Blog Archives

Turkey in a Tree

4/29/2022

Although it sounds like a lyrical remix to "Turkey in the Straw" I assure you it's not.
No, this was a surprise encounter the other evening as we were leaving Brown's Lake Bog. The sun was setting, we had a lovely walk, the magnolia warblers were flitting about, it was a good evening. Then as we neared the end of the boardwalk, I look up (as that is the best way to spot warblers) and notice a large figure in the branches - far too large for a warbler - a turkey!

During the waking hours turkeys can be found foraging for seeds, insects, and nuts in forests and fields but once the sun goes down, up in the trees they go.
Despite their size, turkeys are impressive flyers with the ability to fly up to 55mph!
Every evening turkeys make their way up to their favorite tree to roost, unless they're nesting, which they do in a scratched out hole on the ground.
Next time you're out at dusk, take a look up in the big old trees, you might find something new.

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New flower surprise

4/26/2022

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Just when you think you know a place, you'll be proven wrong.
Today on my walk I was startled by a group of deer. They too were startled but didn't want to move. I watched them for a few moments until my eyes noticed a blue glow just beyond where the deer stood. Then just like that the deer were off. I couldn't imagine what could create that kind of blue; in this park there are no wild blue phlox and the geranium leaves have only just emerged. A few more steps until I was on a ridge with a small ravine that led up to another ridge (where the "in" trail is, I was on the "out" trail).
There, in all their full blooming glory, the first discovery of Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) in the wild in Wayne County! Okay, I should clarify, the first time I've come across any, I'm sure they exist elsewhere in the county.

Just when you think you know your parks.
Keep exploring, friends!

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March 22, 2022

4/1/2022

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No matter how chilly, it always warms my soul to see the first of the spring wildflowers start to emerge.
As I follow the seasons, in early spring I take heart in knowing there are some special friends getting ready to wake up from their winter naps. This trip I was met with soft beauty, no matter the weather they're there.
This day was cool with sprinkles. Hepatica was the first bloom, thankfully in the same spot it always is. Lots of greens are beginning to emerge too, the shovel-like leaves of the purple cress, ramps showing off their fluorescent colors, waterleaf with it's lovely watery patterns. As an extra special treat, the foliage of the dutchman's breeches is gathering in large bunches.
As April begins, more things will begin to bloom.
A weekly or even a few times a week, walk will reveal a secret emergence if you take the time to slow down and look.
Walk slowly (usually I can do about 1 mi in an hour), look down, stop often, go solo, speak rarely.
If that sounds tedious, consider it a meditation practice. Breathe in the smells of the world waking up.