Renewed Faith....

I just submitted another letter to the editor. My broken heart is healed! Here's the letter.

Thank YOU turtle Crossers!

A few weeks back I wrote a letter to the editor about helping our native turtles cross roads. I have had so many people who read my letter come up to me and proudly tell me that they had helped save a turtle this past Summer. Sunday evening we were returning from a weekend away, I was able to see fellow turtle crossers in action. We came upon several cars stopped on RT 17A in Florida. A couple of people were out of their cars and looked very upset, as we drove past we could see that a very large Snapping turtle was in the middle of the road. We pulled over and I went to see if I could help move her. The next two cars on either side of the road decided to stop completely and block any further cars from potentially hitting and killing the turtle or injuring those of us that were helping her. A man had a shovel in his car and was able to move her off to the side of the road she was traveling to. I just want to commend all of you who stopped, for taking a moment out of your busy lives to save this wonderful creature from being hit and killed. Watching everyone pitch in to help, was heart warming. Your act of kindness has renewed my faith that each of us can make a difference and save our planet one creature at a time.

Do they have a chance?

It is with a sad heart that I write about this beautiful creature. Tuesday evening I had the great privilege of finding about a half dozen monarch caterpillars in a park that Petey and I visit several times a week. Always such a special find. The caterpillars born this late in the season might be the chosen few that will live up to eight months and migrate to Mexico. Unfortunately they were all killed. Some one with in my town thought it was a good time to backhoe the entire area down, to ready it to plant GRASS?! Taking all the milkweed down and crushing all the creatures who called it home, including these rare special caterpillars, that had a huge job ahead of them to help their species survive another year. Most humans have no regard for nature, they only save what they can see,which are the mammals, the little creatures are all part of the whole, we need to preserve all the creatures of this earth, including insects. They are all connected in the web of life, you crush one strand and it weakens the next one. Sadly I'm pretty sure that all the turtle nests of this year were also destroyed, as where they backhoed it the nesting area for the pond, and it is too early for the baby snapping and painted turtles to have hatched. Walking upon the scene Thursday night, I felt as though I had been stabbed in the heart, sick to my stomach, one small scene of destruction that represents what is really going on all our world. Will nature survive in the wild or will we end up with all the species that remain living and breeding in man made zoos? Will our souls survive if that is what it comes down to? No wild and free places on earth, just tamed fake nature. My soul won't survive it. I need nature to feel alive. I know that I'm going to do my part, just a small part, I will be planting a milk weed garden next year or even this Fall if I can transplant some plants. I will create a small piece of heaven for my fellow creatures. So out of this bad experience will come some good. RIP Caterpillars.

http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm

Night time

Last night Petey had a midnight need to go out one last time, I was not too happy to be woken out of a rare bit of sleep as lately I haven't been getting too much of it. Once outside I begin to welcome the chance to see another world. During the night the world becomes a completely different ecosystem that what we have during the day. The creatures that roam have their own niche. It has always fascinated me to wonder about all that goes on in my yard as I sleep. Fox, Raccoons, Skunks, Possum, Flying Squirrels, Coyotes, bears, deer all roam more freely and safely while we humans sleep. Last night the stars were out, the air cooled and I felt thankful to have a glimpse into the night. On the way back in the door, guess who was sitting on my step, a toad. He brought a smile to my face, and I really felt like it was worth while to get up. I love toads nearly as much as turtles. My new gardens and landscaping continue to attract more creatures each day. I am happy to have done the work, and can now enjoy the fruits of my labor in my Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

Proof of Happiness....

PJ

I've always been a reptile person, I don't know why, there is just something about them that warms my heart. My first pet was a Anole, the second a water snake and the third was Pee-Wee the turtle, he came into my life when I was eight years old. On an outing to the local pet store my sister and myself each had a quarter. We were going to purchase a baby Red-ear slider turtle. When we walked into the store, there was a tank with a much cooler bigger turtle that cost a dollar. We really wanted that turtle, begged our mom to please give or lend my sister and myself the other fifty cents. She did and Pee Wee came into my life for the next 28 years. Pee-Wee was a Asian Yellow Pond Turtle who was wild caught. Although Pee-Wee got used to life in captivity, he was never really happy. He constantly tried to escape his tanks and every so often did so and spent a day or two enjoying his freedom exploring the house. Pee-Wee went away to college with me, and then after I was married he also moved around for a few years to different states with hubby and I. I always kept him in a decent size tank, but it was never enough. His final escape came when I was 36 years old. I had a house full of kids for the week, my own four and three of their cousins. All under the age of ten. Pee-Wee had been out on the lam...and some how got out a door, never to be seen again. I was heartbroken. I had been with Pee wee longer then anyone in my life. About ten years later I finally found a turtle breeder in Florida that had captive bred baby Asian Yellow Pond turtles, I bought a tiny three month old and had him shipped up from Florida. He was promptly named PJ aka Pee Wee Jr or the initials for my favorite band. For his first three years he seemed so happy. He lives in a heated, filtered 50 gallon pond in my family room. He spends his days basking in his heat lamp and catching live guppies. He would come up to you and take food from your fingers. He didn't even mind Petey giving him a daily poke with his nose. Well all of this has changed, my once happy go lucky turtle started climbing out of his tank too. Several times in the last couple of weeks he has been on the lam, and....it happened again, I couldn't find him. Fearing the worst, I swore to myself, I'm done with pets other then dogs. I felt sad over allowing this to happen again. I was convinced he was gone for good. The other night I was sitting at my ornamental pond feeding the gold fish and all of a sudden guess who rises from the darkness....yup PJ!!! He is alive and well, and apparently wild and happy! I can coax him over to me with food, but the second I move too quickly he is GONE! I did manage to catch him tonight, luring him in with a smelt. I looked him over and he looks great, Petey came up to give him a poke and PJ bit him in the nose and repeated it several times! I put him back in his new Summer home a 1500 gallon pond, I will continue to feed him by hand everyday and when the weather gets cold, he will have to slum through the Winter in his tiny pond. Neat to have a turtle in the pond to watch, he spends his days chasing the goldfish and frogs, basking in real sunlight and getting a lot of exercise.

Bears

The thing I love best about living in my town is the bears. It is "common" for me to see them while out hiking, driving or even in my own yard. They add such a wonderful sense of wilderness to even the simplest of hikes close to home. Every time I lay my eyes on one I think....How lucky am I? How blessed has my day just become? Seeing animals in the wild opens my sense of wonder back up to the the way I felt as a young child. Yesterday while out for my daily hike with Petey this young boy of about 3 years old came running right towards me. Petey was ahead of me on the trail and must have caught his scent in the swamp and took off to investigate. I heard what sounded like something large crashing through the brush, and it was making a coughing noise. I thought OMG it's Petey and he must be badly hurt, why would he be making that noise? I looked in the bushes and there was a bear coming right at me...and he was making a grunting noise. He stopped about 3 feet from me, looked me in the eye, turned around and up the tree he went. He was not about to tangle with Petey nor I. He only wanted to get away from us. I took a minute to snap a couple of pictures, and then left the poor scared boy alone. What a thrill. No matter what, every time I go to the woods, I'm never sorry for the time invested, braving the weather be it rain, heat or snow, dealing with bug bites....one sighting of a bear makes all the time worth while. Can't wait to get out there again!!

Smell The Flowers.....

I've been lucky to share my life with many wonderful dogs, beginning at birth with Lucky the Labordoodle, back in the day known as a Mutt. To my present dog Petey the Doberman Pinscher, whom I hope will take me into old age. Each dog had come into my life with lessons to teach at a time when I most needed them. Some of the lesson I've learned were commitment, responsibility, patience, understanding. I've lived with dogs that had illnesses, mental issues and physical limitations. The biggest lesson I've learned from each dog was to live in the moment. No matter what they were dealing with, from cancer to OCD, all my dogs seemed to love life and enjoy where they were that instant in time. They always expressed their infinite joy over the simplest things. They were there to remind me to "stop and smell the flowers" Petey continues with this lesson on a daily basis, every flower he comes across....he takes a whiff. He lives for today, no thoughts about what tomorrow will bring, a lesson I need to remember everyday. Having Petey in my life is a constant reminder to really LIVE each moment no matter how I feel or what is going on to cause stress. He is a gift that I've given to myself.

Birds are already moving around, lots of warblers coming through my yard. Hawk watch is three short weeks away. This Summer has flown by. Enjoying every moment of beauty.

Simplfy

I've decided that my life is too bogged down. Lately I feel as though I am suffocating from all the mess and chaos that surrounds me in my home. I feel as though it is holding me back from being able to really live in the moment and enjoy my daily life. I find myself not wanting to spend time in my home because of it. I am going to do a major purge and clean out and get rid of everything I'm not using or that I'm holding on to for silly sentimental value. Today I'm beginning the planning stage. Notebook and pen in hand. My first order of business is to find people and organizations who want the things that I no longer have a use for, next is to STOP buying STUFF completely, other then food. Nothing comes in here unless something goes out. This is going to be a long project but one I'm determined to complete before my next birthday. A little each day will get me where I want to be and so I begin.....

33 Months old

I can't believe how fast time is flying by now. My parents told me the older you get the quicker the days, weeks, months and years pass you by. They were right. Petey is now nearing three years old. Doberman Pinschers do not get very long lives, the average male lives to be about nine and a quarter years. I can't imaging myself with out my beloved Pete in six short years from now. I am doing everything in my power to insure the most years possible for him. I feed Raw http://www.rawfed.com/myths/ use no chemicals for pest control on him, I no longer do vaccinations, choosing to do yearly titers instead, exercise him everyday for at least an hour and keep his mind active learning and going new places. He is a dream come true dog. I couldn't ask for a better companion. Happy 33 month birthday to my sweetheart.

My Family

I've won the lottery of life....it is a great one, and I am so blessed to have four sons and the most amazing hubby to share it with.

A Tale of 2 T-Shirts

While on Vacation last week my dear sweet hubby bought me two T-shirts that had major meaning for me. The day before we left for our vacation I showed Petey for his first and last time. The experience was not a good one, and I left it feeling very down and upset. Starting my dream vacation with a sad heart was awful. I decided once and for all, after that experience that organized dog sports and competitions just aren't for me or Petey. Having been a Mod on a Doberman Forum for the last two years, and constantly reading about all the wonderful things that people are doing with their dogs and the titles they are achieving, I always feel as though I'm not doing right by Petey and his heritage. I have felt as though he should have a job. I have looked into and tried OB, Agility, TDI, SchH and now the show ring. Petey is by no means a AKC show doberman, I think most of the "show" people find him to be butt ugly, he has too much bone and a bit too much fat(we are still working on that!!! I have him down to his 1 year old weight, which is 16# less then his all time high) We STINK at it all. I am a nervous wreck and that goes right down the leash and pours into to my beloved boy. I've decided that we are not going to take another class, its a done deal.....WHAT A RELIEF! No more chasing titles and thinking about what else I can do next with Petey, we both already know the place where our hearts sing the loudest....its in the woods. He is my hiking partner and protector, and you know what?....it is enough. He is living his life as his original ancestors were bred to do, as a humans constant companion and protector, and he is excellent at his job. He is the champion of my heart.

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods. There is rapture on the lonely shore. There is society, where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more.- Lord Byron

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone

I have found paradise. Yellowstone National Park has completely won my heart as my favorite place on earth. I am still in awe at the physical beauty of the land and the number and variety of incredible animal species that call the park home. I can not wait to return. With my family we spent 10 days immersed in the beauty of the area, each day I added more species seen, including wolves and grizzly bears, both were at the top of my life list as must see before I die. We rented a nice little house that overlooked the Yellowstone River on the North end of the park in Gardiner. Across the River was parkland, so we had the added bonus of not only the rushing river but mountains and grasslands that gave us more nature to view. We spent hours watching the Mountain Goats frolic on the steep cliffs and Pronghorn antelopes grazing in the fields. One day we hiked among thousands of buffaloes for eight blissful miles, incredible to be surrounded by such immense animals, a privilege to see them so up close and personal in their natural habitat. Rafting for an entire day in the gorgeous Galitan River valley in Big Sky Montana was nothing short of awe inspiring and more fun then any amusement park I've ever been to. Every drive was another chance to see a new species of bird or animal. I couldn't wait to get into the park each day....my sense of wonder and awe for the natural world was woken up like never before. I think every American should try to see our parks, and learn what flora and fauna once existed across our entire nation and now is almost non existent anywhere except in the protected parks. I would have like to have been a Native American before we came to this country and destroyed it...just to see what true beauty was. Thankfully we have little slices of it still left within places like Yellowstone National Park.

Why Did The Turtle Cross The Road?

Second letter to the editor:

This time of year while you are out driving you may come upon one of our native species of turtle crossing a road. You might wonder why it would be doing something so dangerous. Turtles are looking for mates and laying eggs. They instinctively seek out high, dry, sunny locations to lay their eggs, sometimes needing to cross a road to find the ideal location. If you can safely stop your car, and wait to let the turtle pass in front of you, or can help move it to the other side of the road in the direction it was traveling, you are doing a wonderful service to help it survive. .Unfortunately most of our native turtles are in serious decline due to loss of habitat loss and people capturing and keeping them as pets. It is illegal in NY State for any citizen, except those that have special permits to possess any species of our native turtles. Three species are listed as Special Concern and one is Endangered and on the Federal Endangered Species list. Moving Box turtles and Wood Turtles from where they were born also causes most of them to die soon after releasing them to a new location. They have home territories and have learned over a lifetime the best places to find food, water and shelter, when moved they often starve to death. Releasing non native, pet turtles, like Red Eared Sliders is also causing problems for our native turtles, because they are much more aggressive and larger then our Eastern Painted Turtles and compete with them for food and territory. Thanks for helping our turtles survive so that our grandchildren might get to see them in the wild.

Fawns

Went for a wonderful hike today with hubby,Petey, my son and his girlfriend. After the last couple of super busy days getting ready for a graduation and party, a little escape into nature was much needed. We went up to Cascade Lake Park at about noon. The woods were filled with bird song,its the first day that it hasn't rained in the last three weeks. Glorious sunshine, although a bit humid. As we were heading to the car after a couple of hours in the woods, we were treated to an awesome sighting of two very young fawns right near the parking lot, both were making cute little noises calling to each other. You can see why people some times think that they need to be rescued, they look so fragile and mom seems no where to be found. I'm sure she was watching us from a distance.

Happy Summer Solstice!

The last few weeks have been spent working on our yard. After 20 years in our home the front gardens are finally finished. During the last year we put in a new circular driveway, stone walls, walkways and new gardens. I planted around 100 plants and flowers for butterfly, hummingbird gardens. I also put in a tiny pond for tadpoles, and it ended up with baby goldfish hatching, so it's making for a very cozy fish nursery. Now the large pond in the backyard has been completely refurbished, it is now about 6 inches deeper and sports a large waterfalls, and has a filtration system. You can visibly see the fish smile, they are so happy with the new conditions!! A two tier stone patio is next on the work list. Our oldest son has been doing quite a bit of the work. He will be traveling a lot this Summer and couldn't find a job that allowed that much time off, so we are paying him to work here. It is a win win situation, nothing like a fit 22 year old to get some serious work done. I finally hung my Wildlife Habitat sign.

Lots of baby birds and squirrels around. Downy woodpeckers, cardinals, house wrens, robing, Catbirds, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Chipping Sparrows, Grackles, Mourning Doves, Chickadees, Nuthatches,Redwing Blackbirds, House finches, all have brought babies to the feeders the last couple of weeks. The cutest has been the pair of Downy's, Mom comes with the female baby and dad comes with the male. They feed them my famous peanut butter mix. So adorable. So happy to see all these species being so successful in rearing their young.

The last few weeks, Petey and I have been getting out at the crack of dawn and doing a little trail running. Its really nice to get a workout in so early in the day, and the woods are also full of wildlife at that hour. Second week we ran right into a nice 300# bear, so exciting...as always!

Rainiest Spring ever here on the East coast! Now it's officially Summer~hopefully the sun will come out at some point!! Happy Summer Solstice!

It's been a while

I've been so busy with doggie classes that I've completely neglected my nature journal. It has been a gorgeous amazing Spring as always, full of green and bird song. Spring never disappoints and what you feel that you missed seeing, there is always next year to look forward to. It seems like every year Spring just come upon us so quickly with so much flora and fauna to see that you just can't take it all in. As always....I've enjoyed every moment I get to spend in nature. I enjoy all the seasons and weather. Petey and I continue to get out there every chance we can. I love this dog, he is becoming an amazing companion, I can't believe I used to want another dog. I am so happy hubby has always said no, one is enough this time around. He was so right. Petey is special, very special and he doesn't need to share us. He and I are in three classes right now, OB2, Agility and Show Handling. None of which we excel at, but during the process, we are bonding more and more.

We went on our annual Memorial Day trip to Letchworth State Park, to spend time with good friends. Nothing like gorgeous scenery and close friends to make for a awesome extended weekend. We always rent the same tiny cabin, surrounded by temperate rain forest plants and giant trees that we don't have at home.

Today I received my grade for the Wildlife Rehabilitation test, I got a 99%. I'm not a bad test taker like I've always thought my whole life...it was the subject matter that stunk! I sent off my first two letters to the editor tonight. Warning people to leave baby birds and animals alone. Here is the letter.

If You Care Leave Them There

It's that time of year again when baby mammals and birds begin leaving their dens and nests. Every year, many people unknowingly upset the lives of young wildlife when they only mean to help. They take fledgling songbirds, young rabbits, fawns or other animals from the wild in a mistaken attempt to rescue them. Most of these animals and birds don't need rescuing. Venturing out and away from their parents is a necessary, natural part of their development. It is how they learn to find food, stay away from predators and in the case of fledgling birds, fly. It can take several weeks or even months for these babies to finally be on their own with out their parents watching over them. It may appear that their parents are no where to be found, when in all actuality it is instinctive for them to stay hidden away from humans. They are usually nearby watching and waiting for you to leave so they can attend to their young. So please unless you know that both parents are dead as in the case of a bird or the mother in the case of a mammal, please leave them alone. Watch from afar and enjoy the sighting. If you are worried your cat or dog might bother them, put your pets in the house and monitor them when they are outside. The best thing for wildlife it to remain Wild and Free. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Carol
Wildlife Rehabilitator

Bear!

I haven't had much chance to write about my recent nature jaunts as we have had a project going on at our home. This bear passed through our yard on Friday. He was about 300# and in beautiful shape. I've been out with Petey most days, and have done quite a few short hikes with my hubby. It's always fun for me when he is injured and can't ride for a couple of months. Lots of Warblers and other migrants around. Today I saw a Black Throated Blue and a a Scarlet Tanager. Two incredibly stunning birds.

Last Pine Siskin.....

This poor little guy was the last Pine Siskin left at the feeders. It was apparent for the last couple of days that he was not going to be around long. His flock had migrated with out him. This morning he looked really bad and he passed away by 11:30am. It was weird how a squirrel and chipmunk were so gentle with him.

Red Eft

Last night hubby and I sat out on our front porch and listened to many Wood Thrush singing....so delightful! Their song has to be my absolute favorite sound on earth.

Today notables were a RS Towee in my front garden, Orioles at Greenwood Lake. The Wizard of the Woods, Oven birds everywhere singing up at Cascade Lake Park. Beaver sign up at the Park too!!! First Very happy about that. Also a Red Shoulder Hawk calling up there. First Red Eft of the year! No Warblers yet for me....I plan on getting out tomorrow. I love love love SPRING...every day is like opening up a gift...so exciting to be in love with the natural world!

Happy May Day!!!

Sweet Petey!

Petey turned 2.5 years old on the 27th! I can't believe he is already on the other side closer to three...time is flying by.

I am missing out on the big Warbler flight, the trees popped because of the heat, and now I will spend tomorrow in the hospital with my hubby. Oh well....next year!

Rose-breasted Grossbeak

A pair showed up at the feeder today....always a delight!

N. Water Snake

My first Snake of the year at the County Park Pond. What a pretty snake. Male American Toads were all in the pond Calling. Two Great Blue Herons, one had caught a fish. Also Water-Thrush.

Trout Lilly

Big Day

Although I never caught the *Big Night* this year, today I had a big day of sorts. I've been keeping a eye on the puddles where dozens of Spotted Salamanders laid their eggs this year. It became apparent over the last couple of days that the puddles were going to end up completely drying up well before the eggs hatched. I decided this morning to head up to the the puddles, with a backpack and several gallon size zip-loc bags. Last weekend I found a spot that I had decided to move the eggs to, so they have a fighting chance at hatching and some day ensuring that there will be more *Big Nights* in my lifetime. Some don't agree with tampering with nature, but in this day and age with so much habitat being decimated and few people who really care to try and help, the creatures of our earth don't have much chance of surviving long enough for my future grandchildren to enjoy seeing them. Reptiles and Amphibians have the least chance of any protection as they aren't cute and cuddly like mammals. I have a soft spot in my heart for all the slimy, scaley creatures that roam this beautiful earth...they are my favorite animals. I gathered a total of about 2 gallons of egg masses from 4 different puddles and carried them to the top of the mountain and put them in an old beaver pond where there are other spotted Salamander eggs. I plan on checking on them for the next few days...as they will hatch pretty quickly now. I will share pictures of the larva when they hatch.

Today during our adventure my Petey enjoyed a nice swim in the old beaver pond, and he had a blast running on the trails during our hike. Notable birds this week: N. Waterthrush, Broadwing Hawks, Ruby Crowned Kinglets, a few Pine Siskins, chipping Sparrows. Black Flies are hatched....lots of warbler food...let the warbling begin! Best part of Spring!

Best sighting of the week, Thursday night the 16th after a wonderful hike up in Cascade Lake on the way out of Cascade Road, there was a 300# bear on the side of the road. We were able to stop the car and watch him slowly meander across a backyard. Gorgeous animal. Seeing one always makes my heart pound, so exciting each time.

Easter Sunday

Yesterday hubby, Petey and myself went for a wonderful 3.5 hour hike up to Cascade Lake Park. It was sunny, windy and only about 45 degrees out. Hubby has been clearing the trails for mountain biking and he took me up to a beautiful swamp that I have never been to before. It was a Beaver home in the not too distant past. There was a dam as well as three lodges. It is a oasis on the top of the mountain. Full of birds and all sorts of other creatures. We hiked all the way up to the AT and could see Greenwood Lake. It was so nice to spend such quality time with my hubby, I really miss hiking with him. We went home a prepared a meal of Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb, Asparagus and Scalloped Potatoes. Great Easter!

Today I returned to the Swamp because it was another gorgeous day with warmer temperatures and no wind. There were a few species of birds, my first N. Water Thrush of the year. Phoebes, Tree Swallows, lots of Turkey Vultures flying over, Juncos, Chickadees, Robins, W.T. Sparrows, Wood Duck, Mallard. I now have a new spot to go for the BIG NIGHT~the puddles at Cascade Lake have as many Spotted Salamander egg masses as the Vernal Pool up in the Co. Park. Much easier to get to in the pouring rain. I moved a Zip Loc bag full of eggs to a safer body of water. They were getting run over by the ATVs that are illegally riding up in the park. Tomorrow I have plans to move even more egg masses, the puddles are drying up and the egg masses don't stand much of a chance of producing nymphs if I don't move them. I also brought home a few egg masses to hatch and head start. Every year I hatch amphibian eggs, and I never tire of watching them. It gives me a chance to be a kid again.

In the backyard scene we have lots of frisky squirrels, and I noticed some of the females are already nursing. Red Squirrel is here most days. A raccoon has been coming on the window feeder. I still have Juncos, W.T. Sparrows, Pine Siskin, Gold Finch that are almost all yellow, Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Downys, Robins, Red Wing Blackbirds, Grackels, Cowbirds, T.T. Mouse, Chickadee, Juncos, Turkeys,

Feeder Birds