Fall

I've been getting outside every chance I can and thoroughly enjoying all the gifts of beauty that our glorious Fall here on the east coast has to offer. The weather has been beautiful, and the bird migration has been good. Today Petey and I hiked it up to the AT Greenwood Lake overlook. Beautiful view, breeze blowing perfumed with the scents of Fall. I wished that I had thought to pack a small lunch and some water, so I could have sat and enjoyed the view for a little longer. Back down at the old beaver pond the area was full of Warblers, Phoebes, and Ruby Crowned Kinglets. Later on at the pond I had my first W.T. Sparrows. Phoebes are my Harbinger of Spring, and also of Fall.

Ten days ago I had a big day at the Hawk Watch with 1381 birds, very nice considering I thought two days before that was our big day at Mt. Peter. I was also present for the afternoon of the other big day, and added quite a lot of birds to the count. I've had some great looks at adult Bald Eagles, Osprey, and a Peregrine Falcon. The Broad-wing flight although not great this year, afforded those of us who put the time in, some nice close looks at hundreds of them, doing what they do best kettling in large flocks, one of the phenomenons of nature I never tire looking at. I'm a bit sad that their flight is over. http://hmana.org/index.php

I think bears are my totem animal, I see so many every year, and still get just as excited as the very first time so many years ago. Edit to add on October 5. A total of 10 bear sightings in 13 days, just had two at the same time, both big adults. One was crossing Pumpkin Hill into our yard and the other was in our next door neighbors yard at the same time. Petey treed one in Cascade Lake, saw one little guy 3x up on Cascade Lake Road, and had 4 other different ones on our road in the last week. The most bears I've ever seen any year so far.

A gift...

Although I buy Petey many things all the time, I finally purchased something that I know he loves, the gift of a silent walk. I found found a company that embroiders names and phone numbers on collars. No more name tags jingling, he can fully hear the world around him.

Dad and Uncle Scholar on the Cobia

This picture is a cherished childhood memory for me. It is of my Dad and his best friend in the entire world, heading out to do what they loved doing best, fishing. Look at the JOY on my Uncle Scholars face. The location of the photo was while we were on our annual vacation to Mr. Whites cabins in Aquebogue LI. We went each Summer for two weeks, for thirteen years. Some of my fondest lifetime memories were from those vacations. Two weeks of complete bliss living in a tiny cabin on the bay. Dad and Uncle Scholar would head out fishing everyday, some times forgetting about all of us, as they would continually see birds over schools of fish, and head to the next hot spot. We never minded, as we would have fresh fish to eat that night. Some nights after dark they could be seen out jacking crabs with a spotlight. The laughter from the two of them would echo all the way through our tiny cabin walls. We knew that the next day a feast would be at hand, nothing tastes as delicious as a fresh Blue Crab. Some days Uncle Scholar would dig clams at the and bar. At Mr. Whites there was nothing but time to immerse yourself in nature. Back when there was no TV, radio, computer, or cell phone. Nothing to distract you from real life. It was time to became who I really was, if I forget as I often do, those are the memories I reach for to refresh my soul. Summer wasn't the only season Dad and Uncle Scholar would find themselves spending time together. Luckily my mom also became best friends with Uncle Scholars wife, my Aunt Judy. The two couples made it a point to see each other many times each year. Mom and Aunt Judy would head out shopping at every given chance, and dad and Uncle Scholar would be either hunting or fishing. Our visits with their family coincided with the outdoor sporting seasons. In the Spring we would find ourselves up on the Esopus Creek for Trout Season, later it would be for Bass. Fall would bring us back upstate for pheasant and then later deer. My childhood revolved around these trips, I looked forward to each one and will never forget how much they enriched my life and love of nature. I loved watching my dad hang out with his best friend. They had such a comfortable friendship, that few people get to experience in their lifetime. My dad was never happier then when he was outside in nature spending time with his best friend. It warms my heart to think about them together. My dad has been gone for years, so now when I see my Uncle Scholar, I cherish every moment I get to be with him, he is a part of my dad that I still have here on earth. I am grateful for that.

Privileged childhood

I had a privileged childhood, I just didn't know it until now. I grew up on Long Island in New York. When I was six my Dad made an extravagant purchase for that time, a brand new 20 foot fiberglass boat. It was his pride and joy. He loved to fish and spend time out on the water and swimming in the ocean. Our family spent every Summer weekend out on the Great South Bay, going to beautiful Gilgo beach. This past weekend, I returned to the Great South Bay upon my good friends boat. I had not been out there in thirty years, the last time with my dad, as I fished along side of him, it was then he told me that is where he wanted his ashes spread. He also told my hubby the same thing a couple of years later while he also was fishing with him. Yesterday we were able to make his wish a reality, although most of him is in a cemetery on Long Island, a tiny bit of my Dad has returned to the place he loved best. It was a very emotional time for me, as I felt like I was setting dad free. I saw Long Island with new eyes, having forgotten just how beautiful the bay and ocean are. I realized how lucky I had been to be surrounded by something so wonderful, and how much the days spent playing in the sea shaped my love and awe of nature. Every year I must visit the salt water, it seems to make all things right for me. The sights, sounds and smells filled my soul like nothing else. The main reason we went out to the beach this weekend was for a benefit for a HS friend who has terminal cancer. There were eight bands playing, lots of old friends, good food, drink and the magical beach. It was like stepping back thirty plus years, cutting school and going to the beach. Because of the circumstances and reality of why we were really there, I stayed in the moment, being ever grateful for my good health. I absorbed every second of my day and night, hoping to take it home with me, and I have. I slept like a baby on the boat, first night in many months,the boat rocking me to sleep, the salt air clearing my head. My heart is so full, that I feel completely at peace.

Nature Inspired Fitness

For today's hike I decided to give my new Five Fingers Vibram Shoes a try. I really like them, it took a little bit to get used to feeling rocks under your feet, but after a few minutes they felt great. I found the grip and balance to be outstanding. My legs are already achy. I guess we don't realize how our leg muscles are no longer completely worked out by wearing stiff soled hiking shoes, instead of being barefooted as nature intended. As I went along I watched Petey enjoying our hike. He got me thinking about how fit he is now, how his muscle mass is now exposed after his recent weight loss. He is really enjoying his new lighter frame, now able to run and jump with complete ease. He doesn't need any fancy gym equipment to maintain his fitness, he simply needs a hike in the woods. Spending his time walking, running, jumping and swimming is all it takes. We humans tend to complicate things, and really my fitness routine can be just as simple and pleasant as Petey's work out. Spend part of my hike using my body for more then just walking, do a little sprinting, lift something heavy, tree push ups, balance on a log, rock jumping and stretching. Petey never misses an opportunity for a good stretch. How enjoyable to spend ones time in the woods and not have to rely on a boring gym to stay fit and healthy.

Labor Day......

It is truly labor day for the creatures of our area, all are out eating or storing the bounty set before them, getting ready for the long Winter that lies ahead. It is a glorious time of year for those of us who are paying attention to nature, so many things to see and savor. Each moment of every day offers something for each our senses. Get in the moment and partake of the beauty of this season.

My Friday view for the next ten weeks....

Today I started my annual volunteer position at the Mt. Peter Hawk watch. I am scheduled to man the watch every Friday from 9-5 for the next ten weeks. Mt. Peter is the oldest all volunteer watch in the country, 52 years old this Fall. I've been heading up and watching the hawk, eagle migration for the last twenty years. Have met a lot of wonderful like minded people, that I really enjoy spending time with. I've been an official counter for about six years now. We count for http://www.hmana.org/sitesel.php hopefully helping to monitor the populations of our native hawks and eagles, and getting a clearer picture of how they are doing. It is a time of year that I look forward to, although today was pretty thankless....one bird for five hours of sitting on top of a mountain. Most people have no idea that birds are flying over head in large flocks heading to their Winter destinations. They are in shock when you tell them, we see THOUSANDS of Broad Wing Hawks in a single day. What? Hawks in flocks? Yes...Broad Wings fly in large flocks. They leave their Northern Summer homes in Mid September because they are predominately reptile amphibian eaters, and their prey begins to hibernate as soon as there is frost. Hawks and Eagles head to South America where they can find better sources of food to survive the Winter. They fly over Mt. ranges to use the updrafts to their advantage. They follow one up and glide down, repeating this over and over until they reach their destination. It is with great excitement that I look forward to the next few weeks, we never know if our watch will get the BIG days or if you will be able to be a part of it.....I begin my watch of the weather, ready to switch my work days if the wind and temperatures seem favorable.

Last Day of August....

Last night was such a beautiful evening, Petey and I took a walk. I never tire of looking at the small miracles of nature. Petey and I had Cascade Lake to ourselves, no other humans to disturb the beauty and peace of that tiny moment in time. Flowers in bloom, Insects singing, gentle breeze blowing, air scented with impending Fall, wish I could hold onto it forever. 2009 was a gorgeous Summer, so full of beauty. Life is what you make it, it isn't dependent on the weather or how you feel, it is but a moment in time, and yours to live and enjoy fully if you so choose. Look for the everyday miracles in nature, they are everywhere free and yours for the taking. Savor the moment.

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!!!