May 11

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was cloudy with a temperature of 45 degrees and a slight breeze from the southwest. At the crest of the hill, I stopped to admire the landscape as well as our new weather station. Descending the hill, I paused at Mallard Marsh to check on the Redwings. Max, Mark, Mike and Bob were all visible flying in and out of the cattails along with six females. Passing through Bobolink meadow, I looked in vain for any signs of Bobolinks since this is the time they should return from their winter migration. Off the trail, I saw patches of Wild Mustard. At the entrance to North Woods, I was surprised by the abundance of Horsetail compared to a year ago. Following the path through the woods, I spotted lots of Wood violets. Near the exit to the woods, I was surprised to see a deer head with horns just off the trail. Also, high in a tree overhead, I enjoyed the sight and south of a male Baltimore oriole. I exited the woods and circled Succession Field where I spotted a nest of Tent Caterpillars in a small cherry tree. Looking down, the path was littered with catkins of white birch. Entering South Woods, I noticed a patch of Mayapple plants including the double stem type with a flower bud. Further along, the trail was being shaded with new leaves of Witch Hazel. Exiting the woods, I spotted an apple tree with white blossoms. Next, I followed the trail to Willow Wallow where I was greeted by the shrilling call of Will as he made his presence known. I walked east along the edge of the pond and climbed up Reflection Hill to look down on Grebe Pond where I saw a dozen tree swallows swooping to catch insects off the water surface. Heading south, I descended the hill to Frog Fen where Fred was perched in his usual spot. Also, I was pleased to hear and see a Yellow Warbler and suspected that it is one of a nesting pair. Continuing south, I passed the cemetery and turned north into Native Grassland where young Wild Carrot plants were beginning to show themselves. I continued to Grebe Pond where the male Redwings were busy singing and moving among the cattails. Approaching the barn, I paused to see that beetles and beetle larvae were feeding on the turkey carcass. I passed the barn and came to the classroom where I reminisced about the history of this building. Records show it was built in 1983 by Richard Recker as a pig-farrowing barn. Back in 1993 when we acquired the property, it had been abandoned for several years and was in bad shape. It stayed that way until 2003 when it was gutted and renovated both inside and out. Today it remains our headquarters and most used building. Next, I circled around the back of the barn to look at the lovely Ground Ivy. Proceeding north, I checked on the deer carcass. Finally we got back to the car for our journey home.

Hiking a muddy trail
A springtime stroll
I find peace of mind
It’s well with my soul
In touch with nature
My spirits are high
For creatures of woods
For birds of the sky
Colorful forest flowers
Sprouting from earth
I’m filled with awe
In this season of birth

D. DeGraaf