by elizabeth5047 | Oct 15, 2014 | Announcements
I’ve been in the field a number of times scouting new destinations. This trip in early October to Sucker Brook and Desolate Brook on the south end of Pharoah Lake was especially nice. There was bear sign throughout the early section of the trail. White oak branches littered the trail, accompanied by ample bear scats of all different descriptions. The bears had chewed the beefy acorns and spit out the hulls like pistachio shells. ...
by elizabeth5047 | Jul 14, 2014 | Announcements, Destinations
Yesterday’s cruise on the EScape out of Basin Harbor was a huge success. The day started with a forecast of high humidity, strong south wind and 65% chance of thunderstorms. Despite the forecast over twenty people turned out to take advantage of the boat and the scenery. The air was warm and the views outstanding and despite a little splashing the boat was perfect for the day. We headed north to the Palisades and talked about the natural history of the lake and of the Split Rock Wild Forest. The lakeshore from Westport to Essex is the longest stretch of undeveloped land on the lake and the wilderness character is evident. The tall white pines and cliffs are home to bald eagles and falcons and ospreys. There are also beautiful shows of lichen on the rock faces. I love the small ledges that are like miniature wild gardens and the trees that have been “bonzai-ed” by the growing conditions on those narrow ledges. We crossed the lake, checking out Diamond Island and explored the Vermont shore and Otter Creek where there were hundreds of swallows, a fair number of cormorants and a very vocal osprey on a platform nest. Lots more to explore by smaller craft in the future. Thanks to Captain Alex, Marty Ferris and Dane the patient bartender on...
by elizabeth5047 | Jun 25, 2014 | Announcements
Last Friday I had a great trip up the lake, exploring the shoreline and checking out the raptor nests. I saw bald eagles at Split Rock and ospreys in Otter Creek. The peregrine falcons weren’t sitting at their usual perch but it was evident from the white wash that they’ve been there. It will be fun to watch the young as they grow and fledge. I’m going to get on the water more so I can watch the baby eagles learn to fly… On August 1st we’ll all have a chance to learn more about the history of the raptors on the lake. I’m hosting Joe Racette who is going to do a presentation at the Westport Heritage House at 7:30 on August 1st. Joe coordinated DEC monitoring of raptor nesting in the Adirondack/Lake Champlain region for more than 10 years. He will discuss the population recovery of eagles, osprey, and peregrine falcons from Endangered status, and results of the ongoing monitoring of raptors conducted by DEC and volunteers. Don’t miss this great chance to learn from a great speaker about our aerial...
by elizabeth5047 | May 9, 2014 | Uncategorized, Wildlife
Look closely at the photo Molly Hale, Wildlife Biologist at Conservation Works in Northhampton MA sent me of a coyote pup. She came across a den site and wrote this, “There were at least three and the others were scuttled off by mama before I could get my camera out. But this one was a little behind the curve, or maybe had been sleeping, so didn’t go off with the others. They were so cute–still wobbly on the feet, little tails about 6″ long with only short fuzzy hair. I’m thinking coyote rather than fox now because they were under a log, not in a burrow, and because of the lack of black on the front legs. They were at the edge of an acre-size impenetrable shrub/vine tangle–just the kind of place people would never...
by elizabeth5047 | May 7, 2014 | Flora, Uncategorized
Check out a recent piece I wrote on...
by elizabeth5047 | Apr 1, 2014 | Flora, Uncategorized
The photo was taken by Arlo Halloran, Westport Central School, Grade 6. He is one of the students in my Patterns in Nature class this...
