August 14, 2013

Notes and Changes since last report

  • It was 68°F, partly cloudy and windy at 1:30 PM on August 14, 2013.
  • Long sleeves felt good at the start of the walk but got a little warm towards the end.
  • The Wappinger Creek was high with the recent rains.
  • Mosquitoes were largely absent with only a few thick spots.

The Trails

  • Along the road to the Carriage House, stinging nettle was in bloom.
  • Mosquitoes were thankfully few in the Old Gravel Pit today.
  • In the Fern Glen's shrub swamp, I noticed three young saddleback caterpillars. Their sting is reportedly well more potent that that of stinging nettle.
  • Way in the back of the 'Glen a huge spikenard was blooming.
  • The Wappinger Creek was high with the recent rains.
  • A sweet, almost almond scent was on the trail from the kiosk through the woods; the climbing hempweed was finally starting to bloom.
  • Not far was the first great lobelia to bloom.
  • In the Sedge Meadow, spotted jewelweed and purple loosestrife were blooming together.
  • The common ringlet was scattered around today. One in the back Old Hayfield stood out backlit on monarda.
  • The sun was low and it was cooling off in the front Old Hayfield. An orange sulphur was just hanging there taking in the last rays of the day.
  • And I was on my way.
Sightings