Notes and Changes since last report
- It was 57°F, cloudy and windy at 11:00 AM on October 16, 2019.
- With the threat of inches of rain this afternoon, the walk started a little earlier today.
- Katydids, crickets, and peepers were calling again.
- This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
- Note that the grounds close for the winter on Nov. 1.
The Trails
- The oaks at the Gifford House trail head were loosing their green.
- By the Carriage House, maple and locust still had a fair amount of green.
- Off the Sedge Meadow Trail burning bush had been hiding until now.
- If the color alone weren't enough, the fruit would clinch the ID.
- Nearby was the long, 3-lobed leaf of invasive amur maple.
- The boardwalk across the swamp was almost completely covered with leaves.
- A mob of birds passed through, among them a blur of ruby-crowned kinglets.
- After several attempts, the camera clicked and one was still there.
- The less frenetic yellow-rumped warbler was in the group as well.
- Although the back Old Hayfield looked like November, it had warmed up enough for me to peel off a layer.
- In the Old Pasture amur maple appeared again, but this time in yellow rather than the usual red.
- Our native little bluestem was going to seed now.
- Just as the path enters the woods, the calendar view of the Wappinger Creek opened up.
- Farther along, the creek widened under maples and hemlocks.
- A bit down stream was another favorite view that sometimes includes mallards or mergansers.
- Then there was the view at the "Appendix", the area about trail marker 10.
- We have placed a bench here at this favorite overlook.
- I was amazed to find 1/2 dozen cigarette butts at the foot of the bench. I also reflected upon how amazingly seldom I encounter litter on our trails. Thank you everybody for helping keep our grounds clean and for observing our tobacco free policy.
- Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.
Sightings
Birds
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