October 9

The early morning sky is mostly sunny with temperatures in the high 50’s as I watch the water of Corbin Creek flow south under Church Rd. Proceeding downstream as the current increases, I come across the dainty white blossoms of Purple-leaf Willowherb and the cattail-like leaves of Sweet Flag. Trudging back to the road, I spot some white berries of Gray Dogwood and red berries of Maple-leaf Viburnum. Back on the road, I look north where the creek is partially choked with a leafy green plant, called Watercress. Cultivated from a wild plant in Europe, Watercress was introduced to America in the 18th century and became commercially popular in the late 20th century. This plant is a member of the mustard family which includes many well-known leafy and tuberous vegetables such as collard greens, kale, turnips, and radishes, as well as problematic weeds such as garlic mustard. It is widely cultivated and is the same Watercress commonly used as a salad green. It is also used as a garnish for meats and other dishes where a peppery or pungent flavor is desired. Ducks, muskrats, and deer eat the leaves of watercress while the plant also serves as shelter for small aquatic life. Along the bank, I notice both Swamp Milkweed and Joe-Pye-Weed are seeding out. Nearby, I spot some blossoms of invasive Crown Vetch and some leaves on a Red Oak tree beginning to turn colors. Walking west along the road toward the car, my ears perk up to the call of a Red-bellied Woodpecker.  Looking up, I see the bird pecking away on a Birch tree trunk. Oddly enough, this bird is named for its least distinctive feature, a light wash of red or pink on its belly that can only be seen if the bird is hanging upside-down. One of the most common mistakes when identifying this bird is calling it a Red-headed Woodpecker (stock photo).  While feeding, a Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly two inches past the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices. Near the car, I come upon a Maple tree trunk with unsightly seepage of sap, called Slime flux or Wet wood. This disease is caused by common surface-inhabiting bacteria or yeast fungi that enter the trunk through a wound. The bacteria and yeast may live on sap nutrients within injured trees for many years without any outward evidence. It is normally not a serious disease. However, a tree with a chronic case may decline in general vigor.

 

Watercourse of nature

Flow, creek, flow

Your journey ahead

I wish to know

Take me along

Your beauty to show

Riding your current

Fast or slow

Beams from the sun

Glisten and glow

Gifts from the clouds

Rain and snow

 

D. DeGraaf