read....

2011-07-24T22:42:00.002-04:00

I have started doing some reading about Ecopsychology. I find it so fascinating, wish that I could go back to college for a degree in it. I'd like to read the following books about Ecopsychology,but found that our library system doesn't have even one of them. I will have to purchase them one by one if I want to read them all. Like I don't have enough books already.

1.The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit Disorder-Richard-Louv

2.Ecopsychology: Restoring the Earth, Healing the Mind - Theodore Roszak

3.My Name is Chellis and I'm in Recovery from Western Civilization - Chellis Glendinning

4.Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature - Joseph Bharat Cornell

5.Communing with Nature: A Guidebook for Enhancing Your Relationship with the Living Earth - John L. Swanson

6.Our classroom is wild America: Trailside education in action - encounters with self, society, and nature in America's first ecology expedition school
by Michael J. Cohen

7.The World Peace University Field Guide to Connecting With Nature

8.Reconnecting With Nature by Michael J. Cohen

The day just got even better!!!!

2011-07-19T08:25:00.003-04:00

Hairy Woodpeckers

2011-07-19T07:56:00.002-04:00

The very best part of feeding the birds is when our resident parent birds bring their young to the feeders. This morning my gift was two juvenile Hairy Woodpeckers, a male and a female. Mom was busy feeding them.

Acadia National Park

2011-07-18T18:55:00.008-04:00

Yesterday we returned from a glorious 9 day vacation in Maine. We were able to take the dogs and my mom and her hubby shared the cottage with my hubby and my son. The cottage was adorable and right on the ocean. The scent of salt and pine was intoxicating. Lots of hiking trails right off the road where we were staying. No need for me to get in a car to walk the dogs each day. Beautiful pine forests filled with little treasures of mosses, lichens and ferns. Lots of birds, ducks and raptors. Ocean life included gray and harbor seal, and harbor porpoise. This spot was by far my favorite cottage we have ever rented. I found the peace and quiet I was seeking. Some day I hope we can spend a Summer on the Maine coast, there is nothing more soul healing then the ocean.

I was able to spend every moment for 9 days with my two beautiful Dobeboys at my side. Petey ate his fill of lobster and totally enjoyed his vacation. The first night both dogs stayed with us in a hotel on the 6th floor, first experience on an elevator. They were both perfectly behaved, and I enjoyed my vacation immensely.

Painted goes free

2011-06-20T20:21:00.001-04:00

2011-06-17T16:10:00.002-04:00

This guy makes 3 males now.

Bear with 5 cubs!

2011-06-14T06:41:00.001-04:00

2011-06-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

2011-06-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

Turtles

2011-06-07T12:54:00.002-04:00

I love all of nature, animals, reptiles, insects, fish, plant life and land formations. I love everything about being outside. If I had to name one type of wild animal as my favorite, it would have to be turtles. If I had to name a species of turtle, it would be the Northern Wood turtle. Why? I have no idea what and where the attraction came from. I just know since I was a little girl they have fascinated me. As a child growing up on Long Island there were not too many opportunities to get up close and personal with wild turtles. At 8 years old after many weeks of convincing, my mom took my sister and myself to the pet store to purchase a tiny Red Ear Slider. They cost 50 cents back in the day, we each had a quarter to spend. Once we were in the Pet store....we saw a much cooler, bigger turtle that cost a 1.00. We had to have him! We begged mom for the other 50 cents, she finally gave in, and Pee-Wee became my pet for the next 28 years. When ever I am fortunate enough to see a turtle in the wild, I always become like a little kid again, the excitement of childhood returns. If that turtle happens to be a Wood Turtle, I feel as though my day has been blessed. This year....I've lucked into 2 male, and 4 females all in the last 10 days....I am truly living in the moment, doing what I love, and loving what I'm doing,just like my new affirmation rings says.

In Native American Wisdom the Turtle is: A very powerful symbol for women. It symbolizes fertility, long life, and perseverance. It is sometimes even considered able to defy death. Turtle - Self contained, creative source, Earth, informed decisions, planning, adaptability.

The Native American turtle has a significant place deep in the heart of Native American culture. Throughout history, the turtle has been regarded as mythical, symbolical and sacred. Itâ€™s been embedded in several stories and among several tribes. The Native American turtle and its various meanings are still very much alive today, especially in art.

The Native American turtle has a lot of meanings. The turtle, a water animal, is a symbol for strength, fertility and perseverance. It was considered a power fetish animal. It was believed to have the ability to defy death.

The turtle was part of communication between tribes. The Great Plains people regarded the turtle as a symbol of a meaningful and long life. Not all tribes used the same symbols, but they often communicated using languages to portray a central idea.

The Native American turtle was a symbol of truth as well. It is believed that knowing the truth means understanding and staying loyal to all the fundamental laws of the Creator. It is believed that the Grandmother Turtle was present when the Creator gave man the 7 sacred laws. The Grandmother Turtle was there to make sure that the sacred laws would not be forgotten or vanish.

The back of the Turtle consisted of the 13 moons, which portrayed the truth of a single cycle of the Earthâ€™s revolution around the sun. There are also 28 marks on the back, portraying the womanâ€™s body and cycle of the moon. The shell itself portrays the actual happenings of the body and is also there to remind people of the Creatorâ€™s plan and teachings.

As one can see, the Native American turtle is very much embedded in age-old folk tales. It was believed that the earth itself was born on the Turtleâ€™s back. Because the turtle carries its home atop its back, it is believed that the turtle could brave through very difficult situations. The turtle was essentially regarded as a symbol of protection.

There was a Cherokee story about a race between a rabbit and turtle. They both wanted to win the race, and they raced through valleys and hills. Atop every hill, a new turtle would show up. The new turtle would then continue the race. Because there was only one rabbit and several turtles that each continued the race along every hill, the rabbit lost and the turtle won!

The Native Americans made symbols out of animals and used them in moral stories. A life of sharing and contributing to nature was very important to them. They had great respect for animals and nature itself.

What made turtles very special in Native American culture was their unique characteristics. They had a very different physical form compared to other animals. They are comparatively very slow when they travel, but are well protected and live a fairly long life.

In Native American tradition, every animal has natural powers and unique characteristics that can assist its owner. The Native American turtle was a symbol of the peopleâ€™s spirit and often expressed in oral stories and songs. Today, it is present in pecked designs on rocks, basketry and pottery.

Annual Letchworth State Park Trip

2011-05-30T21:44:00.003-04:00

2011-05-22T07:28:00.001-04:00

Wildlife 'rarely needs our help’ Letter to the editor

2011-05-21T13:37:00.000-04:00

Spring is upon us once again. It is the time of year that wildlife rehabilitators phones begin to ring off the hook.

With the beautiful weather, more people are out and about in their yards and parks then at any other time of the year. During your travels many of you will come across wild baby animals and fledged birds (babies with feathers who can hop on the ground) that appear to be abandoned and wonder what you should do.

They look so helpless that they bring out our compassionate nature to want to help them. Most baby animals and birds are not abandoned, their parents are usually hiding nearby. The parents will not come out of cover if humans are near, instinct tells them it would put their young in immediate danger with a predator.

This period of time in a baby animals life is the most crucial, it’s their time for education. They rarely need our help.

When we intervene, only thinking we are helping, we lessen their chances of making it to adulthood. Baby animals belong in the wild with their parents who best know how to teach them to survive on their own, not with a human.

Please try not to interfere unless you know for sure that the parents are dead or have another reason to believe that the baby is abandoned.

If you are worried about your cat or dog hurting the baby, see if you can keep your pets away for a few days.

If you want to read more about what babies may need rescuing go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6956.html .

If you need a rehabilitator go to: www.nyswrc.org/counties.htm

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for helping to keep our precious wildlife wild and free as they are meant to be.

2011-05-21T12:20:00.001-04:00

Good Turtle Day!

2011-05-20T13:58:00.003-04:00

Red Squirrel

2011-05-16T16:13:00.004-04:00

Today up at the lake there were lots of Warblers. It has been raining buckets most of today. This little red squirrel decided to use our patio furniture to dine on. Notable birds this week in the yard, White Crowned Sparrow and Brown Thrasher.

Spotted goes free

2011-05-10T21:21:00.004-04:00

Today I released the Spotted Rehab. It was good to see him go free. I hope he has a long healthy life. I enjoyed having him here for the last 6 months.

My new bench

2011-05-09T14:00:00.003-04:00

I went out birding this morning and finally saw a gorgeous Scarlet Tanager. He is the one I heard a couple of days ago but couldn't locate, he is setting up territory where I take the dogs every day, so I will get to see him all Summer. Lots of migrants still out there! I may go out again later if I can manage to get my chores done. Here is my beautiful new bench that my wonderful hubby built for me as a Mothers Day gift. Perfect for sitting and watching the pond.

I'm feeling extremely blessed right now....I have all that I need. I'm living in the moment and I'm really enjoying my life.

Happy Mothers Day to me!!!

2011-05-08T18:23:00.003-04:00

My wonderful sons took me up to the Bashakill We are at the peak of the bird migration here in NY. Lots of birds and so wonderful to have the air so full of their songs again. Most notable bird today for me was a N.Parula. The Eagles are also nesting on the Kill again and we could see the lone chick in the nest. GORGEOUS day with 3 of my men. Lots of flowers cards, a beautiful handmade ceder bench from my hubby, and Lobster dinner....what more could I ask for??

Letting go...

2011-05-03T14:21:00.003-04:00

I've recently started working a program for Codependents. The addict in my life appears to be staying off of drugs and sober for the very first time in his life. While I'm very happy about this turn of events, I'm not ready to allow him back into my life. Someone who means the world to me said I was holding a grudge for not wanting to talk to him...I thought to myself ~ WOW...they need a meeting. Their words felt like a smack in the face. I spent two days upset and thinking about what they had said to me, trying to rationalize why would I want the pain and drama that comes with addiction back in my life right now. This addict is not working the 12 steps, I know this because, step 8 & 9 have not been taken with me personally. For me, that means they are in the very early process of getting well. I decided....I needed to get my own help, I don't have to worry about what anyone thinks. I need worry about myself. I need to do what is right for me for once. I think that I'm finally *getting it.* It's not about the addict, it's about me. I've always been the one to do the right thing, to try and make everyone get along and I also take care of everyone before myself. Where I left off with caring for 4 young children, I picked up with caring for needy dogs. I feel guilty if I don't take care of their needs before mine. The program is helping me to see...I've been thinking and acting completely wrong my entire adult life. That will be changing! This week the neotropical birds are flooding into our area, I was not getting any birding time having to leash walk both the dogs, not easy to hold two retractable leashes with a 190#s of Dobermans at the end of them, and a pair of Bins steady. Today after taking the boyz for their loop and being very frustrated at not being able to see all the birds I could hear, I decided to drop them off at home, and go out into the Co. Park....ALONE! It was just what I needed to clear my head. Spending time in nature completely wrapped up in the moment is the best way for me to get back in touch with myself. Three hours passed like the blink of an eye. I came home feeling like a million bucks. I know now that I need more alone time, everyone in my life will benefit if I'm not feeling so frazzled.

Today's birding was outstanding! Having so many gorgeous birds all out at the same time makes you feel as though you are birding in another country. Highlights for me were Blue-wing and Worm Eating Warbler. Every expected species has returned in great numbers.

2011-04-27T18:26:00.003-04:00

Another GORGEOUS day here on the East Coast! Trees in bloom, leaves bursting out, plants popping up everywhere! I'm in awe of the beauty surrounding me. So many want it to be summer like, I enjoy Spring taking it's time arriving so I can savor each moment. I couldn't get over how much more the trees popped during my work day. Yesterday the ferns in my garden were tightly closed and close to the ground, they are now all many inches tall and bright green. They must have grown 4 inches since last night. When I arrived home from work my entire back yard was covered with the most amazing sight....more then 100 Goldfinch feeding on every feeder and covering the ground too. I was feeling a bit down, and that moment lifted my spirits. Is there any creature more beautiful then a bird?

Natures most magical days

2011-04-26T16:15:00.002-04:00

Today right outside my own door the most amazing phenomenon in nature is going on. The bird migration is in full tilt. Passing though our area are some of the earths most gorgeous birds all in their breeding plumage. I have more then 50 Goldfinches at my feeders. Their color is breathtaking. Hummingbirds are already sipping sugar water. Warblers fill the trees, eating the bounty of black flies that hatched over the last couple of days. I am so lucky that I'm in tune with all of nature, little of the natural world escapes my attention. Every one of my days is special and filled with so many wonderful moments.

Hummingbird

2011-04-25T20:32:00.002-04:00

First Hummingbird of the year! I saw him 3x, in 3 different parts of the yard, including at the feeder. Time to mix up a big batch of sugar water and put out the other feeders.

Toads are still out in the pond singing away. I'm loving falling asleep to the sweet song. I released the Green Frogs that spent the Winter with us. Next will be the Spotted Turtle and Snapping Turtle. I will miss them, but their rightful place is back out in the wild. PJ will go back out in to the pond until next Fall, soon as I get some floating plants to give him a bit more cover and keep the frogs safe from his nipping.

I'm loving each and every moment of this glorious Spring, even if it rains every five minutes!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T14:35:00.004-04:00

I can't think of a better place to feel closer to my god ~ mother earth, then out in the forest. This morning hubby, oldest son, the two dogs and I went for a wonderful hike. The rain that was fore-casted never showed up. I feel so at peace right now. When I spend time outside my soul gets renewed and I can go forward with my busy life again. When we returned I made the most delicious Belgian Waffles ever, including Gluten Free ones for J and I. A new family tradition is born, a Easter morning hike followed by Belgian waffles! Life is GOOD today!

Warblers are here for sure!

2011-04-23T15:38:00.002-04:00

Despite lots more rain, there was another dozen Yellow-Rumped Warblers up in the Co. Park. Also Blue-headed Vireo and Black and White Warbler. After our walk we went into town and while I was waiting in the car for hubby to return, I watched two Barn Swallows hunting for insects over the river that runs through town, FOY for me. When you are a birder every moment you are outside is an opportunity to see something great.

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T18:06:00.003-04:00

I decided to take the road less traveled today. The parking lot at the lake was filled with cars. I was not looking forward to walking the boyz with so many others out on the trails. It's hard for me when people don't leash their dogs. I decided to take a back trail that I've never run into another person on it. The hike was going too quickly so I turned onto a trail I've never went on. It was a gorgeous surprise. There were even some really old trees. Lots of wetlands and streams. Saw my first of season Warblers on the return trip! Yellow-Rumped, Black & White and a Pine. Spring has sprung!

First Rose-breasted Grossbeak of the year at the feeder!

2011-04-20T21:20:00.002-04:00

The sun finally came out and it warmed up to 70 degrees today. One lone Turkey was under the bird feeder, a hen. Juncos are mostly gone. Birds are all beginning their territory songs. Tonight outside my bedroom window I could hear the hear the voice of an American toad singing. He has already attracted a female to the pond. I love spring.

Green Heron

2011-04-16T13:44:00.003-04:00

I had a wonderful hike in the freezing rain. It's 41 and windy. There was a Green Heron at the pond. Gorgeous bird, he allowed me long close looks. I'm glad that I decided to bring my good bins despite the rain. I no sooner finished watching him to head up another trail and there was a bear! Always a thrilling welcome sight for me. Walking in the rain never disappoints, there is always more wildlife around when there are few people out in the wood. We also saw 4 deer. Keeping the dogs on leashes helps too. I would never again let one of my dogs chase wildlife. It is so unfair to the animal to have a dog terrorizing it, especially at this time of year when they are stressed out trying to find food to put back on the weight they lost during hibernation. On the way out of the park there were a few Bluebirds.

First Chipping Sparrow at the house.

Lucky Day!

2011-04-15T13:47:00.005-04:00

Hiked up to the top of the AT overlooking Greenwood Lake. I lucked out and caught the Northward migration of Hawks! Over 100 Broad-winged, 12 Sharpies, 2 Osprey, 1 Coopers and a N. Goshawk! Winds are ESE and 5-10mph. Nice cloud cover. Most birds were naked eye.

At the pond N.Water-snake and Painted turtles. First Mourning Cloak of the year.2 pairs of wood-ducks up in the Beaver pond.

Green!

2011-04-12T09:27:00.002-04:00

Up and out again for a doggie walk nice and early. It was raining. I love walking in the rain, there is a peacefulness that is hard to find during a gorgeous day when so many more people are out and about. Last week I finally purchased a good rain jacket and rain pants, what a pleasure to wear the proper clothing, it makes all the difference in the world. The humidity and rain are causing the buds on some trees to pop. The world is greening. Each moment of watching the Spring unfold is a true gift to me. I'm so glad that I've been staying off my computer and out there enjoying nature instead.

During the night we had a Toad singing in our pond. It's been a few years since that has happened.

Farm walk

2011-04-11T10:08:00.005-04:00

7:15am hike up at lake, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hermit Thrush, Ring Necked Duck, Pilated Woodpeckers, Phoebe, Turkeys, Deer, heard a bear way back in the swamp too. I'm turning this into my new habit, get up and out in the morning, shower after wards. Had a great time, feel refreshed. I am planning a second hike after grocery shopping, this time up in the Co.Park.

7pm I took the boyz down the street and walked them on the road. It was 80 degrees out and beautiful. Birds singing and Spring Peepers calling. I forgot just how gorgeous it is down by the farms. I heard toads singing too. What a great way to end the day.

Earth's 10 Commandments

2011-04-10T17:42:00.001-04:00

1. Thou shalt see thyself as part of the whole and not place thyself above other creatures.

2. Thou shalt live in balance and harmony with all creation and not seek dominion over nature.

3. Thou shalt not multiply thy species endlessly without regard to the limits of my bounty.

4. Thou shalt not empty the seas of fish and the forest of trees, nor turn fertile fields to deserts and take the blue from the skies.

5. Thou shalt not overgraze thy sheep till pastures disappear and famine visits the land.

6. Thou shalt not produce what cannot be destroyed and returned to dust upon the earth.

7. Thou shalt not harvest greed, envy, and hatred but instead husband thy seed stock and plant as well the seeds of peace, love, and tranquility.

8. Thou shalt be a friend to the world and to all creatures great and small by doing unto all species as you would have them do unto mankind.

9. Thou shalt walk lightly upon the earth and nurture the balance of existence, seeking not a kingdom in the sky but a heaven on earth.

10. Thou shalt keep the earth a paradise as it has been for all eternity.

Signs of Spring

2011-04-08T14:59:00.007-04:00

Skunk Cabbage

Spotted Salamander Eggs

Helbaine

Osprey

Trout Lily

Checked on the Vernal Pools up at the Co. Park, tons of Egg masses. I'm glad we went up those two nights in a row, it appears it is done for the year. Up at the lake the females have not come as of yet, so there is a chance to see them in the next couple of days, soon as it rains again.

It's not over yet!

2011-04-07T20:24:00.002-04:00

After work I took the boyz up to the Lake for a quick walk. I went and checked all the puddles that the Spotteds use and last night the males had been there! I will get up to the Venal Pool tomorrow and see what happened last night. It rained lightly the entire night.

On the way home from Middletown I saw a Sand Hill Crane in a field along 17a. Nice sighting. This morning we had around 20 turkeys, about a third of them were males, all displaying.

Turkeys

2011-04-07T08:54:00.003-04:00

This morning there are around 20 Turkeys coming and going. At least a third of them are toms. They are displaying in several different spots including up on the next door neighbors lawn. It's keeping me from getting to work on time, knowing this could very well be the last day they come into the yard until next Winter, it's hard to pull myself away from the nature show. The value of my day is always greatly enhanced with wildlife encounters, even if they are viewed from my kitchen table. Already today, I feel immensely blessed and my day has just begun. What a privileged to see wild animals so up close and personal. I'm living my dream.

2nd Bear of the year

2011-04-06T19:36:00.003-04:00

Black dot in the center of the photo is the bear.

This evening right after work I took the dogs up to the lake for a hike. It was raining lightly. I wanted to look and see if there was any Salamander activity up there. I noticed that there are no Spring Peepers calling at the lake. As we aproached a swampy area I heard some calling. I stopped because one sounded like a Chorus Frog. I noticed Petey looking intently into the other side of the swamp, then Monty started doing the same thing. I turned around to see a bear sitting up tight next to a tree not 50 feet away watching us. He was a nice size bear. Make my night. Now we are off to look for more Spotted Salamanders. Got to love this time of year!

Spotted Salamanders

2011-04-05T21:03:00.003-04:00

The last couple of days there have been increasing amounts of spermatophores in the vernal pools. We had more rain today, I hiked up at around 11am to the pool in the pouring rain to check, and couldn't see anything. We went back at 8pm and sure enough there were a couple dozen in the pool! Lots of Spring Peepers calling. It is so exhilarating to be out in nature when it is pitch black. When there is little noise, no planes flying over, no other people. We walked most of the way with out light. A light drizzly snow was falling. Temps were 39 degrees. Most of today was in the 40s.

2011-04-04T09:43:00.002-04:00

First hike of the day, took the boyz up to the Co. Park to check the vernal pools. Last night we had a bit of rain and more expected over the next couple of days, there will be a big night this week. Some males have been there, so if it rains tonight...it is looking good. Spring Peepers were calling at the pond. Bird highlights, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a male Wood duck. On the home front, first bear of the year, got the suet feeder and took down the front feeders crushing the black oil sunflower feeder. Time to bring them in every night.

Oil City Evening Trip

2011-04-03T07:33:00.005-04:00

Nice 4:30-8pm walk around the Loop, gorgeous blue skies,with huge puffy cloud formations.

Oil City Road trip highlights:

Snow geese, Wood Duck, Wigeon, Black Duck, Shoveler, Pintail, Green-wing Teal, Blue-wing Teal, Ring-Necked, Bufflehead, Hooded Merg, Com Merg, Ruddy,Pied-billed Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Bald Eagle, Red Shoulder Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Coot, Snipe, Woodcock, Great Horned Owl, Tree swallows.

42 species and excellent late day light on the ducks high-lighting their vibrant colors. At dusk Woodcock began calling and displaying.

Choruses of Spring Peepers during the entire walk around the loop made for a very enjoyable birding adventure.

On the home front, Fox Sparrow and the Flicker continue to feed here.

2011-04-01T17:57:00.002-04:00

I've been fairly good about spending less time online. Checking forums and email has become a very bad habit for me, and one that is so hard to break. I'm really working on it, and replacing that time with more walks with the dogs. I feel pretty good about it too.

Today at the house feeders first mostly yellow Goldfinch.

Freedom

2011-03-28T19:55:00.005-04:00

Today I decided to stay off the internet until I was completely finished with all my chores and errands, including my hike with the dogs. Last night I came to the realization that I've wasted so much of the last few years on forums. Precious time that would have been better spent with my family, dogs and out in nature. Time that I could have volunteered at my local animal shelter. Last night I watched Oprah's Master Class show,it was about her. I find her life story fascinating. She said that when you find your true calling you need to do your very best, put everything you are into it. I haven't done that with anything since my kids were little. I was the best mom, I gave my boys my heart and soul. I lived and breathed for them. Once they were older and independent, I let them go. I've felt empty since, floating from forum to forum. I've spread myself too thin and do a half assed job with everything. I've given to much of my time to a forum for more then 3 years now that for the most part I no longer agree with how people are treated that post there. I feel very differently about my chosen breed now too. Dobes have far too many horrible diseases, Petey and Monty will be my last Dobermans. I will adopt from now on, and only mixed breeds. I can't support any more breeds that only get a short life span, it isn't fair to the dogs and it is awful for the owners. I'm feeling pretty good right now...like a weight is off my shoulders. No more days spent on forums. I'm going back to a real life. My all is going to be given to my Naturalist study. It's my calling, and I want to be able to share my knowledge with others. I need to give it 100% of my time and energy. Thankfully....dogs make good companions for that!

So with my real life...today I started out with TWO BALD EAGLES over my home...TWO! I was loading my boyz up for their first hike of the day...yes first, they got TWO today with my extra time because I didn't sit on the computer all day...back to my story, I heard a raptor screeching, I looked up and there were two large birds, one diving at the other, took me a minute to realize what I was looking at....first I thought Red Tail and an Osprey, but with in a second, I had the car door open and binocs in hand....because I could tell they were eagles! What an awesome way to start my day! When you LOVE nature...every moment of every day is so special, there is always something to see. I went up the the Park and walked the boys for about an hour. Still very cold, in the 30s and snow on the ground too. There was a thin film of ice on part of the pond too. There were 5 Hooded Mergs, 1 GB Heron and 2 Phoebes.

In my yard, Hairy, Downy, RB, 2 Fox, 3 Song, W.T., few Juncos, Cardinals,House finch and Sparrow, crows, Cardinals, Titmouse, Chickadees, WB Nuthatch, Starling, Grackle, RW BBs, Cowbirds, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Goldfinch, Robins.

Last night there were Woodcock displaying across the street. I just love this time of year!