October 22, 2014

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 50°F, overcast and windy at 12:00 PM on October 22, 2014.
• Again, I hoped to beat the forecasted rain with an early start; it began to sprinkle just at the end. OK.
• The grounds close for the season at the end of the month - that's next week - and reopen April 1.
• This will be the last trail report of this season.

The Trails

• It looked like a bleak November day across the front Old Hayfield by Gifford House.
• A downy woodpecker worked its way across the road, parking lot, then field.
• Along the dry side of the Sedge Meadow Trail, a song sparrow perched with a look of astonishment on its face.
• Farther along, several puffballs were coming up.
• On the wet side of the Trail, I thought I heard a blue-headed vireo, but found a fox sparrow instead.
• On the way to the Old Pasture was a familiar mushroom; I always think of pierogis when I see them.
• This week I offer the "other view" from the bluff over the Wappinger Creek.
• At the foot bridge on the approach to the Appendix (the area of trail marker 10) witch's butter was appearing on a dead branch.
• Next to it, another but very different fungus was on another piece of wood.
• In the Fern Glen, spicebush was holding onto its golden leaves.
• Usually inconspicuous, Maple-leaved viburnum was sporting that blue aura over pink that I've come to recognize.
• A fine mist began to fall as I discussed the past week, summer, and season with a passer by. We went on our ways.
• We'll discuss the winter in April.