The longest day of the year. For me, someone who loves the light it is bittersweet. I know that from now until December 21 the days will get shorter. This is why the first day of summer is mid-summers night. The weather today was highly variable. Rain, thunder, bands of clouds, now sun. The evening and night promise to be cool. I spent time in the yard but did not have time for a hike. While it is beautiful there is not a lot going on. The summer rhythm has settled in. The passerines are no longer moving. If there is a time of year when there is no bird migration it is this week. Soon fledglings will begin disbursing and shorebirds will begin moving . But right now, this week across the neoarctic, everything is staying put.
Lilies are starting to bloom. They are perhaps a week later in my cooler yard and without fertilizer. The large Iris are coming into full glory. I found a beautiful purple flower I need to identify. It looks like a small lily, but I have to key it out. That will have to wait for tomorrow or Saturday.
There are no obvious stories right now. Every beautiful day is like the next and things are routine. I wonder how much I will be able to write? What new observations I will be able to put into words. How many times can one describe astounding beauty with making it mundane?
June 20, 2007 Perfection
How could a day be any more perfect? Not having to work! Still the day before the solstice is as perfect as a day can be. Clear, 80° high absolutely beautiful. I have my first hike since Saturday. No extra weight, not too far. Perhaps I have gained some wisdom. The view over the lake is gorgeous. Visibility more than 40 miles. The mottled light through the trees plays with my eyes as I walk the summit. No people today, a few birds.
Back home I cook and eat on the patio. Watch a family of Nuthatches chase each other from tree to tree. 5 birds all on one trunk. It is so very lovely. The Grosbeak sings, the Chipmunk scurries through the hostas. The shades of green and the sun to the west. As I eat my dinner of grilled fish and vegetables it cools noticeably. I must either build a fire or go inside to stay warm. This writing drives me to the latter.
Back home I cook and eat on the patio. Watch a family of Nuthatches chase each other from tree to tree. 5 birds all on one trunk. It is so very lovely. The Grosbeak sings, the Chipmunk scurries through the hostas. The shades of green and the sun to the west. As I eat my dinner of grilled fish and vegetables it cools noticeably. I must either build a fire or go inside to stay warm. This writing drives me to the latter.
June 19, 2007 “Much Needed” Rain
Thunderstorms have me stuck inside. I am glad I got the lawn cut yesterday. I am surprised at how quickly my foot is improving. A day of rest, plus traction to stretch the toe really helped. Coming home it was cool to see the thunderstorms coming over. The scud rolling over Gildersleeve mountain in the distance
Even in the rain the birds visit the feeders. I would like to get out and look around the yard, but the thunderstorms are going to last a while. While it has been dry, nothing is withering. Whenever rainfall goes below the average people say the rain is needed. They have little understanding of what normal weather is. They also have a misconception about how often soil needs to have the water replenished. Our soil was completely saturated in April into May and was still several weeks from drying out.
Once the rain lets up and am able to get outside, I realize how many fledglings are around. Chickadees, Bluebirds, Titmice, Nuthatches. No baby Juncos yet.
A section in the back yard is full of foam flowers. White, pink and deep red. It gets cool as the evening falls. Fireflies are out for the first time this year. A lovely mid summers night.
Even in the rain the birds visit the feeders. I would like to get out and look around the yard, but the thunderstorms are going to last a while. While it has been dry, nothing is withering. Whenever rainfall goes below the average people say the rain is needed. They have little understanding of what normal weather is. They also have a misconception about how often soil needs to have the water replenished. Our soil was completely saturated in April into May and was still several weeks from drying out.
Once the rain lets up and am able to get outside, I realize how many fledglings are around. Chickadees, Bluebirds, Titmice, Nuthatches. No baby Juncos yet.
A section in the back yard is full of foam flowers. White, pink and deep red. It gets cool as the evening falls. Fireflies are out for the first time this year. A lovely mid summers night.
June 18, 2007 Notably Cooler
People were complaining about the heat today. I like it hot and today felt great when I got out of work. It was 89° near the lake, 91° a few miles south. I watched the temperature on the thermometer in my car. In the past I have noted how it gets cooler as soon as I get into my neighborhood. I believe the abundance of trees and the higher elevation are the reasons. Today was no exception. On U.S. 6 it was 91° according to the car thermometer. As soon as I turned off the main road I felt it cool, by the time I got to my driveway the thermometer read 86°. I find that amazing.
Given the condition of my toe I do not want to push it. My toe is remarkably better today but still hurts. I cut my lawn and leave my activity at that.
New flower activity this week. More Iris coming in. Numerous foam flowers. All beauty
Given the condition of my toe I do not want to push it. My toe is remarkably better today but still hurts. I cut my lawn and leave my activity at that.
New flower activity this week. More Iris coming in. Numerous foam flowers. All beauty
June 17, 2007 Hobbled
Early on the hike yesterday I tripped and hyper extended my big and second toe. It hurt a bit yesterday but overnight it swelled and became obvious that I had sprained my big toe. What a silly injury! It has me hobbled today. I am at least smart enough to realize I need to rest today and not aggo the injury.
It is so beautiful. Hard to just sit around. Just watch the feeders and the yard . Nothing exceptional. I have noticed the hummingbird has some favorite roosts. I can hear the buzzing of the hummingbird’s wings at an amazing distance. 30 yards or so. We watch the Chipmunks. They are so cute. Fun to watch as the scurry to and fro. I know from bitter experience tree squirrels cannot be trusted. I wonder about ground squirrels like a Chipmunk? Are they more trustworthy?
Oh well, a few days without hiking. I would rather take a few days off than spend weeks nursing an injury like this.
It is so beautiful. Hard to just sit around. Just watch the feeders and the yard . Nothing exceptional. I have noticed the hummingbird has some favorite roosts. I can hear the buzzing of the hummingbird’s wings at an amazing distance. 30 yards or so. We watch the Chipmunks. They are so cute. Fun to watch as the scurry to and fro. I know from bitter experience tree squirrels cannot be trusted. I wonder about ground squirrels like a Chipmunk? Are they more trustworthy?
Oh well, a few days without hiking. I would rather take a few days off than spend weeks nursing an injury like this.
June 16, 2007 Hidden Paths
This morning I did one of the great walks in northeastern Ohio. The Carver pond, East Branch, Baldwin hike. I last did this hike on April 8th in the snow. It was so much different today In carver pond the Spatterdock and Water Lilies are in bloom. We were hoping for dragonflies around Carver Pond but only saw two, Eastern Pondhawk and Twelve-spotted skimmer. Eastern Forktail and a Spreadwing sp. were the only damselflies. The walk along the East Branch of the Chagrin, through the Hemlock Hardwood forest was beautiful as always. We took time in several places to stop and just enjoy the place. We were far enough from roads and everything else that we could not hear any sounds of human activity. That is so rare today. To be able to get that far from our machines.
We looked at rocks along the river. The strata that make up our local bedrocks. We could see two layers. Chagrin shale and Cleveland shale where the river cuts 100 foot bluffs on one side. Along the river we can see examples of all the local rocks and many glacial erratics.
In the last third of this hike we cross two ox bows in the river. I find it fascinating how in 50 yards, crossing a small river, there is a complete change of habitat and ecology. In that short distance you go from a forest, with broken ground cover, ferns and Hemlocks and hardwood trees, to a lush herbaceous forest floor with Walnuts and Elms being the predominant trees. That fast. To someone like me, attuned to transitions, it is amazing. Technically we are going from an Oak-Sugar Maple Forest, to a mixed flood plain forest. There is no change in elevation, what probably changes is the soil.
The birds and dragonflies were sparse. Newcomb’s wildflower guide failed us at every turn. Either I need to learn more about how leaves are defined, or I need to be more patient.
My walk had 5 participants. None younger than 40. Some commented that there is something wrong, when a walk through such a beautiful place can only attract 5 Arboretum members. But at the end of the walk, one participant quipped about our stamina. This is not a walk for people used to sidewalks and gravel paved trails.
In the words of Apollo 15 commander Dave Scott: There is something to be said for exploring beautiful places.
We looked at rocks along the river. The strata that make up our local bedrocks. We could see two layers. Chagrin shale and Cleveland shale where the river cuts 100 foot bluffs on one side. Along the river we can see examples of all the local rocks and many glacial erratics.
In the last third of this hike we cross two ox bows in the river. I find it fascinating how in 50 yards, crossing a small river, there is a complete change of habitat and ecology. In that short distance you go from a forest, with broken ground cover, ferns and Hemlocks and hardwood trees, to a lush herbaceous forest floor with Walnuts and Elms being the predominant trees. That fast. To someone like me, attuned to transitions, it is amazing. Technically we are going from an Oak-Sugar Maple Forest, to a mixed flood plain forest. There is no change in elevation, what probably changes is the soil.
The birds and dragonflies were sparse. Newcomb’s wildflower guide failed us at every turn. Either I need to learn more about how leaves are defined, or I need to be more patient.
My walk had 5 participants. None younger than 40. Some commented that there is something wrong, when a walk through such a beautiful place can only attract 5 Arboretum members. But at the end of the walk, one participant quipped about our stamina. This is not a walk for people used to sidewalks and gravel paved trails.
In the words of Apollo 15 commander Dave Scott: There is something to be said for exploring beautiful places.
June 15, 2007 Impossible Green
Walking though the woods today, another perfect day, I took some time to appreciate the beauty of the green. It is impossible to describe, being enveloped in green, the sun streaming through the leaves. I am tall enough to look over the low trees. The understory is sparse enough so that the canopy is an obvious ceiling 70 feet above.
Visibilty today was hazy out to the horizon. About 25 miles or so. Nothing in the distance was crisply in view. In the ponds below the old quarry Mrs. Mallard quacked loudy. I answered. We went back and fourth a couple of times. Ducks do not stick around in those ponds. Fed by seeps and rain water they do not turn over much. The Wood Thrush, Junco, Pewee, Scalet Tanager and Blue-headed Vireo were all singing. The Hooded Warbler was noteable in its absence. I wonder why some days they are singing everywhere, and other days silent. What changes? I don’t know. There are so many mysteries in the bird world. Particularly when it comes to behavior.
Visibilty today was hazy out to the horizon. About 25 miles or so. Nothing in the distance was crisply in view. In the ponds below the old quarry Mrs. Mallard quacked loudy. I answered. We went back and fourth a couple of times. Ducks do not stick around in those ponds. Fed by seeps and rain water they do not turn over much. The Wood Thrush, Junco, Pewee, Scalet Tanager and Blue-headed Vireo were all singing. The Hooded Warbler was noteable in its absence. I wonder why some days they are singing everywhere, and other days silent. What changes? I don’t know. There are so many mysteries in the bird world. Particularly when it comes to behavior.
June 14, 2007 Another Beauty Day
Nothing exceptional today except the day itself. It has been beautiful all day. It is another “cloudy” day in Cleveland, but I would trad a day like today for another anywhere else. We complain about our weather but forget about days like today. Sunny warm and beautiful.
The light this morning was deep green. The air is fresh with oxygen. The temperature is in the high 70’s. Perfect. What else can you say?
The light this morning was deep green. The air is fresh with oxygen. The temperature is in the high 70’s. Perfect. What else can you say?
June 13, 2007 Crows Harass a Young Owl
We have had a string of beauty days. Today adds another. To me, the temperature in the low 80’s is just perfect. In the woods Hooded Warblers, and Scarlet Tanagers are singing loudly.
On my side of the summit the crows have found a young Barred Owl in a tree in the ledges. It is close to the trunk and among branches with leaves so it is safe, but the Crows are vociferous. They caw loudly to their clan attempting to increase the number of individuals involved in the boisterous mobbing. I move on and the noise subsides with both distance and activity.
Visibility is hazy and barely 18 miles. The horizon is lost in a light gray haze.
Lots of people again today. I wonder what has changed? It makes no sense to me why for several weeks with nice weather there has been little human activity, but now in the past few days there has been a noticeable increase? Of course I don’t know if the change is really significant. I may be seeing a trend that does not really exist. If I really wanted to track this I would have to consistently take my hike at the same time and count the people. After a while I could determine the true limits of the system. I suspect what I am observing is within the normal distribution.
On my side of the summit the crows have found a young Barred Owl in a tree in the ledges. It is close to the trunk and among branches with leaves so it is safe, but the Crows are vociferous. They caw loudly to their clan attempting to increase the number of individuals involved in the boisterous mobbing. I move on and the noise subsides with both distance and activity.
Visibility is hazy and barely 18 miles. The horizon is lost in a light gray haze.
Lots of people again today. I wonder what has changed? It makes no sense to me why for several weeks with nice weather there has been little human activity, but now in the past few days there has been a noticeable increase? Of course I don’t know if the change is really significant. I may be seeing a trend that does not really exist. If I really wanted to track this I would have to consistently take my hike at the same time and count the people. After a while I could determine the true limits of the system. I suspect what I am observing is within the normal distribution.
June 12, 2007, Close to Home
Last night I started to get a cramp in an inner thigh muscle. I must have hurt it a little because it hurts today too. That happens. I need to do a little work around the yard. Because my yard is anti neat and tidy I don’t do a lot of trimming. But in order to keep the walk clear and the fence exposed I occasionally have to get out the weed whacker. I am judicious in using it. Careful not to take out may wildflowers. Trying to just use it on grass.
Next I move to the back yard. The patio actually, needs to be swept clean. I should do this every week but I often go 4 times that long. Nearby one of the neighbors has a service that is using a blower. I have one of those, but I use a rake and a broom. It may take a little longer, but it is a lot less noisy and does not burn gasoline.
Once I am finished I eat dinner outside. Typical of a day like today I should have left my phone inside. Instead I end up talking rather than doing much looking around.
I do notice is the Canada Anemones are still beautiful. Yellow and purple Iris are still blooming, as are the Cranesbills. Wild Geranium predominate in one section and Newcomb’s 542, with yellow flowers, Moneywort, creeps along the edges of the grass. The Juncos sing as I eat and the Wood Thrush calls from across the creek. It is a beautiful day and I am so thankful to be able to enjoy this place.
Next I move to the back yard. The patio actually, needs to be swept clean. I should do this every week but I often go 4 times that long. Nearby one of the neighbors has a service that is using a blower. I have one of those, but I use a rake and a broom. It may take a little longer, but it is a lot less noisy and does not burn gasoline.
Once I am finished I eat dinner outside. Typical of a day like today I should have left my phone inside. Instead I end up talking rather than doing much looking around.
I do notice is the Canada Anemones are still beautiful. Yellow and purple Iris are still blooming, as are the Cranesbills. Wild Geranium predominate in one section and Newcomb’s 542, with yellow flowers, Moneywort, creeps along the edges of the grass. The Juncos sing as I eat and the Wood Thrush calls from across the creek. It is a beautiful day and I am so thankful to be able to enjoy this place.
Sphinx Rock
When I was a boy and came upon this formation, it looked like a Sphinx to me. It still does. The formation is about 20 feet high on the down slope side and is all Sharon Conglomerate.
June 11, 2007. People in Exceptional Numbers
For several weeks I have had much of my daily walks on Gildersleeve Mountain to myself. I might see one or two other people but that would be it. Today was very different. I saw more than a dozen people during my hike. I wonder what changed and got everyone out?
While the sky was blue and the temperature in the 70’s visibility was just 20 miles or so. The birds were quiet even in the back yard.
Walking home through the woods there is a small yellow wildflower in many places along the ground. I decide to put my Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide to the test. A flower with 5 regular parts, basil leaves, divided: Key 524. Leaves more than 3: page 182. There it is! Dwarf Cinquefoil. “A low plant with 5 palmate leaves”. How about that! I would have given up with a guide arranged by color.
While the sky was blue and the temperature in the 70’s visibility was just 20 miles or so. The birds were quiet even in the back yard.
Walking home through the woods there is a small yellow wildflower in many places along the ground. I decide to put my Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide to the test. A flower with 5 regular parts, basil leaves, divided: Key 524. Leaves more than 3: page 182. There it is! Dwarf Cinquefoil. “A low plant with 5 palmate leaves”. How about that! I would have given up with a guide arranged by color.
June 10, 2007 A Long Hike
Last night I went with my friends Carol and Dave to Swine Creek Reservation in Geauga county for an Astronomy thingie. The area astronomy club was meeting there and a colleague from work is a member of the club and had predicted conditions that would provide exceptional viewing. The clarity was excellent and so we were able to view many deep sky objects. I found that it made little difference being there or in my yard from the standpoint of light pollution. During the summer Gildersleeve mountain and the trees block much of the light and I could make out the Milky Way just as well in my front yard as I could 20 miles farther from downtown.
Today was another beautiful day, I took a long hike covering most of Gildersleeve Mountain both the summit and the slopes to the west north and south. Most notable was a Clubtail species of dragonfly I found it in the ledges picnic area. It was an interesting little dragonfly. It was wroking a rather small territory above a grassy swale. Whenever another of it’s kind would approach it would quickly chase it away then return to its patrol. I watched it for perhaps 10 minutes trying to see more detail, both naked eye and through binoculars. In that time it never landed. Even after looking in both Rosche and in Dunkle I cold not do better than Clubtail sp.
Visibility today was again excellent. Better than 40 miles. Through binoculars I could see small boats and a freighter out on the lake. The Avon power plant shimmered in the distance. The picture on the masthead of this blog is accurate in showing downtown Cleveland, rising out of the forest. Even through binoculars few buildings are visible. The landscape is mostly covered by trees. I find this amazing. Cleveland's nickname is "The Forest City" and from here you can see why.
I cover a lot of ground, both on the summit and the forest below. At the old Stannard quarry near Chillicothe Rd. the park system has stationed some volunteers. They only have written materials and little instruction or training. Their written material is based in part upon Christopher Crary's memoir here, and little else to help them intrepret for visitors. They do not know what Poision Ivy looks like, and they say this is a common question. I show them the plant and probably give an overly technical discription of how to indentify it.
I work my way home bushwhacking through the woods. The additional weight in my pack is very heavy by the time I get cross the creek into the back yard.
Today was another beautiful day, I took a long hike covering most of Gildersleeve Mountain both the summit and the slopes to the west north and south. Most notable was a Clubtail species of dragonfly I found it in the ledges picnic area. It was an interesting little dragonfly. It was wroking a rather small territory above a grassy swale. Whenever another of it’s kind would approach it would quickly chase it away then return to its patrol. I watched it for perhaps 10 minutes trying to see more detail, both naked eye and through binoculars. In that time it never landed. Even after looking in both Rosche and in Dunkle I cold not do better than Clubtail sp.
Visibility today was again excellent. Better than 40 miles. Through binoculars I could see small boats and a freighter out on the lake. The Avon power plant shimmered in the distance. The picture on the masthead of this blog is accurate in showing downtown Cleveland, rising out of the forest. Even through binoculars few buildings are visible. The landscape is mostly covered by trees. I find this amazing. Cleveland's nickname is "The Forest City" and from here you can see why.
I cover a lot of ground, both on the summit and the forest below. At the old Stannard quarry near Chillicothe Rd. the park system has stationed some volunteers. They only have written materials and little instruction or training. Their written material is based in part upon Christopher Crary's memoir here, and little else to help them intrepret for visitors. They do not know what Poision Ivy looks like, and they say this is a common question. I show them the plant and probably give an overly technical discription of how to indentify it.
I work my way home bushwhacking through the woods. The additional weight in my pack is very heavy by the time I get cross the creek into the back yard.
June 9, 2007 Places Seldom Visited or Seen
It is beauty this morning. A very cool with a temperature of 53° as I leave for my walk. It is very early, just a little after sunrise. The woods has the beautiful morning light, impossible to capture with the leaves fully out. Wood Thrush, Pewee, Blue-headed Vireo, House Wren, Hooded Warbler, Towhee and Juncos all singing loudly. In the woods I flush a female Hooded Warbler. I do not want to disturb her from a nest. From her behavior t is obvious she has one nearby. The Woodcock is getting used to my forays. It just runs a few meters rather than fly as I come by.
I decide to not walk on the summit but around it, staying 50 to 100 feet down the slope. Below the ledges that rise vertically 20 to 50 feet around much of Gildersleeve mountain. There are no trails and this involves bushwhacking on sometimes very steep terrain and avoiding some areas labeled by the powers that be as “Restricted”. The old quarry is one such area but I wanted to savor the view and take pictures this morning. Visibility is wonderful, clear and crisp. The angle of the light makes it difficult to pick out far off features like the power plant at Avon. Still I would say visibility is better than 50 miles. Downtown is colorful in the morning light and the lake is very blue.
Most interesting is the northwest side of Gildersleeve mountain. This is the Portage escarpment and from here it is down hill all the way to the lake. This down hill is very obvious and in along here it makes sense why 18th century European surveyors and settlers called this feature a “mountain”. From the lake it is one of 2 obvious features visible. On the land in the trees the climb is long, and at times very steep.
The predominant trees are Canada Hemlock and Yellow Birch. Some of the Birch are impressive for that species, more than 2 feet in diameter. There are numerous ferns along the slope and at times the cover the ground over a large expanse. The seeps run in narrow furrows. The outcrops of Sharon Conglomerate are sometimes small solitary buttes rising out of the slope 20 feet high. I recognize one formation. It has been so long since I was here. When I was a boy I called this Sphinx Rock, because to me it vaguely resembles that monument. There is a large head like element with a narrower neck atop a reclining body like element. I had forgotten about this, and laugh remembering the time I first saw it. I was perhaps 7 or 8 and exploring here on my own for the first time.
As I hike, anywhere the paths allow people to approach the edge of the ledges above, I find trash below. Bottles, glass and plastic, cans, even a diaper. It makes me wonder. I am not sure about what. This behavior is expected. It is not like there is a lot of it either. Just a little here and there, and given the number of people who visit this area it is sort of surprising there is not more.
I decide to not walk on the summit but around it, staying 50 to 100 feet down the slope. Below the ledges that rise vertically 20 to 50 feet around much of Gildersleeve mountain. There are no trails and this involves bushwhacking on sometimes very steep terrain and avoiding some areas labeled by the powers that be as “Restricted”. The old quarry is one such area but I wanted to savor the view and take pictures this morning. Visibility is wonderful, clear and crisp. The angle of the light makes it difficult to pick out far off features like the power plant at Avon. Still I would say visibility is better than 50 miles. Downtown is colorful in the morning light and the lake is very blue.
Most interesting is the northwest side of Gildersleeve mountain. This is the Portage escarpment and from here it is down hill all the way to the lake. This down hill is very obvious and in along here it makes sense why 18th century European surveyors and settlers called this feature a “mountain”. From the lake it is one of 2 obvious features visible. On the land in the trees the climb is long, and at times very steep.
The predominant trees are Canada Hemlock and Yellow Birch. Some of the Birch are impressive for that species, more than 2 feet in diameter. There are numerous ferns along the slope and at times the cover the ground over a large expanse. The seeps run in narrow furrows. The outcrops of Sharon Conglomerate are sometimes small solitary buttes rising out of the slope 20 feet high. I recognize one formation. It has been so long since I was here. When I was a boy I called this Sphinx Rock, because to me it vaguely resembles that monument. There is a large head like element with a narrower neck atop a reclining body like element. I had forgotten about this, and laugh remembering the time I first saw it. I was perhaps 7 or 8 and exploring here on my own for the first time.
As I hike, anywhere the paths allow people to approach the edge of the ledges above, I find trash below. Bottles, glass and plastic, cans, even a diaper. It makes me wonder. I am not sure about what. This behavior is expected. It is not like there is a lot of it either. Just a little here and there, and given the number of people who visit this area it is sort of surprising there is not more.
June 8, 2007, Misidentifying Wildflowers
The day was quite warm. 90° closer to the lake. At home it the high 80s was as warm as it gets. As a front comes through thunderstorms develop that last into the afternoon. The thunder keeps me close to home. I spend some time with my new Newcome’s wildflower guide. I like the concept of the guide. It has a system for identification based on shape. Flower shape, leaf type, leaf shape, and plant type. Based upon this key you should quickly get to the right page in the guide. I try this in the yard on flowers I already know. It is funny because I soon realize I have to learn to match my observations to the definitions in the guide. Although I have read the instructions, I need to spend more time with the definitions, because my initial efforts do not even get me close. Everything requires some practice. This guide is far better than anything based on color. To me color was an impossible starting point
June 7, 2007, But it is a Dry Heat
The weather forecast was accurate for once. Sunny with highs in the upper 80’s I love this sort of weather. To me it is just right. It is cooler here on the higher elevations and as I drive down my street I can actually feel the temperature drop. In the woods it is even cooler. I flush the Woodcock again, but it lands just a few yards away. Visibility is only about 20 miles and the summit of Gildersleeve Mountain is very quiet.
Before I left for my hike we ran out of electricity. A neighbor tells me it is just our street. My computer is running on batteries so I need to keep my comments brief.
It is worth noting that while fixing food, I was surprised when a bird hit the kitchen window where I was working. A fledgling European Starling. Very unwelcome. It looks at me then drops to the peak of the roof of the enclosed part of the patio below. Another joins it and they both do the feed me wing flutter. I see the suet feeder has been picked clean. How odd. Even the Starlings know I am the one who puts out food. I ignore them. One hits the widow again, hard, then they fly off.
Before I left for my hike we ran out of electricity. A neighbor tells me it is just our street. My computer is running on batteries so I need to keep my comments brief.
It is worth noting that while fixing food, I was surprised when a bird hit the kitchen window where I was working. A fledgling European Starling. Very unwelcome. It looks at me then drops to the peak of the roof of the enclosed part of the patio below. Another joins it and they both do the feed me wing flutter. I see the suet feeder has been picked clean. How odd. Even the Starlings know I am the one who puts out food. I ignore them. One hits the widow again, hard, then they fly off.
June 6, 2007 An Uncommon Day.
The day is cool clear and dry. Everyone in the neighborhood, me included, have our lawn machines out. It is noisy as a result. Soon after starting the lawn, I spot a large dragonfly working low over the grass on the shady side of the house. I net it. I am surprised I was able to catch it on my first try. Probably the cool weather and the shade. After taking pictures, with the dragonfly safely on a plant, I finish the lawn.
With my pictures I manage to get to the right page in Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio. When it comes to dragonflies I am a neophyte. I barely can separate the families and 90% of my experience is the darners and skimmers. The dragonfly in question is my first spiketail, a Dual-spotted Spiketail. Female because she has an obvious ovipositor. The book says this is an uncommon species in the region.
My curiosity satisfied, I take a hike. Sans weights today. At first all I can hear are the lawn machines. On the summit of Gildersleeve mountain it is a bit more peaceful. Visibility is uncommon. More than 50 miles. I can see detail on the Avon Power plant 40 miles away. A little bit north of the old quarry I hear a Black-throated Blue Warbler. This is very late and unusual for this species in the region. Also a Hermit Thrush. This is along a ledge system with Hemlock Hardwood forest. Very interesting. I had Black-throated Blue near hear last June. When I get home I look up the date. June 6. Interesting symmetry. It is really cool in the woods and I wish I had a jacket as I make my way home. Only 61 degrees. The forecast is for much warmer weather tomorrow. We will see.
With my pictures I manage to get to the right page in Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio. When it comes to dragonflies I am a neophyte. I barely can separate the families and 90% of my experience is the darners and skimmers. The dragonfly in question is my first spiketail, a Dual-spotted Spiketail. Female because she has an obvious ovipositor. The book says this is an uncommon species in the region.
My curiosity satisfied, I take a hike. Sans weights today. At first all I can hear are the lawn machines. On the summit of Gildersleeve mountain it is a bit more peaceful. Visibility is uncommon. More than 50 miles. I can see detail on the Avon Power plant 40 miles away. A little bit north of the old quarry I hear a Black-throated Blue Warbler. This is very late and unusual for this species in the region. Also a Hermit Thrush. This is along a ledge system with Hemlock Hardwood forest. Very interesting. I had Black-throated Blue near hear last June. When I get home I look up the date. June 6. Interesting symmetry. It is really cool in the woods and I wish I had a jacket as I make my way home. Only 61 degrees. The forecast is for much warmer weather tomorrow. We will see.
June 6, 2007 Twin-spotted Spiketail
This Twin-spotted Spiketail was patrolling low over the grass on the shady side of the house. I netted her, and as I have learned to do, dunked her in cool water so she would stay put while I photographed her. This does the bug no harm, just slows it down until it warms up again. This dragonfly is listed as uncommon in Northeastern Ohio.
Cranesbill
I believe this is a Bicknell's Cranesbill. They are all over the yard. About 12 to 14 inches with 0.6 inch flowers. The leaves are palmate. There are other varieties of Cranesbills but this seems to be the best match in my Peterson's wildflower guide.
June 5, 2007 An Embarrassment of Beauty
It is cold and wet today. 56 degrees, not unexpected, but not usual either. My walk is completely unremarkable. Visibility is better than it has been in a week, about 30 miles, but there is more activity in my yard than anywhere else on Gildersleeve Mountain. The flowers and birds in my yard exceed anything in the area. At this moment 2 male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are on the feeder by the library window. A Red-bellied Woodpecker and 2 Juncos wait their turn.
My neighbors do not have birds or flowers or ferns or bugs to any extent. They have lawns like shag carpet, trimmed shrubs and mulched beds. I have Iris, and Peonies, Anemones, Clover and Ironweed. Ferns that rise in 3 foot high bunches. More Hostas than I can count. Cranesbills and Azelias, Lilies yet to bloom. I can honestly say it was not always this way. Yes some of the plants are the result of cultivation. The Ferns, Hostas, Iris, Peony, and Lilies are originally the result of my mom’s efforts. But other flowers, the Anemones, Cransbills, Columbine and Hyacinth. The explosion of ferns and hostas to new places, the additional Peonies, the Iris where they have never been before. These are the result of letting things go. Not applying chemicals, letting the bugs and Chipmunks have their way. Not weeding! Some plants need the shelter of others to thrive. Others do not look like much until they bloom. How can one tell what should stay and what should go?
I think every suburban yard could be filled with wild flowers in just 5 years. But the sacrifice would be too great. No chemicals, no mulch, an untidy look, a lawn of clover and rye. Oh, and bugs! yes bugs! Ants and wasps and bees and flies and spiders. Ick!
Sometimes a neighbor will ask if they can pick some flowers. “OK” I say, “but only if I am here. I want to supervise.” My yard is not a greenhouse, not the florist. “But you are not here when I come by.” "Too bad, then grow your own." Sometimes I want to make a deal. If you quit applying all chemicals to your yard, quit weeding, I will bring you a bouquet every week of the spring and summer. I’ll give you 10 to 1 they wont take that deal.
My yard has such an abundance of beauty, but it is very unconventional. It is the sort of yard the people at Scott's-Miracle Grow, have nightmares about.
My neighbors do not have birds or flowers or ferns or bugs to any extent. They have lawns like shag carpet, trimmed shrubs and mulched beds. I have Iris, and Peonies, Anemones, Clover and Ironweed. Ferns that rise in 3 foot high bunches. More Hostas than I can count. Cranesbills and Azelias, Lilies yet to bloom. I can honestly say it was not always this way. Yes some of the plants are the result of cultivation. The Ferns, Hostas, Iris, Peony, and Lilies are originally the result of my mom’s efforts. But other flowers, the Anemones, Cransbills, Columbine and Hyacinth. The explosion of ferns and hostas to new places, the additional Peonies, the Iris where they have never been before. These are the result of letting things go. Not applying chemicals, letting the bugs and Chipmunks have their way. Not weeding! Some plants need the shelter of others to thrive. Others do not look like much until they bloom. How can one tell what should stay and what should go?
I think every suburban yard could be filled with wild flowers in just 5 years. But the sacrifice would be too great. No chemicals, no mulch, an untidy look, a lawn of clover and rye. Oh, and bugs! yes bugs! Ants and wasps and bees and flies and spiders. Ick!
Sometimes a neighbor will ask if they can pick some flowers. “OK” I say, “but only if I am here. I want to supervise.” My yard is not a greenhouse, not the florist. “But you are not here when I come by.” "Too bad, then grow your own." Sometimes I want to make a deal. If you quit applying all chemicals to your yard, quit weeding, I will bring you a bouquet every week of the spring and summer. I’ll give you 10 to 1 they wont take that deal.
My yard has such an abundance of beauty, but it is very unconventional. It is the sort of yard the people at Scott's-Miracle Grow, have nightmares about.
June 4, 2007 Banded Sky
The afternoon features bands of rain broken sky. It rains then clears, Thunders then rains again. The temperature has dropped from the high 70s into the 60s.
It is interesting to watch and listen to the Juncos around the yard. They sing and forage. They are the predominant species. A song sparrow has staked out a territory in the back yard. A Wood Thrush sings from this side of the creek.
I wanted to hike but a thunderstorm is a thunderstorm. My house is also susceptible to lightning strikes. It has an insurance company installed arrester system. Last September was the last time it was hit. It just popped a breaker and thanks to the lightning rods no other harm. What it is about my house I don’t know. the neighbors houses are not far away but they do not get hit.
As I write the sky gets progressively darker. 10 minutes ago there was sunlight though a break in the clouds. To the west the sky is an ugly brown gray. More rain. The wind is picking up and the air cools a bit more. The birds are quiet now. They too can feel the coming rain.
It is interesting to watch and listen to the Juncos around the yard. They sing and forage. They are the predominant species. A song sparrow has staked out a territory in the back yard. A Wood Thrush sings from this side of the creek.
I wanted to hike but a thunderstorm is a thunderstorm. My house is also susceptible to lightning strikes. It has an insurance company installed arrester system. Last September was the last time it was hit. It just popped a breaker and thanks to the lightning rods no other harm. What it is about my house I don’t know. the neighbors houses are not far away but they do not get hit.
As I write the sky gets progressively darker. 10 minutes ago there was sunlight though a break in the clouds. To the west the sky is an ugly brown gray. More rain. The wind is picking up and the air cools a bit more. The birds are quiet now. They too can feel the coming rain.
June 3, 2007, Rain in a Green World
I am up early to get in a hike before the rain. As I head through the woods I think I should have gotten out at 5:30 rather than an hour later. There is a beautiful morning bird chorus these days. To be in the woods at that time is very special. It takes an effort though, to be up and out before dawn.
The thunder starts, and the rain follows while I am out. The rain drums on the leaves but none makes it to the ground. It is fun to watch the rain over the lower elevations. The layers of green get more and more subdued in the distance. Each ridge and valley like a deeper layer in the distance.
After I get back to my house the rain picks up. There is a steady rhythm to the drumming of the rain. The birds dart across the open areas. The smaller ones like the Goldfinch and chickadee can use a single maple leaf for cover. A the feeders are doing a steady business. A Tufted Titmouse, completely drenched, comes in. The rain makes a convenient way to take a shower.
The rain saturates the colors. The predominant color is green. Yellows are especially bright. A Goldfinch, a Buttercup, an Iris, all stand out at a distance in this light. But on a day like today, here in the woods, it is a green world. Almost everything is green from the sedges and grasses on the forest floor all the way up. The canopy is complete so I am surrounded by green. It is remarkable. Other colors are just dots on a canvas of green.
The thunder starts, and the rain follows while I am out. The rain drums on the leaves but none makes it to the ground. It is fun to watch the rain over the lower elevations. The layers of green get more and more subdued in the distance. Each ridge and valley like a deeper layer in the distance.
After I get back to my house the rain picks up. There is a steady rhythm to the drumming of the rain. The birds dart across the open areas. The smaller ones like the Goldfinch and chickadee can use a single maple leaf for cover. A the feeders are doing a steady business. A Tufted Titmouse, completely drenched, comes in. The rain makes a convenient way to take a shower.
The rain saturates the colors. The predominant color is green. Yellows are especially bright. A Goldfinch, a Buttercup, an Iris, all stand out at a distance in this light. But on a day like today, here in the woods, it is a green world. Almost everything is green from the sedges and grasses on the forest floor all the way up. The canopy is complete so I am surrounded by green. It is remarkable. Other colors are just dots on a canvas of green.
June 2, 2007, Why Would I want to Live Anywhere but Here?
It is the sort of day that makes you forget January. The sort of day where lake effect snow is just a distant memory. You forget what it is like to get several feet of snow in a few hours.
The weather forecast was very non specific so it could not be wrong. The morning is clear and sunny and the temperature perfect. High 70’s low 80’s. I woke up to an Indigo Bunny singing in the back yard. Paired notes: Cha cha che che sue sue see see chit chit . Around the yard the flowers are still spectacular. The Peonies are spectacular deep magenta. As far as I can tel they are the only cultivar in bloom at the moment. White Canada Anemones, pale blue Wild Hyacinth, Yellow Iris. Purple columbine linger, and a small 5 petal variegated pink flower, I think it is a Storksbill, is everywhere
Because today is Saturday I can walk in the early morning. I have the woods and summit to myself. There are Blueit Damselflies. I don’t know what species. I find them everywhere. Not in large numbers but enough to be noticed in the deep woods and along the ledges.
On the summit few birds of note. The expected species. Hooded Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewee, Scarlet Tanager. The Barred Owl calls from somewhere to the west, and a Red-shouldered Hawk calls from high over the trees. Visibility is low because it is hazy. I cannot see the lake but can see a ghostly image of the skyscrapers downtown illuminated by the morning sun.
Back home my first Cedar Waxwings of the year. Finally! The Indigo Bunny is still in the yard. Juncos are singing. The females are on their nests but the males come up from under the vegetation to sing and to visit the feeders. Chipmunks chitter as they cross the patio. A Deer Fly lands on me and wants to bite. I kill it. An ant about 8 mm long, finds it quickly. It takes a minute or so, but once it gets a good grip the ant drags the much bigger fly 10 feet across the patio, and up the six inch vertical wall of the curb into the Anemones. I realize the strength of ants is more a matter of scale than anything else. Still it was interesting the ant wanted the fly.
As the day progresses it gets progressively cloudy. Cumulus clouds building as the afternoon progresses. By late afternoon it is overcast. Still it is beautiful.
I don’t know if it is familiarity but I find this place more beautiful than any other. There are places that have their charms, More sunny days to be sure. Still I cannot think of anywhere that has the consistent natural beauty of my home. If I lived just a few miles away, in Mentor perhaps, I would not feel this way. But I don’t. How could I live anywhere else?
The weather forecast was very non specific so it could not be wrong. The morning is clear and sunny and the temperature perfect. High 70’s low 80’s. I woke up to an Indigo Bunny singing in the back yard. Paired notes: Cha cha che che sue sue see see chit chit . Around the yard the flowers are still spectacular. The Peonies are spectacular deep magenta. As far as I can tel they are the only cultivar in bloom at the moment. White Canada Anemones, pale blue Wild Hyacinth, Yellow Iris. Purple columbine linger, and a small 5 petal variegated pink flower, I think it is a Storksbill, is everywhere
Because today is Saturday I can walk in the early morning. I have the woods and summit to myself. There are Blueit Damselflies. I don’t know what species. I find them everywhere. Not in large numbers but enough to be noticed in the deep woods and along the ledges.
On the summit few birds of note. The expected species. Hooded Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewee, Scarlet Tanager. The Barred Owl calls from somewhere to the west, and a Red-shouldered Hawk calls from high over the trees. Visibility is low because it is hazy. I cannot see the lake but can see a ghostly image of the skyscrapers downtown illuminated by the morning sun.
Back home my first Cedar Waxwings of the year. Finally! The Indigo Bunny is still in the yard. Juncos are singing. The females are on their nests but the males come up from under the vegetation to sing and to visit the feeders. Chipmunks chitter as they cross the patio. A Deer Fly lands on me and wants to bite. I kill it. An ant about 8 mm long, finds it quickly. It takes a minute or so, but once it gets a good grip the ant drags the much bigger fly 10 feet across the patio, and up the six inch vertical wall of the curb into the Anemones. I realize the strength of ants is more a matter of scale than anything else. Still it was interesting the ant wanted the fly.
As the day progresses it gets progressively cloudy. Cumulus clouds building as the afternoon progresses. By late afternoon it is overcast. Still it is beautiful.
I don’t know if it is familiarity but I find this place more beautiful than any other. There are places that have their charms, More sunny days to be sure. Still I cannot think of anywhere that has the consistent natural beauty of my home. If I lived just a few miles away, in Mentor perhaps, I would not feel this way. But I don’t. How could I live anywhere else?
June 1, 2007 Nuthatch Display
There are sometimes days when things just don’t work out. Today rain, shopping, and a need to identify a wildflower kept me in the yard once I got home.
The wildflower was a wild hyacinth. Beautiful pale blue flowers. My mom was the botanist. She knew her herbaceous plants. Sometimes it is good to save things for later. Fun to keep learning throughout one’s life. For me I hope I continue to find new things to learn my whole life.
I continue to be astounded how many different kids of wild flowers are in my yard. I know they are here for one reason. I use almost no chemicals. This allows these native pants to thrive. Because I don’t weed. that is remove any plants not in the lawn, I don’t remove any wild flowers. I do go after 5 plants because I need to keep them from overrunning they others. Poison ivy, which I treat topically with systemic herbicide, Glossy Buckthorn, which I cut and apply the same to the stump to kill the roots. Raspberry, which I cut back, and chokeweed which I pull. I also have a minimal tolerance to thistles. I sometimes try to cut them before they seed. I have been successful in some parts of the yard with this strategy, unsuccessfully in others.
On my feeder a confrontation, between a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a White-breasted Nuthatch. The Nuthatch has an interesting aggression display. It will spread its wings exposing the under wings. It then rocks back and forth. This both makes the bird appear larger and show a a black against white pattern. I did a little drawing of what It think this might look like. Vaguely like the face of a Raccoon.
The Grosbeak and smaller Nuthatch have a stand off for about 2 minutes. The Grosbeak then tires of this and chases the Nuthatch off the feeder.
The wildflower was a wild hyacinth. Beautiful pale blue flowers. My mom was the botanist. She knew her herbaceous plants. Sometimes it is good to save things for later. Fun to keep learning throughout one’s life. For me I hope I continue to find new things to learn my whole life.
I continue to be astounded how many different kids of wild flowers are in my yard. I know they are here for one reason. I use almost no chemicals. This allows these native pants to thrive. Because I don’t weed. that is remove any plants not in the lawn, I don’t remove any wild flowers. I do go after 5 plants because I need to keep them from overrunning they others. Poison ivy, which I treat topically with systemic herbicide, Glossy Buckthorn, which I cut and apply the same to the stump to kill the roots. Raspberry, which I cut back, and chokeweed which I pull. I also have a minimal tolerance to thistles. I sometimes try to cut them before they seed. I have been successful in some parts of the yard with this strategy, unsuccessfully in others.
On my feeder a confrontation, between a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a White-breasted Nuthatch. The Nuthatch has an interesting aggression display. It will spread its wings exposing the under wings. It then rocks back and forth. This both makes the bird appear larger and show a a black against white pattern. I did a little drawing of what It think this might look like. Vaguely like the face of a Raccoon.
The Grosbeak and smaller Nuthatch have a stand off for about 2 minutes. The Grosbeak then tires of this and chases the Nuthatch off the feeder.
May 31, 2007 New Flowers
My Thursday schedule precludes a hike. It is a beautiful day but I must be content to walk the yard and and look at the flowers, picking a few for a bouquet. . A yellow peony is a highlight, but the yard also holds pure white Canada anenome, metallic yellow buttercups, magenta mallows, asters, and a many flowers beyond my experience. I did not notice many of these just a few days ago. I may have the opportunity to take pictures tomorrow.
May 30, 2007 Feeling Gull Ible
My hike around the summit was uneventful. It is warm and hazy today. I could not see downtown through the haze and would put the actual visibility at about 8 miles. Hooded warblers were the obvious species singing, but I did hear a single Black-throated Green Warbler.
I received my Peterson Guide to the Gulls of the Americas today. I feel so gullible for having purchased it without first looking it over. Well at least I got it for 33% off and didn’t pay for shipping.
The Book is a Petersen *Reference* Guide and covers all the gulls found in north and south America. What don’t I like? It is a photo guide, no illustrations and is full of dense technical prose. If you like word pictures in dry technical language reminiscent of geo chemistry texts and photos, this is the book for you. Everyone else is better off sticking with Grant or Harrison, for obscure stuff, and Sibley for the expected.
When it comes to guides, illustrations a preferable to photos in all circumstances. This is because an illustration is a composite of many individuals, while photos depict only one individual. The brilliance of Roger Tory Peterson was to distill each species down to its essentials. Prior to Peterson, descriptions were overly complex, technical and based on bird in hand. Peterson changed that with simple elegant prose and concise illustrations that gave the field observer the essential elements or field marks needed to identify a bird. Howell and Dunn abandon all of these principals in Gulls of the Americas. It is a book based upon a formula that will make money for the publisher. While there is probably useful information to be found, little is aimed at people interesting in field identification of gulls. Rodger Tory Peterson, is rolling in his grave.
I received my Peterson Guide to the Gulls of the Americas today. I feel so gullible for having purchased it without first looking it over. Well at least I got it for 33% off and didn’t pay for shipping.
The Book is a Petersen *Reference* Guide and covers all the gulls found in north and south America. What don’t I like? It is a photo guide, no illustrations and is full of dense technical prose. If you like word pictures in dry technical language reminiscent of geo chemistry texts and photos, this is the book for you. Everyone else is better off sticking with Grant or Harrison, for obscure stuff, and Sibley for the expected.
When it comes to guides, illustrations a preferable to photos in all circumstances. This is because an illustration is a composite of many individuals, while photos depict only one individual. The brilliance of Roger Tory Peterson was to distill each species down to its essentials. Prior to Peterson, descriptions were overly complex, technical and based on bird in hand. Peterson changed that with simple elegant prose and concise illustrations that gave the field observer the essential elements or field marks needed to identify a bird. Howell and Dunn abandon all of these principals in Gulls of the Americas. It is a book based upon a formula that will make money for the publisher. While there is probably useful information to be found, little is aimed at people interesting in field identification of gulls. Rodger Tory Peterson, is rolling in his grave.
Grandfather Tree
Along Pierson's Creek Tail at Holden Arboretum, just east of the north stairs, is this magnificent Red Oak. It is about 5 feet in diameter and goes up over 100 feet. I call these old trees, Grandfather trees. Having seen pictures of our NE Ohio forests before the settlers cut them down, I wonder what it would have been like to be in a forest filled with trees like this?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
