May 12

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 60 degrees and no wind. However, storm clouds and thunder were evident in the southeast. For a change, I planned to reverse my course and begin at the barn where I saw some Creeping Yellow Cress growing near the concrete ramp. Also, I was pleased to see my first Common Yellowthroat of the season. One of the most widespread warblers in North America, this bird, despite its name, can be an uncommon sight. Often elusive and difficult to see, this bird is more often identified by its song. Hiking south into Native Grassland, I paused at Grebe Pond and noticed one family of geese with three goslings and one with two swimming near the middle. I continued south to Brady Cemetery where I spotted a male Baltimore oriole perching and singing high in a cottonwood tree. I passed the cemetery and turned north toward Frog Fen where I saw that the Red Osier Dogwood were beginning to blossom. I turned west and followed south trail toward Sora Swale. I took the short trail north and paused on the east side of the pond. I got back on south trail and stopped at Artist Overlook to gaze at lush Willow Wallow. I entered Succession Field and followed the trail west along the edge of South Woods. Entering the woods, I immediately noticed a few deer running ahead of me. I hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I saw some Morning Star Sedge. Exiting the woods, I continued around Succession Field where I spotted some Black Willow trees going to seed. At the entrance to North Woods, I was surprised to see horse tracks on the muddy trail. Continuing into the woods, I hiked east where I noticed how shady it was as the newly formed leaves blocked the daylight. Suddenly, a Fox Squirrel ran across the leaf litter and scampered up a tree. Exiting the woods, I walked through Bobolink Meadow and once again hoped the Bobolinks would return soon from their migration to nest here. This bird would be noted for one of the longest migrations in the western hemisphere—a round trip to South America of approximately 12,400 miles. Bobolinks nest in hayfields and meadows across the northern United States and southern Canada during the northern summer months of May through early July. Walking along Mallard Marsh, I had to watch out for goose scat on the trail. Also, I noticed a Spotted toad sitting on a dead cattail stalk near the shore. Finally, I climbed the hill, passed the newly painted Storage Building and arrived at the van. Another great hike was over so we headed for home.

Trees that went to bed last fall Are suddenly waking up And stretching limbs to take a drink From springtime's festive cup. She's pouring out the smell of flowers, Opening wide her drapes of love, And sprinkling colors everywhere To delight the lovers of This season. She kept her word that She'd return to light the dawn With new things (born of winter's death) For the world to build upon.

Tom Kraft