September 09, 2015

Notes and Changes since last report

• This week's trail report covers the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.
• It was 87°F, partly cloudy and breezy at 2:00 PM on September 9, 2015.
• Hot and dry again. The birds were very quiet... At least there was a breeze.
• Some leaves were taking on color; some were down on the ground.

The Trails

• The technique was to stay in the shade, don't over exert, drink water.
• From a shady spot along the Scots Pine Alleé, one could see that the Little Bluestem Meadow had a little green oasis in the center.
• And in that green oasis was a purple oasis.
• And in that purple oasis were half a dozen great spangled fritillaries.
• Along the parched edges of the Scots Pine Alleé, silverrod, a white goldenrod, was beginning to bloom.
• Around the bend, common milkweed pods were releasing seeds to the wind.
• The front of the Fern Glen Pond had been opened up to expose the turtle logs and the frog and bug mud.
• The bull frogs appeared to be keeping up with the bugs...
• Back in the fen, a surprise was a little witch hazel wrapped up like Halloween.
• It was the work of the fall webworm.
• All around below, bur marigold and swamp beggar ticks were blooming.
• Deeper in the shrub swamp, skunk cabbage was already preparing fresh shoots for next spring.
• In spite of the dry weather, a mushroom could be found here and there.
• Back at the front of the pond, calico aster was thriving this year.
• The blossoms change from yellow to red to guide pollinators to fresh flowers.
• On the way out of the 'Glen, the late blooming black cohosh was blooming.
• Lurking on the dry hill side along the road above the Fern Glen was the other aster.
• It was very nice in a closer view.
• Out on the Cary Pines Trail was an unfortunately uncommon sight: a monarch passing through.
• The bench at the "Appendix" is a great place rest and watch. It was a caddisfly that took the spot light today.
• Next week: the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.