May 4

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 59 degrees and a gentle breeze from the south. Exiting the car, I was greeted by a few Barn Swallows swooping overhead. At the crest of the hill, I paused and gazed west at a greening landscape. I descended the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where both male and female Redwings were flying in and out of the dead cattails. Also, I noticed a few females were carrying grass in their beaks for nest building. I walked through Bobolink Meadow and entered North Woods where I spotted lots of Spring Beauty blossoms beginning to open up. At the boardwalk, I spotted several Purple Cress blossoms. Further along, I noticed a bright red Crimson Cup Fungus growing near the trail as well as a patch of green Mayapple plants. Before exiting the woods, I got off the trail and hiked further west where I was pleased to see a Trillium blossom as well as 5 other plants growing in a patch of Wild Leeks. Leaving the woods, I circled Succession Field where I observed the white blossoms on a Gray Dogwood tree. I entered South Woods and walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp. After scanning the forest floor, I noticed pieces of white birch bark scattered about. This bark contains a natural wax base that makes it impermeable to water and resistant to decomposition. So even when the core wood of the tree has decayed, the bark remains. Exiting the woods, I came to Artist Overlook where I gazed at Sora Swale and recalled earlier in the week spotting a rare Blanding Turtle sunning itself on a log. Following south trail, I arrived at Frog Fen where Fred was perched in his usual spot along with a female Redwing. I turned south, passed Brady Cemetery and hike north through Native Grassland to Grebe Pond where I spotted a couple of Painted Turtles sitting on a large tree branch sticking out of the water. I followed the edge of the pond and searched unsuccessfully for the two newly born fawns that were spotted yesterday by the school children. Approaching the barn, I noticed that the turkey carcass was continuing to be worked on by scavengers. Looking up near the top of a nearby Cottonwood tree, I saw a Brown Thrasher and enjoyed its singing. Near the barn, I was pleased to see my first new cattail shoot as we prepare for next week’s field trip activity. I turned at the barn and walked over to the Observation Platform to check out our new webcam that will give everyone a year round view of Grebe Pond. Passing the Classroom Building, I walked down the driveway to the deer carcass where I could see lots of small flies perched on the hair as the decay process continued. Finally, we made it back to the car and headed for home.

From the dock, I scan the pond
I gaze up close. I gaze beyond
Cattails circle this scenic place
Mallard swims along with grace
Swallow swoops close to me
Redwing sits in a nearby tree
Turtle suns on a floating log
Heron fishes for a tasty frog
Head of a muskrat is easily seen
All around is the color green
Duckweed floats close to shore
I like this place, more and more

D. DeGraaf

April 27

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 43 degrees and no wind. I stood at the crest of the hill and noticed Max perching and singing in a Honeysuckle bush before he flew to his usual willow on the east side of Mallard Marsh. Descending the hill, I saw Mike, Mark and Bob flying in and out of their territories chasing females who would stop and perch on cattails. On the pond, Leopard Frogs croaked while a muskrat swam on the smooth surface making a V-shaped wake. I passed through Bobolink Meadow and entered North Woods where I noticed a few green shoots of Wild Iris poking through some standing water. At the vernal pond, a large tree had fallen over the boardwalk. Following the trail, I spotted a few leaves of Trout Lilies sticking up through the leaf litter. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I heard the loud call of a Pileated Woodpecker as it flew overhead from North Woods to South Woods and landed in a tree nearby. Entering South Woods, I spotted my first crayfish chimney of the year. I hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I was pleased to see Mother goose was still on her nest. Also, I saw a juvenile Fox Squirrel lying dead next to a tree with no indication of a cause. Exiting the woods, I turned east where I saw twigs on an apple tree that had been chewed by deer. I turned north and made it to Willow Wallow where Will was moving around chasing females and bachelor males. Hiking east along the edge of the pond, I spotted a nesting pair of Tree Swallows perched on a bird box. I climbed Reflection Hill and circled around to gaze at Grebe Pond. Heading south, I descended the hill and approached Frog Fen where Fred was perched in a tree without any females around. I headed toward Brady Cemetery where I could make out the croaking of Chorus frogs coming from a shallow pond to the south. I passed the cemetery, entered Native Grassland and hiked north to Grebe Pond where Gus was perched in his favorite tree. Gabe was in his tree along with a female. When I arrived to check Gill’s territory, he was flying around chasing bachelor males and females. Further along, Gordy was not around. Approaching the barn, I was surprised to see a fresh turkey carcass west of the trail. Also, I heard the tweeting sound of Spring Peepers. These tiny, well-camouflaged frogs are rarely seen. They’re tan or brown in color and about an inch long. These nocturnal amphibians are carnivores feeding on beetles, ants, flies, and spiders. Passing the barn, I admired the wigwam the school children had covered this past week. Next, I walked over to the picnic tables and recalled my shock last Sunday finding a Killdeer nest with 3 eggs in the fire pit that we planned to use during the coming week. Despite a protest from the mother, I moved it to a safer place. Finally, we made it to the car and headed home.

A remote swamp far to the west
Found your spot on an island nest
In cattail reeds where you reside
You lay very still. You easily hide
I quietly approach. Stop very near
Symbol of spring, glad you’re here
I marvel at you. Respect your ways
Hope you survive the coming days
Mother goose, instincts are strong
Goslings will come. Won’t be long

D. DeGraaf

April 20

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 28 degrees and a stiff wind out of the west. Standing on the hill, I looked west at a landscape where there was little evidence of spring. Descending the hill, I stopped at Mallard Marsh and looked around for my Redwings. Max and Mark both went from perching on cattails in their respective territories to chasing after two female Redwings that flew in and out of their territories. Mike was perched in a leafless ash tree north of the trail with another female perched nearby. Redwing Bob was nowhere to be found. Continuing through Bobolink Meadow, the dog and I waded through large puddles after another week of heavy rain kept the ground saturated. At the entrance to North Woods, a solitary swan flew overhead heading northeast. Turning north, I headed toward Willow Wallow where I caught a glimpse of an ant mound out in the field sprouting new shoots of green grass topped with a dusting of snow. Approaching the pond, I was alerted by the sound of Sand Hill Cranes and turned around in time to see three of them flying low over the neighbor’s cornfield. I paused at the pond where I was unable to find Will. However, the furry catkins of a pussy willow caught my eye. I circled Succession Field and entered South Woods where I walked quietly by the mother goose that laid still on her nest as she did last week. Exiting the woods, I came to Artist Overlook where I stopped to observe Sora Swale where the pond had expanded to twice its size due to all the rain. Following south trail, I recalled earlier in the week seeing a colorful, male Rufous-sided Towhee. Continuing east, I approached Frog Fen where I was surprised to see a half-frozen Mud Minnow on the trail. I paused briefly and thought I spotted Fred, but this male flew away and perched in another territory. I continued south to Brady Cemetery, turned north and entered Native Grassland. Continuing north, I arrived at the south end of Grebe Pond to check out the Redwings. Gus and Gabe both flew to their perches from across the pond. One female Redwing was perched on a cattail about halfway between them. At Gill’s territory there was lots of commotion as he was watching over two females as well as chasing out a small group of bachelor males. Approaching the barn, Gordy was perched on a cattail in his territory with a female bird close by. Also, two drake Mallards swam nearby. I passed the barn and classroom to walk down the north driveway almost to Rich Rd. where I spotted the dead deer that had been killed by a passing car earlier in the week. A few puncture holes in the carcass were probably from the two Turkey Vultures I saw flying nearby a few days ago. Finally, we got in the car and headed out.

Out of the womb of winter
In the season of rebirth
Mother Nature’s offspring
Emerge from the earth
Out of softening soil
Come insects of the ground
Under a decaying log
Worms and slugs are found
Out of a swelling pond
Mallard ducks appear
Out of a burgeoning forest
Come the hungry deer

D. DeGraaf

April 13

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 34 degrees and a steady wind out of the southwest. Starting out, I was greeted by Redwing Max who flew west from a tree behind the Classroom Building to his usual perch on the east end of Mallard Marsh. I stood at the crest of the hill and noticed a subtle hint of green over the waterlogged landscape after a solid week of heavy rain. Descending the hill to the marsh, I observed a female Redwing perched near Max and another perched near Mark in his territory on the west side. In the mean time, Mike was perched in his usual spot in a Cottonwood tree north of the trail. Entering Bobolink Meadow, I noticed Redwing Bob who recently established his territory here and has become another of my closely watched, named birds. I walked into North Woods where I spotted some lush green moss on the muddy trail. I exited the woods into Succession Field where three grazing deer took off and ran into South Woods. Circling around, I entered South Woods where I saw some fresh fungi growing on a fallen log. Looking out into Swanson Swamp, I was barely able to make out a female goose sitting on her nest in the same spot where one nested last year. Further along, I noticed the skull and fur of an opossum lying on the wet leaves. I exited the woods, turned east, then turned north to Willow Wallow where I spotted Will perched in his usual spot on the west side of the pond. Heading east, I climbed to the top of Reflection Hill and looked down on Grebe Pond where I spotted a solitary Grebe swimming and diving. Also, I recalled earlier in the week seeing a pair of Mute Swans floating peacefully near the south shore. I descended the hill to the south and paused at Frog Fen where at first Fred was nowhere to be found. However, heading toward Brady Cemetery, I stopped, turned around and saw him perched in his usual spot. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland and walked north toward Grebe Pond where I looked through my binoculars to see Gabe perched in his usual tree and a Belted Kingfisher perched close by. Following the edge of the pond, I looked back to see Gus in his tree and looked ahead to see Gill with a female Redwing perched nearby. Moving ahead toward the barn, I saw Gordy in his spot without the female that has been hanging around him. I wondered if that female was the same one that moved to Gill’s territory. I arrived at the barn and thought about the history of this building. For several years after the barn became part of the Nature Area in 1993, it continued to deteriorate and was unusable. In 2007, thanks to funding from the RESD, the lean-to was removed and major restoration of the interior and exterior took place. Finally, we made it to the car and headed home.

Chilly morning in April
Mother Nature’s domain
Trail is muddy and wet
Skyward, a threat of rain
Clouds are thick and dark
Wind is blowing strong
Pause by a cattail marsh
Ears find a blackbird song
I walk by a grove of trees
No leaves yet to be seen
I walk by a favorite field
Displays a hint of green
Ground has finally thawed
Pleased to hear robins sing
I can’t wait to discover
What the season will bring?

D. DeGraaf

April 6

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 32 degrees and a slight southerly wind. Before starting my hike I gazed at the neighbor’s farm and thought back to the 1990’s when the former owner illegally piled dead cows on his property adjoining North Woods that was both an eyesore and a source of rotting flesh odor. After, reporting him to the authorities, he reluctantly covered the pile with dirt. Fortunately, he has long since retired, moved away and the current owner seems quite neighborly Standing on the hill, I looked west at a bleak landscape. Descending the hill, I spotted Redwing Max in is usual perch on a willow tree next to Mallard Marsh. Next, he flew down and clung to a cattail only about eight feet from Redwing Mark. In the meantime, Redwing Mike sat high in a Cottonwood tree north of the trail surveying his turf. Suddenly, a pair of noisy Mallards exploded from the water and headed south. Passing through Bobolink Meadow, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I noticed several Mole mounds on the trail. Approaching the pond, I thought I saw Redwing Will perched in his usual spot. However, as I got closer, I was surprised to see that it was a male Cowbird while Will was perched on a cattail several feet away. I circled Succession Field where I could barely make out 10 deer that blended so well standing in the brown grass staring at me. Also, I walked by what maybe the last patch of snow for the season. At Artist Overlook, I stopped to hear a pair of noisy geese staking their claim to Sora Swale. Following south trail, I noticed a few snowflakes and came to Frog Fen where I heard Redwing Fred, but did not see him. I continued south to Brady Cemetery, turned north and entered Native Grassland. Continuing north toward Grebe Pond, I spotted Redwing Gabe, flying from a Box Elder tree to his usual perch next to the pond. Arriving at the pond, while unsuccessfully looking for Redwing Gus, I heard the haunting call of a Pied-billed Grebe. Also, up ahead along the pond’s edge was a group of blackbirds flying at each other in Redwing Gordy’s territory. As I got closer, I noticed they were Grackles intruding on his territory. As he chased the away, I saw Gordy return to a favorite perch close to a female Redwing; the first one I’ve seen this spring. Looking back, I also noticed Redwing Gill at his perch. Approaching the barn, I was pleased to see a pair of colorful male Buffleheads swimming near the north shore of the pond. I assume they will be heading north to their summer breeding grounds in Canada. Finally, we passed the Classroom Building, got in the car and headed out.

Early spring the meadow sleeps
No cricket or grasshopper leaps
Patches of snow dot the ground
Green grass cannot be found
On a cattail stalk a Redwing clings
Claims his turf. Perches and sings
Ice on the pond continues to thaw
Crows of the sky will caw and caw
Trees of the forest are mostly bare
Mother Nature has much to prepare

D. DeGraaf

March 30

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 27 degrees and no wind. Before commencing on my weekly saunter, I glanced north and was pleased to see my first Killdeer of the year sitting on the mulch pile. Based on last year, I suspect some will nest nearby on the stone parking lot. Next, I stood at the crest of the hill and gazed west at the snowless landscape as the morning sun gave me a very long shadow. Descending the hill, I paused at Mallard Marsh to resume by Redwing Blackbird observations. To begin, I would like to introduce you to Max, one of several males that I named and will be monitoring for the next several weeks. His territory seems to be on the northeast area of the pond while another male who I’ve named Mark has staked out an area north of the trail and another who I’ve named Mike has established a territory on the northwest side of the pond. Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I came to the entrance of North Woods where catkins were beginning to appear on the maples. Hiking west through the woods, I saw a few white tails of deer flashing past the trees in the distance and lots of tracks on the muddy trail close to me. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field and entered South Woods where I paused at the edge of Swanson Swamp to hear a Nuthatch, a Blue Jay and a drumming Downy Woodpecker. I exited the woods, turned east and welcomed another sign of spring as I heard the call of a Sand Hill Crane coming from the neighbors to the west. Next, I turned north to Willow Wallow where I spotted more male Redwings along the pond’s edge. The one claiming his territory on the northwest side of the pond, I named Will. Following the edge of the pond, I climbed to the top of Reflection Hill where I spotted a few Canada Geese walking on the ice of Grebe Pond making lots of noise. I descended the hill to the south and paused at Frog Fen where I spotted another male Redwing perched on a cattail to claim his territory. I named him, Fred. Heading toward Brady Cemetery, I stopped to hear a Song Sparrow singing in the warming sun. Entering Native Grassland, I walked north along the edge of Grebe Pond where I observed more perching male Redwings spaced out along the shore. Working my way from south to north toward the barn, I named them in order: Gus, Gil, Gabe and Gordy. Also, I was amazed to see about 100 Tundra Swans high overhead flying in a huge V-formation heading to their summer breeding grounds in northern Canada or Alaska. I arrived at the Classroom Building where I looked at the bird feeders for the last time this year as I plan to take them down. Finally, we made it to the car and headed home.

Pulse of life is starting to beat
Winter snows sound a retreat
Migrating birds start to arrive
Mother Nature is coming alive
Trees and shrubs start to bud
Forest trail has turned to mud
Ice on the pond is melting fast
Canada Geese are here at last
Sounds of the season ring clear
Hello spring! Glad you’re here!

D. DeGraaf

March 23

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 27 degrees and no wind. I stood on the crest of the hill and faced west to view the early spring landscape. Descending the hill toward Mallard Marsh, I saw three male Redwing Blackbirds perched on trees and cattails around the edge of the ice-covered pond. These colorful black males arrive first in the spring before the less distinctive brown females. I glanced up and watched one do a “song spread”; where he sticks out his red and yellow epaulets, hunches his shoulders and lowers and spreads his tail. This display is for staking out his territory. Soon it will also be used to attract females. Since these birds are easily seen and play an important role in our wetland ecosystems, I plan to closely monitor their population and behavior this year. Next, I followed the trail through Bobolink Meadow where I noticed a half dozen whitetail grazing in the neighbor’s corn stubble. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south, hiked past Willow Wallow and turned west into Succession Field. Circling around the field, I spotted a couple of Oak leaves sunk down in the snow after the sun and warmed them and melted the snow underneath. I turned back to Willow Wallow where I spotted three more male Redwings perched along the edge of the pond. Climbing Reflection Hill, I paused to watch three more Redwings competing for a specific territory by dodging and swooping at each other. I circled the hill and stopped to look at Grebe Pond. Descending the hill to the south, I passed Frog Fen and continued to Brady Cemetery. Turning north, I entered Native Grassland where I saw my first Robin of the season hopping on the trail in front of me. I came again to Grebe Pond and walked along the edge where I counted seven male Redwings spaced around the edge of the pond perched in trees or on cattails singing to announce their presence. I continued past the barn to the Classroom Building where I reminisced about the buildings that once stood near here. Just south of the classroom building was a large pole barn that was taken down by the Ithaca FFA class in 1994. Just east of the classroom building was a red pole barn that was removed by FFA students in 2001. North of the classroom, next to the storage building was a chicken coop that was removed by Ithaca FFA class in 2003. Attached to the east side of the red barn was a large lean-to that was removed in 2007. Next, I walked east of the parking lot and looked at the old, stone foundation of a farmhouse that once stood here and was torn down in 1995. Then, I checked out the bird feeders where I spotted a Chickadee, a few Mourning Doves and a few Redwings. Finally, we found the car and left for home.

I find that Spring is like an actress, bold,

Who enters Nature's stage on perfect cue,

For weary watchers of the winter's cold

Are tired of black and white and want a hue

Of vibrant leafy green or brilliant red;

They long for yellow daffodils which say

That life and growth and beauty are not dead,

But only for a season had to stay

Beneath the frozen belt of winter's girth.

So out Spring struts, her lines are strong and clear—

Her statement in the smell of soft, damp earth

Compels and captivates for those who hear.

It is impossible to doubt and mope,

When Spring performs, then hearts are full of hope.

Linda Neff