20 May 2019 Another Search for Orchids

It was our last day of a long weekend.  We had a few chores to cover before taking a walk at Anders run to look for Ladys Slippers.  We were happy to spot a number in bloom.  We were also treated to a male yellow-rumped warbler on the walk.

19 May 2019 Along the Tanbark

Our May weekend together always includes a walk along the Tanbark Trail.  We're on the hunt for painted trilliums, but happy to see any spring wildflower along the way.  We won't pass by an opportunity to see a peaceful waterfall either.

For some reason spotting starflower on the Tanbark means there are painted trilliums nearby.

We met another couple on the trail.  They were also out looking for flowers.  We were able to identify fringed polygala for them.  They returned the favor by telling us they had spotted clintonia on the trail.  We were searching on the way back and spotted not only the area they described but a second stand of clintonia.  We were a few days early, but enjoyed a few open blossoms.

18 May 2019 Allegany State Park Geobash

For years we have been visiting Allegany State Park each spring to visit with friends and enjoy a day on the trail.  This year was the fourteenth event.  We've missed two and were happy to be here for this one.

Three friends...  three states

A snapping turtle swims in the wetlands area while we looked for an adventure lab cache.

Pieces of the park are from a different time and always great to revisit.

The park is home to a wealth of spring wildflowers.

We've seen large fields of wildflowers before, but this stand of trilliums was a wonderful sight.

Until next year...

16 May 2019 Cormorants on the Pond

First there was a gathering of egrets at the office pond.  This afternoon there were comorants visiting.  They aren't even slightly attractive birds, but they live on fish and they were here for a meal.  It was great to see them at the little pond.

15 May 2019 Moebis (Again)

Moebis Nature Center has become my quiet go to place at lunch.  The pond and woods are moving from the early spring growth and becoming deeper in color.

Maybe resting in the grass on the path isn't where mallards belong...

I think I offended them...

Turtles bask on logs.  It's what they do.  I sometimes envy them on hot days.

14 May 2019 Where Are the Birds?

Spring migratory season was in full action so I decided to visit the Tinkers Creek Preserve to take a lunch time walk.  I expected to see birds, but the area was nearly quiet with neither migratory waterfowl or warblers.

My best spotting of the hike was starry false solomon's seal along the edge of the trail.

12 May 2019 Another Wet Day

The rain returned for a second day.  I still had planting to do so I was outside despite the weather.  There's always something new blooming during spring at the house.  Today was not an exception.

All the rain makes for an attractive stream.

After the planting and flower hunting was done, we headed off to the Allegheny River and a walk with the dogs.  The rain had stopped so we were hoping to see more wildflowers and maybe a bird or two.

Our first spotting were a few long-distance common mergansers.  They were all we spotted along the water's edge.

 There's something fresh and new about the emerging spring green of trees.

When we reached the old railroad part of the loop our bird sightings picked up.  I spotted a green heron but missed the shot.  I did not miss capturing an image of a chestnut-sided warbler.  I knew it was exciting, but Ali knew which bird it was.

We were also happy to spot an american redstart and a veery along the return walk!