14 September 2024 Visiting Friends at Parker Dam State Park

We traveled to Parker Dam to meet geocaching friends for a day of fun and socialization.

This rock is a magnet for park visitors.

Junco

Along the boardwalk at the waters' edge

Pale asters blooming at the edge of the wetlands

Heading into the woods

Chicken of the Woods was plentiful on the trees.

12 September 2024 Strolling the Stream at Rogers Road

Summer was making the final turn as I made this visit to Cleveland Metroparks Rogers Road. There was still plenty of work for the bees.

This goldfinch showed signs the seasons were starting to change.

Fall Floral Display

This great blue heron was quietly making its way along the shore of the Chagrin River.

Asters in the trail at the edge of the field were still showing off their colors.

11 September 2024 Strolling Sunny Lake

This great blue was watching intently on a beautiful lunch time walk

Anhingas drying wings in the sun

6 September 2024 Watching a Great Blue Heron

I stopped for a walk at Sunny Lake after work. In a quieter area of the park I spotted this great blue heron. It had the smallest fish I have seen in its bill. It was not much of a meal, but the great blue seemed ready for a snack.

1 September 2024 Blue Heron Rookery

There's a new park! A local conservation group organized donors to purchase and create a nature preserve from an old surface mine. Our contribution was small, but we were happy to be a part of this project.

Swan parents out for a swim with their growing youngster.

The turtles and wood ducks seemed happy with a new place to spend time.

An immature red-tail hawk was flying high.

A young bluebird

We're hoping for many more monarchs to see here.

31 August 2024 Visiting Mentor Lagoons

This was a peaceful evening visit to look for birds at Mentor Lagoons. With summer winding down, I was happy to see some great birds.

27 August 2024 Praying Mantis

I was doing a bit of gardening when I spotted this visitor. It can be a few years before spotting one.

25 August 2024 Visiting a Local Park

Seeing this beautiful immature red-tail was the hightlight of a visit.

24 August 2024 Another Stop at Sunny Lake

Walking out from the edge of the shore.

Getting in deeper

Striking pose.