May 22

Friday, Remi remained at home while I hiked again at Forest Hill Nature Area. The late morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 53 degrees and a steady breeze from the north. At the crest of Energy Hill, the grass-covered trail to the west awaited me. Descending the hill approaching Mallard Marsh, I turned north off the trail to a spot where earlier in the week we discovered a Redwing Blackbird nest, well hidden in the cattails. Back on the trail, I proceeded through Bobolink Meadow where the Autumn Olive was blossoming. Turning into North Woods that was now well shaded by the leafed out deciduous trees, I admired the forest floor colored by blossoms of Wild Geranium and Blue Phlox. Exiting the woods into Succession Field, I paused to enjoy first the sound and then the sight of a Baltimore oriole perched high in a tree. Circling the field, I paused on the west trail where hundreds of tiny Basswood Leaf Miners were busy feeding on the leaves. I entered South Woods and crossed the first boardwalk where I noticed some of the Mayapple plants were blossoming. Walking quietly into Swanson Swamp on our new boardwalk, I was pleased to spot a large Blanding Turtle, only the 2nd one I’ve ever seen at the Nature Area. After leaving the woods, I passed Artist Overlook where a Choke Cherry tree was in bloom and turned east on the south trail where a King Bird was perching on a blossoming Hawthorn tree. Turning south at Frog Fen, I headed toward Brady Cemetery where the Red Osier Dogwood shrubs were blossoming. Passing the cemetery, I turned north into Native Grassland and stopped at the rock collection area where unfortunately a Killdeer had made a nest in an area we planned to use next week for our rock & mineral study. Continuing north around Grebe Pond, I headed toward the parking lot where I could see how the leafed out Aspen trees almost completely block my view of the barn. Finally, I found my car and headed home.

From life’s hectic pace

Forest Hill’s a calming place

Away from the concrete

South Woods is my retreat

From a busy city scene

Bobolink Meadow green

From a noisy crowded room

Field where flowers bloom

From loud traffic sounds

Oriole song surrounds

When commotion captures me

Mother Nature sets me free

D. DeGraaf