September 4

Thursday, Remi and I returned to Forest Hill Nature Area for our “weekly wanderings” The early morning weather was partly sunny with spotty light rain, a temperature of 61 degrees and no wind. Today, as September opens and autumn approaches, I planned to be observant of wildlife as usual while focusing on fruits that Mother Nature is showing off. I followed north trail down the hill past Mallard Marsh into a Goldenrod-covered Bobolink Meadow where I noticed the white berries on a Gray Dogwood bush. Also, I could see some Milkweed pods were turning pink. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south toward Willow Wallow where I was excited to spot my first New England Asters of the season. Following the trail, I saw that a few Elderberries were still hanging from the bush. Turning west at Willow Wallow, I could barely make out a Black & Yellow Longhorn Beetle nestled in a Goldenrod flower. Circling Succession Field, I first saw a bunch of Wild Grapes followed by a few remaining berries of Autumn Olive and finally, a few hips from Multiflora Rose. I turned into South Woods and paused at a place on the edge of Swanson Swamp that was recently cleared for an upcoming boardwalk construction project by an Eagle Scout candidate from Breckenridge. Before leaving the woods, the striking red fruit of Jack-in-the-Pulpit caught my eye as well as a well-camouflaged Wood Frog. I left the woods and turned east where I saw the last piece of fruit on a Wild Apple tree. Passing Artist Overlook, I followed south trail where I noticed a few remaining cherries on a Chokecherry tree as well as a baby Gray Tree frog sitting on a Raspberry leaf. At Frog Fen, I turned north toward Reflection Hill where I could see quite a distinction between the white berries of Red-Osier Dogwood and the blue berries of Silky Dogwood. Near the top of the hill, I turned over a Milkweed leaf looking for a Monarch caterpillar and found a Tussock’s Moth Caterpillar instead. From the hilltop, I gazed west over South Woods and marveled at the unexpected sight of a rainbow. Facing east, I looked with concern at Grebe Pond that continues to be overrun by the green invasive weed called Watermeal. Next, I left the path and walked a short distance down the hill to take a closer look at the fruit of a Crab Apple tree. Back on the trail, I approached the classroom where I could see that a large Pin Cherry tree to the west was still loaded with fruit. At the end of the hike, I was pleased to see the freshly painted barn and granary as we prepare for another field trip season. Finally, we got back to the car and headed home.

What bird is that?

As I take a look

What’s it called?

Is it in the book?

Need to get close

To see its features

Is it one that I think?

One of those creatures

Does it really matter?

Should I really care?

A marvel of nature

I continue to stare

D. DeGraaf