October 12, 2016

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 70°F, clear and breezy at 2:03 PM on October 12, 2016.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• Fall foliage had continued to advance since last week.
• Note: the grounds close the end of this month. They open again April 1.

The Trails

• The Old Hayfield by Gifford House was under warm sun this day.
• To one familiar with the trails, a dark spot at the crossroads immediately drew attention.
• It was an abandoned stroller, conjuring images of the works of Edward Gorey.
• There was still some blooming yarrow seeming to lean and stare in disbelief.
• In the back of the field, black walnuts threatened to twist hikers' ankles.
• A grasshopper flew across my path and landed.
• It was at the edge of an aster.
• This was throbbing with the activity of bumble bees...
• honey bees...
• and less familiar little bees.
• Burning bush was bright where the trail drops into the woods.
• There the boardwalk was disappearing under fallen leaves.
• A bird rose into the bushes along the edge of the back Old Hayfield - a palm warbler.
• Across the field, a speck flew above the tree line.
• It was a turkey vulture.
• A golden-crowned kinglet was secretive in the Old Pasture; I left without a photo through the creek-side exit.
• From up on the bluff, the creek looked mighty low.
• The path along the creek was thick with fallen leaves.
• Something flew across and landed as I took in a view of the creek.
• It was an interesting wasp with white patches on its antennae.
• Farther along the creek widened and became quite shallow.
• Upstream it narrowed and deepened.
• On the bank above the creek, the fungus stump had been busy producing yet another big one.
• Off the other side of the trail was a another fungus.
• This one was also a good size and clearly different.
• Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.