September 27, 2017

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 84°F, mostly clear and breezy at 1:00 PM on September 27, 2017.
• This week's trail report covers the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.
• I had the company of a visitor from Albuquerque today.
• Painted ladies have been out in numbers the last week or so; one was here today.

The Trails

• The unseasonal heat was no stranger to a New Mexican, but the humidity made for a brief view across the Old Hayfield.
• Along the Scots Pine Allée, poison ivy was a pretty yellow.
• A couple steps beyond, Virginia creeper was a rich red.
• In the Meadow itself, little bluestem and goldenrods were glowing in the afternoon sun.
• One thicker stalk stood out: it was a praying mantis.
• It's always a little unnerving they way they turn their head to look at you.
• With one last look over our own shoulders towards Gifford House, we dove into the shade of the Old Gravel Pit.
• Coming out to the road to the Fern Glen, we made a little detour up hill to examine a new find: a small tree, Hercules' club.
• Young plants in the surrounding woods have the same divided leaf...
• ...and the daunting spines.
• But this was the first flower to be seen and clinch the ID.
• Along the road heading down to the Fern Glen, the usual late blooming, blue flowered aster was out.
• Interestingly, they were much more blue than in the photo.
• In the lawn in front of the pond was what must have been a very fast growing mushroom. It's a high traffic area.
• Ostrich ferns hanging from the rocks at the pond's edge added to the tropical feel of the weather.
• On one rock, a frog and our visitor eyed each other.
• The ridge running straight back from the eye identified it as an green frog.
• There were actually two more sitting in the mud below.
• Leaves were collecting on the still clear water.
• A red-spotted newt was lazing in the sun in open water.
• Along the path behind the pond, maple-leaved viburnum posed as if for a field guide illustration.
• Off the boardwalk in the fen, poison sumac made an image worth remembering.
• In the thicket around the corner, winterberry was full of fruit.
• On the way out of the 'Glen, Indian cucumber root leaves were blushing to advertise its fruit.
• Next week: the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.