May 25

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 41 degrees and no wind. Exiting the car, I was greeted by the pleasing song of a Mourning Dove. At the crest of the hill, I gazed west at the landscape. I walked down the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where I noticed the family of geese had only three goslings instead of the four they had last week. Redwing Max was busy chasing another male blackbird out of his territory. Mike was perched in a small tree north of the trail singing loudly while Mark was in is usual spot west of the pond. Entering Bobolink Meadow, Redwing Bob met me and began flying just above my head giving off a piercing call. This aggressive behavior is typical of males as they defend their nest of hatchlings. Nests are typically built of cattail stalks woven together to form a basket above water level. Three to five pale greenish-blue, black or purple streaked eggs are laid per clutch. I entered North Woods and headed west where I spotted lots of colorful Wild Geraniums. Also, I admired a large Bracket Fungus growing on a dead log next to the trail. Exiting the woods, I was surprised to see hundreds of small spider webs clinging to the dead vegetation of Succession Field glistening in the morning sunlight. Following the path around the field, I spotted the cotton-like seeds of a willow tree and the white blossoms of a Nannyberry tree. I entered South Woods and followed the trail along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I saw a few Mayapple blossoms. Exiting the woods, I proceeded to Willow Wallow where I stopped to observe Will as he flew from perch to perch within his territory. Next, I hiked east along the pond where I spotted a pair of geese with two rather large goslings swimming on the south side. Also, I stopped to hear a Grebe calling. I climbed Reflection Hill to look down on Grebe Pond where I recalled earlier in the week my third sighting of what I think was an American Bittern flying west over the water being chased by a Redwing Blackbird. Continuing south, I approached Frog Fen where Redwing Fred displayed similar aggressive behavior to Redwing Bob by flying just above my head giving off a loud piercing call. I kept going south toward Brady Cemetery where I noticed the Red Osier Dogwood shrubs were blossoming. I also saw a small Honeysuckle shrub with lovely pink blossoms. I passed the cemetery and continued north through Native Grassland to Grebe Pond where all the male Redwings were visible tending to in their respective territories. I hiked north toward the barn and was surprised to see a pair of swans again on the pond as they have been visible several times in the last week or so. Finally, we passed the Barn, passed Classroom and returned to the car for our trip home.

In the chill of morning
I walk an earthen trail
Over a hill of green
Through a verdant dale
Spring is in the air
With pleasure I inhale
Nature tells her story
I enjoy her weekly tales
I enter a favorite forest
Where beauty prevails

D. DeGraaf

May 18

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The mid-day weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 63 degrees and a slight southeasterly breeze. At the crest of the hill, I looked over a mid-May landscape. I descended the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where Max was perched in his usual willow tree that had leafed out which made it harder to spot him. The other male Redwings were not around. Also, I was pleased to see a nesting pair of geese and four fuzzy goslings on the pond. Hiking through Bobolink Meadow, I saw my first Cabbage Butterfly of the season. At the entrance to North Woods, I spotted several blossoms of Wild Strawberry on the ground. I entered the woods and noticed a Poison Ivy vine crawling up a tree as well as a pretty Yellow Violet blossom. Following the trail west, I looked to my right and saw a few clusters of lovely Blue Phlox. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field and hiked along the western boundary where I noticed most of the new leaves of a Basswood tree were full of holes due to the Leaf miner beetle. Turning east, I walked out into the meadow to admire the blossoms of a small cherry tree. I entered South Woods and was surprised to see some bright orange Rust Fungus growing on a Mayapple leaf. Walking along the edge of Swanson Swamp, I observed a few Jack-in-the-Pulpit plants. Exiting the woods, I proceeded east where I observed both a male and female Baltimore oriole perched high in the same Aspen tree. I turned south and arrived at Artist Overlook to look down on Sora Swale. Continuing south, I spotted the lovely blossoms of Choke Cherry. I followed the trail east to Frog Fen where I could not find Fred. Next, I turned south and made it to Brady Cemetery. I entered the cemetery and immediately noticed a pile of gray feathers from a Mourning Dove that had been eaten. I climbed the hill to the south end of the cemetery to smell the wonderful fragrance of both White and Purple Lilac blossoms. At the base of an old fence, I spotted a patch of Wormseed Mustard plants. Gazing south, I noticed our neighbor’s field had been plowed in preparation for this year’s crop. Leaving the cemetery, I walked north through Native Grassland to Grebe Pond and paused to see that Gus and Gabe were flying from cattail to cattail patrolling their territories. Continuing toward the barn, I saw both Gil and Gordy protecting their nesting areas. Also, I recalled earlier in the week getting a rare glimpse of an American Bittern flying west over the pond. Just before the barn, I spotted a Painted Turtle sunning itself among the cattails. Arriving at the Classroom, I paused to notice the Granary and thought about how it had changed since I first saw it in 1993. Then I looked over to the Storage Building and remembered what it looked like 20 years ago. Finally, we hopped in the car and left for home.

Questions arise on a spring day?
Who will win, predator or prey?
Will a coyote get a rabbit to eat?
Or will it run in full retreat?
Will the swallow snatch a fly?
Or will it escape to the sky?
Will the snake catch a frog?
Or will it leap over the log?
Eat or be eaten, try to survive
Needed for nature to thrive.

D. DeGraaf

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

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