Appalachian Journal

Fox and Bees

2012-01-26T11:15:00.015-05:00

Red Fox January 23, 2012

My husband gave me a wildlife camera for Christmas--so far, just photos of my dog and cats. But, I moved it to the driveway where it captured a photo of this red fox on Monday night. The lens appears to have raindrops on it. I think the fox was just as happy to get out after 3 days of rain. According to Eastern Forests, it is their mating season right now.

At first, I thought it was a coyote because of the color but red foxes go through a black and intermediary phase. Also, the fox has a white tip at the end of the tail as shown in my photo rather than black like a coyote. The fox carries its tail straight out, like in this photo, while the coyote carries its tail down while running or walking. I'm fairly sure of the identifcation of a fox after looking at this site:

http://blog.wildsidenaturetours.com/2009/06/fox-or-coyote.html

Another thing that threw me off at first was the tail which is usually fluffy. This fox's tail looks like somebody got a good chunk of the fur resulting in it looking a little more like a coyote. The tail also might have been wet from all the rain.

My Bees Survived

I was worried about my new "Duchess" hive because I hadn't seen the bees out on the many warmish days unlike the older "Princess" hive which had bees coming out on 50ish days. On Tuesday morning, it warmed up quickly to above 50 degrees and the new hive was just swarming with bees, so much so I thought it was being robbed. But, it wasn't. I saw some bees coming out yesterday as well.

I named my new hive "Duchess" partly after the name of the paint for the bottom board and top (Duchess Blue) and also because it was close to the royal wedding (May 2) when I got my nucleus hive. Then, "Princess" seemed like the right name for the older hive. I would like to restain and paint the older hive since the old hive is starting to show deterioration from 3 years of being out in the weather.

Heather January 24, 2012

I saw a few bees on this heather which has been blooming for a month or more.

I am still amazed that it blooms in the winter, even with all the warm weather. I wish I had more than one heather shrub for the bees.

Yesterday, I cut back multi-flora rose, hoping to eventually kill it by starving its roots. I usually do this in late February or early March but I had noticed it was already starting to leaf out. It's been an unusually warm winter so far.

Southwest Florida Trip

2012-01-08T14:49:00.013-05:00

We just got back from a quick trip to the Fort Myers area of Florida. Once again, I visited the Corkscrew Audubon Sanctuary.

Red-bellied Woodpecker December 29, 2011

The red-bellied woodpeckers down in Florida are smaller than ours up north. This one appears to be a fledgling, maybe waiting for a meal. I saw the woodpeckers feeding on pine cones (no wonder birds liked my pine cone feeders) and berries.

American Alligator Decmber 30, 2011

This alligator was in Big Cypress Swamp Sanctuary but it was one of many I saw on the trip. I am very afraid of them even though the ranger told me I shouldn't be. She said you are ok if you don't get between alligators and the water or their babies. But, I had read in the paper the day we arrived about a 90 year old lady who was just standing in her yard when an alligator attacked her. A guy with a gun saved her but not before she lost her leg. After I got back from my trip, a friend old me that if an alligator chases you, make a sharp turn since alligators can't turn well.

Naples Botanical Gardens was a nice surprise, very well designed with lots of interesting things for kids and adults. You can barely see the ceramic wall...

Here is a close up with my husband sitting there for scale as always. This makes me want to make a ceramic wall in my yard. I love the vibrant colors.

In contrast, this foliage had a softer color scheme.

Our last couple days, we spent on Sanibel Island at Island Inn. This is a view from the sun deck from our guest lodge. I really liked the old beach feel of this place.

The beach wasn't too crowded with many shore birds. I don't know what kind of bird this is or what he's eating. I had watched him pluck it out of the water and then wade ashore. I hope it wasn't plastic. While I was on the island, I chased a plastic bag down to discard it. Plastic bags are so very bad around the water. Birds, turtles, and fishes mistake them for food, sometimes with tragic results.

One advantage of of the gulf side of Florida is the great sunsets. There's even a pelican that was flying if you look very close. I wish I could have taken one of these sunsets home with me.

More Pine Cone Birds!

2011-12-27T11:52:00.006-05:00

The pine cone feeders are attracting more birds to the back yard (see previous post on how to make them and more photos). While I've seen mockingbirds in the yard, they don't stick around nor feeder at our sunflower seed feeders. This mockingbird was feeding on the pine cones on Christmas morning.

Dark-eyed juncos are common but are seen on the ground below the feeders. Several juncos were also feeding on the suet in the pine cones on Christmas morning.

Finally, I saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds feeding on the cones but so quickly I didn't get a photo. None of these birds have been back since. I guess it was just a Christmas present for me!

Happy New Year everyone!

Bird Pine Cones and Holiday Decorations!

2011-12-22T16:24:00.010-05:00

Carolina Wren December 19, 2011

I assisted Virginia Master Naturalist Debbie with the Junior Naturalist Club at a local middle school. We made pine cones filled with suet and seeds for the birds. It was so much fun I decided to make some of my own.

Directions:

Start with some pine cones (I had old ones that didn't have any scent on them). Tie a pipe cleaner (no ribbon!) around the bottom. Mix about equal parts of vegetable shortening and peanut butter in a big bowl, the stickier the better. Use a small spatula (the kids used plastic knives) to put the mixed suet into the crevices, then roll in wild bird seed and shake off the excess. You might want to do this outside since it's very messy. You should have seen the school children! I attached the pine cones to a burning bush shrub.

The tufted titmouse came right away but this downy woodpecker was what I caught with the camera. Other birds I observed on the pine cones were dark eyed juncos, hairy woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, and American goldfinches.

The Northern Cardinal kept looking at the cones but didn't eat--just cautious I guess. But he makes a great Christmas decoration just by himself!

I had to post a photo of my Christmas tree this year which I picked out myself from the Spruce Run tree farm only a few miles away. I had my pick from thousands of trees but found this one right away. I think we have more presents for the pets under it than for the two of us but that's ok with me.

Happy Holidays everyone!

I'm Back! Flowers and Birds

2011-11-14T20:24:00.017-05:00

I lost my School Board election by 68 votes (1104 to 1036), the closest race in the county and the reason why the results weren't posted until 11:30 p.m. last Tuesday night. Had I been able to capture just 35 more votes from my opponent, I would have won. The results by precinct or town were Eggleston (227-210), Pembroke (602-468) and Newport (243-325 with me getting 57% of the vote!). Considering that I'm a newcomer to local politics, it was an accomplishment. It was one of the most interesting experiences of my life.

I'm back to posting again but haven't done much in the way of photography for the past 2 months. I did find these photos on my camera's memory disks.

Great Lobelia

This native wild flower is my favorite of the fall with its deep blue color. It's usually right along side...

Snakeroot

The white flowers of snakeroot bloom in the woods.

In early October, a flock of birds stopped by the backyard---American Redstart and these others....

Cape May Warbler (UPDATED from comments)

Black-Throated Blue Warbler (UPDATED from comments)

My other very blurry photo shows a white stripe on the black wing which you can see a little of in this photo.

For the past week or two, I spotted a pair of ruby-crowned kinglets. I had never seen these birds before so it was very exciting to see them flying around the understory. I don't think I have ever seen birds move the way they do.

Finally, I have to post a photo of my dog, Kookie. She is happy I am back with my old routine. When I came home from campaigning in the afternoon, I could tell she missed her afternoon walk and worse, she smelled other dogs on me!

Earthquake and Lost Community of Mineral

2011-08-23T20:26:00.005-04:00

I wish I could say I felt the earthquake but I was in a Food Lion at the time. But, a few minutes afterward, the few shoppers and clerks were getting cell phone calls about it. When I got back home a few minutes later, my husband was outside checking around. He was up in his office when the quake shook the whole house for about 30 seconds. We found no damage.

I had just been reading about Mineral, Virginia where the quake was centered. It is one of those "Lost Communities of Virginia" (also the name of the book by Terri Fisher and Kirsten Sparenborg, a birthday present from my husband). Gold was discovered in Mineral about the time of the California Gold Rush and made the town. That led to other mining (sulphur, pyrite, iron, copper, etc.) and a railroad depot until that all died out. The trains just pass through now. What made the town come back somewhat was the nuclear plant built in the 70s and only 10 miles away. It was shut down today. Now, I guess Mineral has the distinction of being the center of the largest earthquake in Virginia. Our county of Giles used to have that distinction for a 5.8 quake back in 1897.

The book covers two lost communities, Eggleston and Newport, in my Giles County, Virginia. I wanted to read about them since I am running for public office, School Board, to represent the eastern district which comprises those two communities plus Pembroke. That's why I haven't posted too much. I am enjoying getting out and meeting the folks in these and other smaller communities in the mountains here.

Glen Alton Hike

2011-07-24T20:19:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, I held a nature journal workshop with 2 other naturalists at Glen Alton Recreational Area about 20 miles from my home. The previous week I went on a pre-hike and that's where most of these photos were taken.

Glen Alton was a 300 acre hunting and fishing retreat for a doctor. When he died, the Forest Service bought the land because it is in the middle of the Jefferson National Forest. It's a great place for birding and easy hiking.

My favorite place is the wetland area which is about a mile hike through woods to get there. The dead trees with the pond lilies is so peaceful.

Some of the wetland was created by this beaver dam.

The reflection in the beaver pond is a native St. Johnswort which I had not seen before. It's my favorite photo of that day.

For the workshop, we did not go on the wetland area hike since we had several families with very young children. We ended up going around the small lake which worked out better (snakes, dragonflies, whirlybugs!). But, I certainly don't regret my hike the previous week.

Eastern Hognose Snake

2011-06-27T10:12:00.004-04:00

Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)

Sophie, our cat, first spotted it and then Kookie, our boxer/lab, ran over and began her "snake" bark. Kookie is scared of snakes and would not be any closer than a foot from it. I went into the house to grab my camera.

With Kookie still barking, the snake had spread its head and neck and gazed toward me, hizzing all the while. That's how I knew it was a hognose. From this angle, it's hard to see the characteristic upturned snout which gives the snake its name. He uses the snout to dig up buried toads--plenty of those around here. This snake looked over 3o inches long--close to the mature size.

This photo was taken with the flash--hence the more yellowish tone. I had seen a hognose many years ago but that one was colored much differently--much lighter. So, it's hard to identify by color although the markings are similar. The hissing and flared head behavior was a dead giveaway for the hognose. That is how I knew this snake was all bark and no bite. Back then, I was so scared I backed off without getting a photo. My husband went out and moved it with a stick--it flipped over and played dead, another characteristic of the snake.

But I didn't want to bother the snake. I grabbed Kookie by her collar and led her back to the house. She did not object--thankful that I had saved her from the snake encounter. When I went back, the snake was gone.

Catalpa Memories

2011-06-09T12:41:00.010-04:00

My honey bees have been flying southeast high into sky. I wondered where they might be foraging for nectar and pollen since not much is blooming nectar-wise for them. As I drove down our road, I noticed several Catalpa trees blooming. When I stopped to inspect, I heard the familiar sound of pollinators. While I only saw a few bumble and carpenter bees on the lower branches, I was sure honey bees were at the top of the tree. These trees are located about a half-mile in a straight beeline southeast of my bee hives.

Common Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides)

For years I have driven by these trees and not paid much attention to them. I am glad my bees make me notice these and other flowers. These trees are not native to this area, originating in the Gulf Coast of the United States. The trees were probably planted as fence posts (Trees and Shrubs, Peterson Field Guide). The guide also states that they produce "catawba worms" that fishermen use as bait.

As I photographed the tree and flowers, memories of my childhood came back to me. A large Catalpa tree grew along the fence of our front yard where I grew up in a town outside St. Louis, Missouri (now a suburb). My sisters and I would put the Catalpa flowers in our hair. Later when the large seed pods appeared, we sat in a circle under the tree and tried to smoke the "cigars" or long seed pods.

On another note, I photographed these flowers this morning and am wondering what they are. The bell-shaped flowers are about an inch or so long and quite showy.

Purple Clematis (Clematis Verticillaris)

They are growing on a vine with three leaflets with simple leaves. Does anyone know what this vine is?

Mystery solved by Randy: It's Purple Clematis, a native vine that is in the buttercup family. My Peterson guide pictures the flower a little differently--no curls on the end of the sepals so I guess that's why I missed it. Anyway, I am glad to have another native plant and it's close to the area where I discovered the orchid this spring.

Blackberry blooms, birds and bees

2011-05-23T10:51:00.013-04:00

I have a very large blackberry patch near my beeyard. Yesterday, they were in full bloom with all kinds of bees and butterflies on them. The bird bath is used by the bees for collecting water.

This honey bee flies toward a blackberry flower while a native bee flies above. The pollen is a light gray color.

The ubiquitous bumble bee seems to visit every kind of flower around, being a very important pollinator. I counted 8 different kinds of native bees and 3 types of butterflies foraging nectar on the blackberry blossoms. The flowers needed all the different pollinators since the blooms were washed off last night by a hard rain.

This giant swallowtail was warming up early in the morning on a blackberry leaf. Later in the day, he was foraging quickly on the flowers.

This Eyed Click Beetle posed for a photo before taking off. The beetle is quite large--at least 2 inches. He feeds on larvae in decaying wood of hardwood trees. I turned him over to see if I could hear him click (snap his muscles) as he righted himself but I didn't hear it. He just flew off.

On May 11, I taped this Carolina Wren singing. I think it was one of the fledglings from about 10 days earlier.

Whitetop Mountain: Morels and Eleanor Roosevelt at the Naturalist Rally

2011-05-15T11:08:00.014-04:00

Morel Mushroom May 7, 2011

There it is--a morel mushroom! But I didn't find it. I was on a mushroom field trip led by Becky Rader at the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally last weekend. The group found 7 morels--me nary a one. The morel season is gone by the end of April on my land but we found them on Whitetop Mountain (exact location I will not tell) because it is at high elevation. Becky gave me a good rule, "By the time Mayapples bloom, morels are gone."

Lichen May 7, 2011

I did find this lovely lichen. I couldn't find find what it is by searching online--does anyone have a clue?

Bigtooth Aspen May 7, 2011

I always think of aspens as a western tree, growing in large groves at high elevations in the Rockies. That's the quaking aspen but here in Virginia, we have the bigtooth aspen. The range map for this aspen shows an extensive area in the northeastern United States. Rather than seedlings, this tree reproduces mostly by sprouting by roots, colonizing disturbed areas, no doubt how this little tree ended up at the edge of the trail. We looked around and found a large tree about 25 feet away, only beginning to leaf out. The catkins and leaf buds are eaten by ruffed grouse while the rest of the tree is eaten by deer and beavers.

Whitetop Mountain May 7, 2011

Whitetop Mountain is the second highest peak in Virginia behind Mount Rogers which is 5,729 ft. elevation. In the photo above, you should see Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. As we learned from Doug Ogle's speech on Friday night, Whitetop might have been higher than Mount Rogers at one time but it has been so developed over the years. Whitetop Mountiain is shown on the first surveyor's maps while Mt. Rogers was missing. I was most intrigued, though, when Doug talked about the great connection between Eleanor Roosevelt and Whitetop Mountain.

Eleanor Roosevelt and Whitetop Mountain

Eleanor Roosevelt was born and raised in New York. Her father, Elliott, was committed for alcoholism to a sanitorium near Abingdon, Virginia. Doug said that was a big mistake as the area is known for producing hard apple cider and moonshine. As a child, Eleanor visited her dad where he took her on horseback rides around the Whitetop Mountain area. Elliot died when Eleanor was only 10 but she attended the annual bluegrass music festival on Whitetop during the 1930s while she was first lady. Doug showed photos from newspaper articles about the festival, one with Eleanor Roosevelt next to the musicians. The festival was very popular with 16,000 cars parked at $1 a car (a huge sum during the Great Depression).

Note that this information was not found on the First Ladies Library website but only from Doug's speech and the wikipedia entry.

Doug Ogle pointing to Mt. Rogers from top of Whitetop Mountain

The telephone lines are in the process of being buried--a big improvement!

Mount Rogers from Whitetop Mountain
May 7 , 2007

This view of Mount Rogers is from the lower parking lot on Whitetop. The red spruce were in bloom which sent my allergies in high gear at this point. This was only my second trip to Whitetop (my first in 1981) because, like many, I visit Mount Rogers to see the rhododendron bloom in early June. If I do it again this year, I will be sure to stop by Whitetop on the way.

If you are planning on camping around here, note that the nearby Grindstone campground is closed indefinitely due to the tornado that hit it on April 27--the same system that hit Alabama so bad.

Spring Overload

2011-05-01T20:05:00.019-04:00

Walker Mountain from our back pasture. April 21, 2011

It's been a great spring--minus the scary tornadoes.

Tiger Swallowtails April 19, 2011

These tiger swallowtails and another black swallowtail were feasting on the mud left by a flood along Walker Creek.

Blue Phlox April 19, 2011

The blue phlox has already bloomed in our woods . . .

and the redbud trees...

. . . as well as the wild strawberries in the back pasture.

Box Turtle April 24, 2011

I found 3 large box turtles while hunting for morel mushrooms--not sure where they were going in the woods but I was glad to see so many of these turtles around.

Garden Spring Flowers

I've been torn between working in my garden and walking in the woods. Too bad everyone doesn't have that dilemma.

Pink Tulip after rain. April 28, 2011

I plant tulip bulbs every fall even though they seem to only last a few years. I can't remember when I planted these large pink tulips.

Columbine April 28, 2011

This native columbine "came up volunteer" (an old saying of my mom's when anything just came up in her garden without her planting it). The blooms were especially beautiful this spring with the creeping phlox I planted years ago. Of course, the woods are full of columbine--they seem to like the steep rocky slopes.

Shooting Star April 24, 2011

I planted this native shooting star several years ago. The delicate green leaves are at the base whirled around a single stalk of flowers. The flowers are quite small--you almost have to get right down to appreciate their beauty. Shooting Stars don't t grow on our land but I was able to buy a start from a native plant nurseryman. It blooms for only a few days, the light green foliage decays after a month or so. I was lucky I didn't plant anything there the first year or else it would be gone.

Lilac April 25, 2011

The lilac shrub was filled with blooms.

I also surround myself with lots of pansies from local greenhouses--they get their plants from local growers or else grow them right there in the greenhouse. The prices are usually good too.

Teapot Planter

At one greenhouse, I saw some violas in a teapot planter which gave me an idea to use my recently broken teapot. My husband glued it back together for me and I put some violas in it. I think it makes a better planter than teapot now.

Country Eggs

This has nothing to do with my post but wanted to show you the beautiful country eggs I've been buying from a friend. He supplies the local gourmet restaurant with eggs so they have to be good.

Carolina Wren April 23, 2011

I put up an old birdhouse on my garden shed. A pair of Carolina Wrens built a nest in early spring. She was disturbed every time I went inside the shed. But, now it's quiet with the last fledgling leaving on April 23. But, I saw a new pair checking out the birdhouses on the front porch so I hope to see more activity and I can watch them from my computer.

Spring happens so fast!

Orchid Discovery!

2011-04-21T10:26:00.006-04:00

Showy Orchis (Orchis spectabilis) April 20, 2011

Yesterday, I was awakened to the wonderful sounds of a wood thrush at dawn. About an hour later, I walked down our driveway and heard oven birds. To cap a wonderful spring morning, I followed my friend's advice and looked intensely in one area for morels. When I stepped down a steep slope, I noticed an unusual color, at first thinking it was probably a phlox or violet flower. Right away, I knew it was an orchid. I quickly forgot about morel hunting.

The species name "spectabilis" is Latin for spectacular--how appropriate! I can't believe I lived here for 27 years and have not seen this orchid before. But perhaps it finally bloomed for the first time after a long time:

Like other members of the Orchid family, it must have certain fungi present in the soil in order to survive. The seeds' outer shells are eaten by the fungi, while the seeds' inner parts obtain needed nourishment from the fungi. This relationship continues as the seed develops into a com, the bulblike underground part oa a flower stem where food is stored. The fungi delivers minerals and nutrients to the corn, which in turn provides the fungi with stubstances that the growing plant has produced through photosynthesis.
Leonard Atkins, Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains

So far, this is only specimen I've found. I plan to protect it as much as I can.

What a glorious spring!

Wildflower Walk, Tornadoes, and Mushroom Hunting

2011-04-12T10:56:00.013-04:00

Wildflower Walk

Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) April 7, 2011

Last Thursday, I tagged along on a wildflower walk at Wildwood Park. Junior Naturalists (5th grade) were led by several of my Virginia Master Naturalist friends.

Dutchman's Breeches covered the steep hillside of the park which is right in the middle of the city of Radford, Virginia. I really would like to get some of these to put on my land so I'm looking for a source if you know of one.

It was good to see these children excited about wildflowers including wild ginger, bellwort, toothwort and bloodroot. Towards the end of the walk, I spotted one garlic mustard plant in the wildflowers and plucked it since I knew it could eventually take over. One girl asked me what it was and I explained about it being a very bad invasive plant. She wanted to know about it and so I explained how it smelled of garlic. The student asked me whether people ate it and I said that some people cooked it as a green. Then, she asked me if she could have it and I agreed as long as she destroyed it later. All the kids gathered around her and started tasting the leaves and laughing. That got the attention of the adults who scolded the kids for eating the plant. I was sorry I caused so much commotion.

At the entrance to the park is a waterfall which formed over the old quarry limestone.

Mushroom Hunting

It was been unusually warm with temperatures in the mid-80s. I thought after all the rain I would try to find the elusive morel mushroom which I have been searching for on our land.

The only mushrooms I saw were these rather small puffball-like mushrooms on a dead Virginia pine tree. They weren't fresh either. Perhaps it's too early or we really don't have morels on our land.

I will keep looking....

Tornadoes Nearby

Last Friday evening, I was watching TV and heard that there was a tornado warning for our county. The weather forecaster broke into scheduled broadcast and showed a scary radar screen. At that time, the storm was centered in Bland County but headed east for our county. A few minutes later, the severe storm took a detour south into Pulaski County instead of our way. The forecaster said it was likely a tornado as there was rotation. Two tornadoes touched down, destroying 400 structures. Miraculously, no one was hurt. Here's the Roanoke Times article. The tornadoes were the strongest on record for the New River Valley. In fact, tornadoes are rare because of the mountains. Last year, we had a 500 year flood so it makes me wonder why all this severe weather is happening.

On a lighter note, my dog Kookie always cracks me up when she picks the biggest log in the outdoor fireplace to carry around the yard. She loves spring too!

Snow, Earthquake: That's Spring!

2011-03-28T13:33:00.010-04:00

About 10:00 a.m., I walked down the driveway to get the newspaper and take a couple of photos of the snow which had covered the ground and trees.

As I walked down, I heard more than the usual number of crows. Maybe they were crowing about VCU's big win over Kansas in the NCAA tournament yesterday. It's not Virginia Tech but it's Virginia anyway!

The snow covered the redcedar trees across the road, giving cover to lots of wildlife including turkeys, coyotes, and northern cardinals.

This closeup shows the male flowers of the Redcedar tree. So, I was wondering if my bees were bringing in some of this pollen a few days ago. I counted at least 5 different colors--beige, yellow, orange, gold, and red.

Spicebush with snow March 28, 2011

Even the blooming spicebush shrubs were covered in the wet snow.

Spicebush in bloom March 23, 2011

This was how they looked 5 days ago.

Spicebush with Hawthorne in bloom March 23, 2011

The hawthorne shrubs had already leafed out but won't bloom until next month.

Bloodroot March 23, 2011

The bloodroot had bloomed too already.

By the time I got back up the driveway, the snow had already melted! And when I turned on the television, I learned we had a 2.5 earthquake at 4:00 a.m. only a few miles from where I live. That's spring for you!

Spring Wildflowers and Peepers

2011-03-20T11:17:00.007-04:00

Cut-leaf Toothwort March 18, 2011

Temperatures have been steadily warm for the past week, prompting the early spring wildflowers to begin blooming.

Spring Beauty March 18, 2011

Nothing sounds more like spring than the calls of the spring peepers. That evening, I taped the sound of the spring peepers. They have lots of water in the valley to use for their mating routines. I taped them right after sunset the other night. Check out the video below.

Happy first day of spring everyone!

Coltsfoot and Mystery Leaves

2011-03-05T11:37:00.007-05:00

Coltsfoot March 4, 2011

Yesterday, I spotted many coltsfoot flowers. These come up in early March or sometimes in late February, several weeks before most forest wildflowers. The flowers fade and die long before the leaves appear in late summer. For a long time, I didn't make the connection. So, if you haven't done so, here a picture from late summer:

Coltsfoot leaves in July

The leaves line our driveway and old logging roads. Although colstfoot is not native, having been brought here by the colonists to use in cough medicine, I find them to be lovely and not very invasive.

On a walk yesterday, I spotted another eastern hemlock tree on our property. That makes three that I know of although there could be others. Across the eastern part of the United States, these trees are slowly being killed by woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). None of our trees show evidence of this bug which eats the sap leaving eggs which look like fungus on the underside of the leaves. I don't know if it is because our trees are immature (about 30 ft. tall) or because all three trees are so isolated from other hemlocks.

Mystery Leaves March 4, 2011

Can you help me identify these leaves? On the same walk yesterday, I found these leaves that looked like they had sprouted in the past week. I see them every year. They seem to have no flowers or maybe they are just the opposite of coltsfoot--with leaves first and then the flowers much later. I looked up all the possible flowers in the lily family since these leaves have parallel veins (notice how prominent they are). But, I couldn't find anything that came close.

I thought I would ask since I had good luck on the mystery pupae on my last post--Marvin said it was probably the pupae of a Cecropia Moth. I agree after looking at the images he linked. Maybe I will see the beautiful moth emerging one day.

First Butterfly of the Year and Artist Inspiration

2011-03-01T10:59:00.005-05:00

Comma Anglewing Polygonia comma
Virginia Tech Campus February 26, 2011

I saw my first butterfly this year while working on a volunteer project for my local Virginia Master Naturalist chapter. We were just about to get started measuring trees in a forest tract next to the Virginia Tech stadium. The butterfly caught our attention while warming up in the sun (approximately 50 degrees).

The comma, like all anglewings, overwinter as adults in cracks of trees. Anglewings are true woodland butterflies and are commonly seen feeding on salts in dirt roads in the forest. I see them all summer in my driveway and marvel at how they come out on warm days. But, I think this is the earliest I have seen one, attesting to this winter's warmth.

References: Butterflies of North America by John Feltwell and another book with same title by Jeffrey Glassberg.

Painting from Norbert Hauput's blog inspired by my photo

One of my photos I published last spring inspired an artist to do a painting. I thought at the time it would make a good watercolor painting but I never did it. So, I am glad Norbert did one--it's beautiful.

One of the reasons I write this blog is to inspire people about the Appalachian mountains. Perhaps, it will motivate people from far away (like Norbert from California!) to be concerned about the destruction of the mountains through mountaintop coal mining. In the meantime, I will keep documenting the beauty of our part of the Appalachians.

Original Photo from my post "Fall Color Fading Fast" published last October.

Crocus Bees, Bats and Insect Mysteries

2011-02-24T16:03:00.013-05:00

Honey Bee in Snow Crocus February 23, 2011

It is a chilly and rainy day in the Appalachians with temperatures in the 40s. Still, it has been unseasonably warm and dry. The rain is welcome as the fire danger has been very high with over 4000 wild fires reported in Virginia.

The honey bees have been foraging pollen in the past week. They get a little pollen from the few crocuses I have been blooming. From what I learned from local beekeepers, they are also foraging on willow and alder which generally grows near waterways--over a mile away.

Honey Bee on Yellow Crocus February 23, 2011

This yellow crocus bloomed yesterday while the snow crocuses pictured at the top have been blooming for a week. Now that I know bees like crocuses, I will buy a bunch next fall. I don't want them to have to fly a mile away to the willows if they can forage right near their hive.

Hive Inspection--journal entry
February 17, 2011

I inspected the beehive last Thursday (I noticed my journal date was wrong!)--first time since last fall. My main task was to see if they had enough winter stores of honey. They appeared to have plenty--many frames still uneaten. There was some pollen stores but since I have been seeing them bring in pollen, that might be alright. I did a varroa mite check--leaving the mite board in for a week and only saw a couple of mites so that's good. I did not see any signs of other problems like nosema. It's hard to estimate the number of bees but it's over 10,000. That should be alright if the queen has been laying eggs.

I did find the queen in the second box because she is still marked from my mentor last summer. She might have been laying eggs but I wasn't about to brush away bees to see. I carefully put that frame back into the box. I just lifted the bottom box (light probably no honey but with lots of bees) and put the whole hive back together.

Back at the house, I wrote notes in my journal right away. The journal page you see above is very different from what some beekeepers do. It is not super detailed but it has enough information for me. I also am very visual so drawing the hive components lets me put notes right where I found something to note. Doing my notes afterwards allows for a quick inspection, probably no more than 20 minutes.

Dutch iris bloomed yesterday for the first time. These little bulbs only last a few days but are appreciated because they bloom so early when a week of warm weather comes around.

Bat Mystery

As I was walking in the woods, I saw a bat fly very low from the direction of our house into the woods. This is way too early for bats to come out of hibernation. I have learned that the fungus (another nosema) that is killing the bats in the east makes them come early out of hibernation and the bats perish from starvation. I hope that bat I saw doesn't die.

Insect Mystery

What is this growth on this small American Beech tree?

It's about 5 inches long and papery with something inside. I think it is some type of pupae that is overwintering. Does anyone have any ideas?

My cat, Sophie, loves to walk in the woods with me where she can climb up as high as she can get.

With days like these, spring cannot be far behind!

Downy and Amaryllis

2011-02-15T10:53:00.006-05:00

Downy Woodpecker February 13, 2011

This little downy came for some peanut butter I had put in this hanging planter. I can't wait for it to be warm enough to put some flowering plants in it. I looked this morning and all the peanut butter was gone so I replaced with sunflower seeds.

A friend gave us this giant amaryllis a few years ago. It has bloomed nicely ever since. It's especially welcome this time of the year when nothing is blooming outside. I have learned to let it bloom, die back, lay dormant for awhile in the basement. When it shows signs of growth, I bring it back up into the house and water it.

This close up is against my favorite painting done by Pat McKelvey who lived in this area years ago.

Video for dAwN

2011-02-06T17:48:00.001-05:00

As suggested by dAwN, I took a video outside today. The video starts with a view from the front porch, then the beehive, Kookie digging, and finally a white-throated sparrow. Excuse the shakiness on the sparrow. I should have used a tri-pod when using the telephoto.

Early Spring?

2011-02-04T17:04:00.013-05:00

Cardinal and Purple Finches

I know most of the country is experiencing some crazy winter weather. Snow in Dallas!! And, my relatives near St. Louis were snowed in a couple of days ago with Interstate 70 closed across Missouri. Unthinkable.

The winter has been fairly mild in our hollow. Last Saturday, the temperature rose to 65 degrees. My bees were flying further from the hive then I observed when the temperature was in the 40s. I found some on the compost pile. So, I sliced up a good orange and put it there just to see if they would eat it.

Honey Bee January 30, 2010

Within a few minutes, one bee landed on the cut orange slice and slurped up the juice like this was normal. That bee no doubt went back to the hive and communicated to the other bees via the waggle dance where the oranges were located (a short video explaining waggle dance is here).

Evidently, the bee was successful in recruiting foragers. Within an hour, several bees were on the oranges.

After that experiment, I went on a walk through our woods.

Pileated Woodpecker January 30, 2011

This pileated woodpecker landed on a tree nearby and made an alarm call. I didn't think he had seen me but then a few minutes later when I walked about 50 feet away, he did the same thing. He landed on a tree right in front of me, sounding more calls and then flew away quickly before I could take a photo. So, I guess he was telling me that these woods were his.

A winter walk in the woods is mostly brown so any green provides a strong contrast, such as this moss-covered log . . .

Christmas Fern January 27, 2011

. . . or a Christmas Fern which stays green all winter.

Golden Ragwort February 2, 2011

What most caught my eye the other day was the emerging leaves of the Golden Ragwort. This plant doesn't bloom until late spring but puts up leaves anytime it gets warm in late winter.

Maybe spring is just around the corner just like the groundhog predicted!

The Birds, Bees and Honey

2011-01-15T11:35:00.009-05:00

Tufted Titmouse and Junco January 11, 2011

Snow has covered the ground for the past three weeks. But we have been lucky that the severe storms have missed us, going east, south and west. I guess that makes up for the past winter when our area was targeted with heavy snows.

The birds have flocked to the feeders so we have already bought 100 lbs. of black oil sunflower seeds this month. But, the sight of hundreds of birds at the feeders makes it worth it.

Bee Hive January 14, 2011
(yes it's sloping, I keep propping it up until spring when I can try to reset the concrete blocks)

So far so good with my bees this year. On Dec. 31, we had a warm 50 degree day. I noticed hundreds of bees swarming around the hive at 1:00. At first, I thought other bees were robbing the hive since I thought I saw bees kill other bees. Later, I went outside and only a few bees were outside. I noticed that each one was dealing with a dead bee. I watched one push a dead bee to the edge of the bottom board, then fly a little ways and drop to the ground with it. The bee then returned to the hive. There was a big pile of dead bees right where the bee dropped that dead one. The bees were cleaning out the hive of dead bees! The next morning, I noticed all the dead bees were gone, probably a yummy treat for the birds. That might have been the first warm day since the bees went into their winter cluster.

I also noticed a few bees out when the temperature reached 40 degrees yesterday. They didn't go far and appeared to be eating the melting snow. I hope they made their way back to the hive in the chilly weather.

Costa Rican Honey

I bought some honey at a roadside fruit stand while we were in Costa Rica. It was a good thing it had bees on the label because the vendors could not speak English and my Spanish is poor. By the time we got back to the hotel, the bottle was leaking. So, I bought packing tape and sealed the bottle cap up good and put it in several ziplock bags. I hoped that the TSA wouldn't find it because it looked very suspicious (and I read an article once about a man getting detained for trying to bring back jars of honey on a plane flight).

The bottle made it back in my checked luggage . I was delighted that the honey was quite good. It reminded me a little of orange blossom honey but a little richer with tropical flavors. I am becoming knowledgeable of the different flavors of honey. Right now, I have several varieties of honey on my shelf--locust (my very own), sourwood (from my mentor), orange blossom (from the farmer's market), and now my Costa Rican honey.

I put my bottle of honey next to my little bonzai. It reminded me that last summer, the bees would sit under the bonzai, sipping the water from the damp soil. I know I took a photo but lost it when my desktop computer crashed last year.

I am already thinking about spring!

Tweeters Needed!

2011-01-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

I'm writing a short script about use of Twitter for nature discovery, interaction with other birders, etc. Right now, I'm writing a story based on true events---actual tweets. But, I needed some input from fellow tweeters. What are your thoughts about Twitter?

Do you find Twitter helps you learn more about nature ?

Have you ever had the feeling that Twitter keeps you away from nature?

Do you have specific instances of how Twitter affected you nature-wise?

Any other thoughts?

I have been on Twitter for over a year on a very erratic basis. When I get on there, I follow a lot of links, end up spending a lot of time, and not sure what I have learned. Has anyone else has that experience. Please comment below or through my email: joanK48@gmail.com.

Costa Rica Trip: Beach and Volcano

2011-01-01T16:00:00.031-05:00

We spent Christmas week in Costa Rica. We had made a similar trip in 1994, renting a 4WD and driving from the capital, San Jose, to the beach and then to Arenal Volcano. I was struck by how much has changed since then. On the plus side, the roads were much better with a toll highway to the beach that cut the driving time by at least an hour. On the negative side, the population of Costa Rica has doubled since 1994 and with it, more crowding and crime has ensued. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the week away from the cold weather in Virginia.

Montery del Mar at Esterillos Este Beach

I booked an oceanfront view bungalow at the Montery del Mar boutique hotel pictured here behind the palm trees.

The beach is delightfully devoid of people.

The first night was a Saturday so there were many San Jose families such as this mother and father and two children along the beach . . .

. . . or a couple on a romantic horseback ride along the beach at sunset.

Caraca National Park

From the hotel, it was a 30 minute drive to Caraca National Park where we saw and heard two pairs of Scarlet Macaws as we hiked the short trails. Costa Rica has a successful captive breeding and release project which have increased their numbers.

We saw this iguana near the ranger station there.

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Observatory Lodge was our next destination where we could see the volcano from our room. The last 9 kilometers of the drive is still on a pot-holed dirt road but we did not have to forge two creeks this time because sturdy bridges were built over the creeks.

Arenal Volcano has not erupted since last spring. That's a big contrast from 1994 when it would erupt every 90 minutes. There were major eruptions in 1998, 2000, and 2008 so it's not unthinkable that the volcano could become active again.

This view from one of the observatories toward the dining room and Arenal Lake to the west reminded me that the lodge has changed a great deal since our stay in 1994. At that time, it was still used by the Smithsonian where they had set up a seismograph and computer in the dining room. It was great to watch the needle spike when there was an eruption. Now, the computer and seismograph are in the museum on the resort property. And, instead of a nice room with a volcano view, we slept in bunk beds back in 1994 where the roar of the eruptions woke us up at night.

Back in 1994, I would go to the dining room and get tea and toast (which was the free breakfast back then) and go out to the deck to listen to the howler monkeys in the rainforest. No one else was there. Today, the lodge features a delicious, elaborate breakfast buffet with loads of people so I didn't hear any howlers in the morning. But, the monkeys are still there, a little further from the landscaped grounds of the hotel.

The staff put out fruit at feeders which attracted many birds including the large Montezuma Orpendola . . .

. , . and the tanagers (Scarlet-Rumped or Passerine on left) with the Great Kiskadee (large yellow breasted bird) on the right.

Some of the fruit would fall to the ground where this long-nosed coatimundi would grab it. A close relative of the raccoon, this coatimundi had become a resident of the resort, sometimes sitting up and begging. Cute but we were warned not to get too close because he might bite if he doesn't get what he wants.

Shortly after breakfast, the staff used gasoline-powered weedeaters and leaf blowers. This noise would go on for hours. Back in 1994, a few men would use machetes to cut the grass and weeds. I think they could go back to using machetes if they cut down on the amount of grass around the buildings and using landscape fabric and mulch to keep down the weeds. This would be in keeping with the lodge's efforts to be eco-friendly. I do applaud their efforts to recycle and protect the rainforests close to the volcano but the hotel guests might be just as happy with less landscaping and more wild rain forests as they had back 1994.

Several ceramics depicting the surrounding wildlife adorned the building exteriors. I loved the detail on this one. This is a big improvement over 1994 where I remember a shelf right outside the dining room with jars of snakes in formaldehyde, letting you know that there were plenty of poisonous snakes about.

We did not see any snakes on our hikes around the 800-acre property which has functioned as a dairy and cattle ranch and pine/Eucalyptus tree plantation since the 1950s.

We did see these toucans on the hike . .

. . . and this waterfall where I posed for a photo. Due to the recent heavy rains, the waterfall was bigger than in 1994 when we did see a snake on this trail. I remembered to look before I grabbed a tree limb in case the deadly eyelash viper was lurking there.

Arenal Volcano National Park

We hiked in a drizzling rain in Arenal Volcano National Park where this huge buttressed tree was the high point. I joked that the only reason why I photograph my husband is to use him for scale in a photo!

Butterfly Conservatory

Close to Arenal Lake is the Butterfly Conservatory where you can see great butterflies and other reptiles in greenhouses.

I loved these transparent butterflies--no butterflies like this in Virginia.

This large frog was somewhat camouflaged against the leaf.

Poas Lodge and Volcano

We looked forward to seeing Poas Volcano, close to San Jose, on our last days of our trip because it is still active. But again, we could not see anything in the rain, only smell the suphuric fumes from some of the mudpots and eruptions from the craters.

We did get a good view of the central highlands west of San Jose from Poas Lodge where we stayed. This quaint bed and breakfast was a good deal with reasonably-priced rooms and food.

We flew back on Christmas night and drove back from Charlotte, North Carolina in a snow and ice storm to get back to southwest Virginia. It's great to get back home but I already miss the warm weather of Costa Rica.

Snow and Cold

2010-12-11T15:21:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday, the first snow covered the hollow on the same day as last year--December 5. But, it was not quite as much so I hope we will not have to endure the same record snowfalls.

Unlike last year, the weather turned very cold after the snow so the birds flocked to the feeders. Here's a fluffed-up Carolina Wren waiting her turn in the burning bush. The red berries are a favorite of the juncos and white-throated sparrows.

The male and female Purple Finches also wait to get their chance to munch the sunflower seeds.

While winter isn't my favorite time of year, it doesn't seem to faze my dog, Kookie. She might not stay outside long but she still manages to dig. I don't see how she smells anything in the snow.

I'm thankful....

2010-11-24T16:42:00.015-05:00

Thanksgiving traditionally has been a time for football and eating the traditional meal. I wanted to think a little about what I'm thankful for this year.

I'm thankful I live where the cows and horses outnumber the people...

...and thankful for nature because it enriches my life.

Thanks to the uncommon nature finds like this Common Grackle which appeared below the feeders last week or the Golden Crowned Kinglet (a lifer if I kept a life list) I saw on a walk down the driveway today.

Thanks for my family (especially my husband) and my friends and for my health which has held up this year.

I'm also thankful I can share my love of nature with fellow naturalists in the New River Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists and the New River Bird Club.

I'm grateful for my bees who inspire me and my beekeeper mentor who has helped me get through a second year of beekeeping.

Finally, I'm thankful to other bloggers for being a great community. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Witch-Hazel and Honey Bees

2010-11-13T10:53:00.011-05:00

I awoke to the sounds of gunshots because today is the first day of deer firearms season which lasts for two weeks (except Sunday--hurray for the religious). I am afraid to go out in the woods to take photos even with wearing a blaze orange vest and hat. Forget about taking the dog out for a walk as Kookie only has the blaze orange collar. She looks just like a deer running in the woods.

So instead of walking, I am sitting here at the computer doing this post on a gorgeous sunny warm day.

Yesterday, I noticed my honey bees were out and about bringing in water and pollen. That's not surprising since the weather has been nice and warm (70 degrees most of the week). But where were they getting the pollen? The goldenrod and wingstem are long past flowering--the same for the asters.

I did notice this solitary dandelion blooming but that was probably not the source.

Then, I spotted the witch-hazel tree that was in full bloom. Sure enough, there were honey bees all over it. The witch-hazel is special that way--always blooming in November, a welcome respite from all the brown.

This close up of the flowers was posted on my blog a couple of years ago with the following text:

The Witch-hazel is an understory tree that is fairly common in our woods and a favorite of the Wood Thrush bird for their nests. The leaves are aromatic and can be used to make astringent lotions. Some old timers use the forked branch of the Witch-hazel branch to detect underground water.

This was an earlier photo of the beehive about a week before. The entrance reducer is pushed out so that the bees were able to come and go as they please. I swear I saw them pushing the entrance reducer out themselves! Anyway, the reducer is used to keep predators out but especially mice which will come in and build a nest making a mess. I made my own from 1 x 1 trim. I put 4 holes in it since I knew they wanted more than the typical small hole.

Thoughts on Hive Winter Preparation

This year I left a lot more honey on the hive, (2-1/2 medium boxes). It seemed I had twice the number of bees going into the winter as last year so it made sense to me. The bottom one had brood and lots of pollen storage. I figure the winter cluster can gradually move up the hive through the honey which also should help insulate against the cold.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't lose the bees this winter like I did last year. But one thing I noticed about these bees is that they seem a lot healthier than last year's bees. I kept doing varroa mite checks all summer and did not see any until the very last time when I counted about 5 (used powdered sugar treatment to check). Last year, I counted over a hundred on last check. Nevertheless, I plan on leaving the mite board out of the screened bottom board to allow any mites to fall off to the ground and to allow plenty of ventilation. Last year, I got so concerned about the cold that I left the board in. Maybe the mites got to them or the lack of ventilation made them susceptible to nosema (a fungal infection).

Fall Color Fading Fast

2010-11-05T16:57:00.008-04:00

Red Maple with Yellow Poplars Oct. 28, 2010

The weather has turned chilly enough that we fired up our woodstove. Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees although a few red maples still retain their color.

Red Maple with Christmas Ferns

The Red Maple and Christmas Ferns remind me that the holiday season isn't far away.
The ferns will stay green until next spring when fiddleheads form with the old growth finally turning brown during the summer.

My dog, Kookie, loves it when I go on these walks. She's usually hunting for chipmunks or anything else she can dig up.

Back at the house, she is content to go through her toy box. Unfortunately, she never puts the toys back!

Well, I better put another log on the fire.

Fall Progression and Last of the Butterflies

2010-10-19T09:19:00.010-04:00

Sassafras leaves September 16, 2010

Leaves of the dogwood, sassafras and sourwood trees turn red and orange in mid-September. These are followed in early October by the poplars

Yellow Poplar (left) and Hickory (middle). October 11, 2010

The poplar and hickory trees are brilliant yellow for a day or two in early October. The poplars drop their leaves quickly, filling the ground with bright yellow leaves. The Hickories, on the other hand, stay on the tree and turn brown.

Sugar Maple October 17, 2010

With the leaves off the tall poplars, the sugar maple can show off its glorious orange colors.

The color seems brighter this year, maybe because we had some cold nights in early October.

Buckeye October 17, 2010

I still see buckeyes in our fields, flying a little faster when it's cooler.

Comma Anglewing September 21, 2010

The anglewings along with mourning cloaks overwinter as adults so they are often the first butterflies I see in March. The anglewing are abundant, although usually solitary, in our driveway in September and October.

New Banner and Hokie High

2010-10-10T15:19:00.007-04:00

I made a new banner for header of my blog--it's a photo taken at the top of the road we live on down the valley to Walker Mountain. The photo reflects the countryside, pasture land surrounded by forests and mountains.

This was another banner photo I considered--a view of New River.

Hokie High!

Most people know I am a big Virginia Tech football fan. My husband is also a big time Best Buy customer. So, it was a nice surprise when the store manager called to say he had won a raffle for two tickets to the game and tailgate Saturday. My husband could not go but I went anyway. The seats were great but more exciting was that my name was drawn in a raffle done at the tailgate to be on the sideline. I would be there with the Best Buy store manager, the ISP guy who arranged it and another Best Buy customer.

It was so exciting to be near the action. The guy from ISP said we should be alert in case the play went close to where we were standing. Sure enough, I saw quarterback Tyrod Taylor head our way as he was being chased out of bounds. I backed up quickly and had to step aside against the wall to keep from getting hit.

The television camera covered Tyrod coming back onto the field, tossing the football to the official, with me right behind him. (my photo of ESPNU broadcast). Here I am in my tie-dye shirt. I replayed the game broadcast today, savoring in the moment!

Migrating Birds: Black Throated Green Warbler

2010-10-06T09:04:00.005-04:00

For a couple weeks, we have had large flocks of black birds migrating through. The other day a flock of grackles were in the yard, sounding like a flock of chickens. It's bird migration time. The following photos were taken on September 26.

This Black-Throated Green Warbler was on our mimosa tree. He flew around so fast, it was hard to get the photo with my point-and-shoot camera.

Here's another shot of him from below.

Now, I'm waiting to see my first white-throated sparrow and dark-eyed junco.

Black Swallowtail Butterflies

2010-09-27T08:16:00.014-04:00

Butterflies have been flying everywhere this summer. In the last two weeks, I have seen them on the butterfly bush--counting a dozen or more every day.

Here a fritillary and Pipevine Swallowtail are on the butterfly bush. The pipevine is interesting because at one angle you see a flash a blue that isn't shown in the field guide.

At this angle you can't see the flash of blue.

Here, you see the blue!

And here I captured a blurry flash of the blue as the butterfly flew right in front of me. Now someone should tell me what a pipevine is since it's not in my wildflower field guide.

Besides the butterfly bush, spicebush swallowtail butterflies were on the zinnias which make a good nectar flower for bees and butterflies. The blue here seems to be not affected by the angle.

I've read many comments that there are more butterflies this summer in this area. I think it might be that there seemed to be more flowers all summer but I am not sure since I planted more flowers this year.

Screech Owl of Late Summer

2010-09-13T10:27:00.006-04:00

I finally figured out to edit the video from my camera. I taped the sounds of a screech owl the other night and wanted to share with you. I hope you can hear the owl over the cicadas.

Foggy Bottoms and Sunny Pastures: Buckeyes and Mist Flowers

2010-08-26T16:32:00.016-04:00

This morning I walked down our 1/3 mile driveway to get the newspaper. I was in such a funk I didn't even notice that it was foggy until I got down to the bottom.

After the fog burned off, I decided I should take our UTV up on the back part of our land to plant peach and plum pits. I hadn't been up there for over a month.

I was delighted to find mist flowers growing on the very back---up on the side of the mountain. These flowers are often found at the local nurseries but are native to this area.

This soldier beetle seemed to be the only insect on the flowers.

Lots of knapweed (maybe Brown?) grew in the back grown up pasture attracting honey bees like this one. I had been wondering where my bees have been foraging lately. They go out early coming back to the hive with loads of yellow and white pollen. The knapweed was full of them.

I also saw several Buckeye butterflies on the knapweeds and grasses here. Everytime I see a buckeye, I am reminded of the time when I did a lot of embroidery when I lived in Logan, Utah in the 1970s. I had such a good reputation for doing jean embroidery that a friend asked me to embroider his wedding shirt (cowboy shirt of course). I ended up embroidering a giant buckeye butterfly on the back which he loved. I thought I had a picture of it but alas no.

This Buckeye was rather worn for wear. Neither of the photos turned out great (like Nina's)but I wanted to post this close-up so that I can remember the patterns. Maybe I will try another embroidery like that someday.

I planted the peach and plum pits in this pasture so I'm hoping someday to pick fruit up here.

There's nothing like getting outside and enjoying nature to lift your mood!

California Trip: Coast

2010-08-17T12:50:00.014-04:00

The last half of our California trip was spent along the coast where we made a visit to The Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's my favorite aquarium since we first visited it in the 90s.

I was mesmerized by the jellyfish . . .

. . . and the baby sea turtles.

We then drove south on Highway 1 beyond Big Sur . . .

to a beach where Elephant Seals use---during their molting period. This photo was taken from about 100 feet away. The seals have this great beach to themselves because it's fenced to keep out tourists.

An older seal cools off in the water. He has the large "trunk-like" nose giving the seals their name.

These two young seals didn't get the memo about lying on the beach!

I was surprised at how undeveloped most of the coast was--thankfully the state has set aside much of the coastline for public access.

On our way back to San Francisco for the return flight, we stopped by Big Basin State Park at Boulder Creek. The giant majestic redwoods remind me of what our Appalachian forests might have looked like centuries ago. Back then, American chestnut and oak trees reached these heights (200-300 ft).

No matter how good the trip, I am always happy to get back home.

California Trip: Yosemite Meadows and Waterfalls

2010-08-04T17:07:00.026-04:00

We spent the last week in July in California, first to camp in Yosemite National Park and then touring along the California coast below San Francisco.

We bought a new tent (Big Agnes) last year and wanted to try it out. It has two doors so I do not have to climb over Steve to get up for my nightly bathroom break. I think we were the oldest couple in Bridal Veil Creek campground to sleep in a tent. I'm proud that we are still tent camping in our 60s.

Bridal Veil Creek campground is aptly named--the creek runs right through including behind our secluded campsite, providing a nice meadow but also mosquitoes. My long sleeve shirt with insect shield seemed to work good.

Shooting Stars bloomed along the creek.

After camp was set up, we hiked on a trail that started in the campground and went up to a meadow.

Along the way, we saw dark-eyed juncos (different from ours with the rusty color on the back) . .

...and the Sego Lily with its large blooms.

We hiked about one mile to Westfall Meadow which we had to ourselves.

I wish I could grow a garden that is this pretty.

The next morning, we hiked to Sentinel Dome seen here from the trail. On the way up, we saw a brown bear with 2 cubs. I kept my distance!

Here we are on Sentinel Dome where we saw all of Yosemite Valley.

Look who popped up in my field of view...

A momma ground squirrel looking for a handout.

On one side of Sentinel, you can see Yosemite Falls.

On the other side is the famous Half Dome.

On the way to Yosemite Valley, we stopped by another meadow along the road where I couldn't resist taking this photo of a lady in a white dress taking a photo.

Yosemite Valley was crowded but we wanted to take a short hike up to Bridal Veil Falls.

It was so hot this family cooled off in Bridal Veil Creek on the way up to see the falls.

This was as close as I got to Bridal Veil Falls which really did remind me of a bridal veil.

That evening we watched the sunset at nearby Glacier Point.

There's something about Half Dome that you want to keep looking at it.

In the east, the moon was rising.

We camped two nights at Bridal Veil campground then headed for the coast...

Bald Knob Hike at Mountain Lake

2010-07-18T17:02:00.015-04:00

On Thursday, I led a hike to Bald Knob for the Elderhostel being held that week at Mountain Lake Hotel.

On the way up to the look out, I pointed out a dark-eyed junco nest which was just on the side of the road (but flagged by researchers). Juncos have left my yard (2000 ft. elevation) in April to nest up north but are resident year round at Mountain Lake because it is 4000 feet in elevation.

The trail really was a road so the flowers were mostly typical of field or road sides such as this milkweed with a black swallowtail butterfly. My milkweed at home had already finished blooming.

The theme of the elderhostel was on stories so I talked about the uses of coltsfoot, plant, and witch hazel tree which were growing along the road.

This Rosebay Rhododendrun blooms later than the more common Catawba Rhododendrun.

About 24 hiked the one-mile but steep trail/road up to the lookout.

The look out is 4363 feet in elevation.

These two men looked precarious on the cantilevered rock.

At the hotel, I noticed a tree swallow had built a nest on the porch outside the gift shop.

When I got too close, she got out of her nest. I left soon after so she could get back to her nest.

On the drive back, I took this panoramic view at a pull out on Mountain Lake Road (Rt. 700), looking toward where I live.

I also saw my first Monarch Butterfly there---what a good day it was.

Note about Mountain Lake Conservancy: There are many trails on the 2600 acres that the Conservancy manages. The area borders on the Appalachian Trail. You don't have to be a hotel guest. There is a $3 parking charge for the day. They also have "Dirty Dancing" weekends regularly for hotel guests--see Mountain Lake Hotel website.

Chiluly and Pitcher Plant

2010-07-13T16:14:00.013-04:00

While visiting relatives recently in St. Louis, we toured the Missouri Botanical Garden. I hadn't been there since the early 90s and was pleased to see many improvements. The major one for me is the addition of sculptures by Dale Chihuly, a glass sculptor. I have always liked his work for how the glass catches the light and how it fits perfectly in its environment, the latter influenced by his early academic background in interior design and architecture.

Arch around Rose Garden

Floating Glass in Pond

View toward Climatron

The bright colors contrast nicely with the gray steel of the Climatron, the structure inspired by Buckminister Fuller's geodesic domes.

Inside, sculptures also constrasted with the mass of green tropical foliage.

I thought the sculptures were inspired by....

. . . the Pitcher Plant nearby. This photo won't load right--it's rotated so that the water at the bottom shows up vertically. That water is what the plant uses to drown its insect prey once they land on the slippery slope of the inside of the plant.

They also installed these dinosaur sculptures which worked well to get kids excited (I guess they don't get too excited about orchids, tropical birds, and sculptures).

The T-Rex was especially popular.

Besides the Climatron, the outdoor gardens were lovely-too much for us to see in one morning. I thought the new home demonstration garden was great. I also liked the historic house--Henry Shaw's original home in the 19th when this part of St. Louis was considered the country. Henry was a visionary--promoting botanical research in the 19th century.

Downies Feeding and Cheap Solar

2010-06-24T16:20:00.011-04:00

Downy Woodpeckers
I've been seeing lots of birds feeding their young at the birdfeeder--cardinals, downies, and red-bellied woodpeckers. This photo is of a downy father who had cracked the sunflower seed in the hole of the tree and then fed the baby. Later I saw the pair on the suet cake, the baby not feeding but waiting for the dad to give him his meal.

Solar Projects and the Gulf

With the disastrous oil gusher in the Gulf, I have been thinking a lot about the poor state of the environment. The Gulf will take decades to return but never to its former pristine state. With over 4000 oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and companies suing the government to stop the deep water drilling moratorium (which only affects 35 drilling rigs!!), I feel helpless.

However, I was browsing some blogs (mainly Green Gal--see blog roll on right) and looking at several of her listed blogs. They made me feel a little better--lots of young people are trying to lead a green life, building their own homes, gardening, cycling, and recycling. Further, there are a lot of elder folks who have lived that way since the 70s. I was privledged to meet at few at the Naturalist Rally at Mt. Rogers (see post).

This solar water heating system was made by a retired man and was demonstrated at the Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally last month. The two photovoltaic panels power the pump. The water flows through the PVC tubing against the black background, heating it quickly and then flows into the green water tank.

The elderly man said that this basic system is made of materials available at the hardware store. These solar systems were common in the 1930s before electricity was cheap and heavily promoted by industry and the government.

His wife demonstrated this solar oven, made of cardboard and aluminum foil. She and her husband travel to Africa to promote using solar ovens as a way to decrease deforestation.

I bought a sun oven a few years ago and have used it sporadically but did use it when I came home from the rally--it will bake brownies and make a good melted cheese sandwich but it's too small for much else. The highest temperature I recorded was 350 degrees.

Spurred by the oil spill, I also bought a battery-powered electric mower (Neutron). I figured I had to do something to use less oil. I ended up liking it much better than the gasoline mower--lighter and quieter. Also, there is no chance of spilling gasoline or oil which can leak into the ground.

Butterfly Plant with Butterflies

2010-06-16T20:25:00.003-04:00

Great Spangled and Spicebush Swallowtail Butterflies

Every year, I enjoy watching the butterflies on the orange butterfly plant (or weed). It's a milkweed, about 2 feet tall. I usually see my first monarch on it in June or July.

The Spicebush Butterfly was the only one while I counted as many as 10 Great Spangled Butterflies at one time on the butterfly plants.

My colony of honey bees dispatched only one bee to work the milkweed. I saw two other types of wild bees--one copper-colored and the other green.

The purple cone flower is native and another favorite of butterflies. I decided to plant it only after seeing honey bees on it at Lowe's.

I have always planted flowers but now I try to plant more native species or those that bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds like.

Note: I started this post last night while doing a presentation on nature journals and blogs at Mountain Lake Hotel last evening. On my way there, I saw a baby turkey in the road--it was able to fly to its mother a few feet away. Wished I had gotten a photo!

Woods Hole Birding and Nature Walk

2010-06-04T15:36:00.012-04:00

On May 13, I went birding with a small group of local birders at Woods Hole, a hostel/bed and breakfast for Appalachian hikers (I know I am way behind on posting!).

Woods Hole is above 3000 feet elevation so you don't see cardinals or goldfinches I was told. We did see and hear plenty of birds including wood thrushes, rose-breasted grosbeaks, red-eyed vireos and others.

Amercian Redstart female on nest

I wasn't good at identifying the birds from their songs like others were but I did spot this little tiny nest in a tree only a few feet from us. That's exciting.

Wood-Betony Pedicularis canadensis

I have seen this flower before at Mountain Lake where it's typically reddish. Of course, I couldn't remember the name at the time. I figured it was in the snapdragon family and so it was easy to look up.

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

I had been seeing this butterfly for a few days at my house before I snapped this picture at Woods Hole. It will probably be flying around all summer according to my field guide.

After we birded for awhile, we enjoyed a good breakfast (home-made biscuits and sausage with country eggs from down the road). From the front porch, I admired the great garden--this area was just one part of it. In the background is the log cabin that the owner's grandfather built for the hikers. We saw several wirey-legged hikers enjoying the owner's coffee which she roasts and grinds there.

Looking toward the front porch where I stood before, you can see the house itself which is a log cabin dating back to the 1880s. The new addition (on the right) was completed last year. It has two bedrooms with shared bath they rent out, breakfast included.

I thought the builders did a great job of integrating the old and new structures. Also, from this view, you see the stone wall and fence which keeps the deer out of the raised beds. I wish I had photographed the great rock wall behind the house. They needed it to protect the house from run-off. The water flows into a pond which is to the right of this photo. The pond, which was flooded out in March, was built again and is now surrounded by blueberry bushes. I admire (and envy) the tremendous energy and hard work of the owners of Woods Hole.

Naturalist Rally: Salamanders and Trillium

2010-05-22T13:11:00.018-04:00

Naturalist Rally at Mt. Rogers, Virginia

The Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally has been going on since the 70s and is always held at Mt. Rogers area. This was my first time to attend (May 7-8) and I was not disappointed. First, the registration only cost $5-but was worth far more. Secondly, the naturalists spanned all ages and backgrounds. Most were from Virginia but one person came as far away as Washington state.

Salamanders

Kevin Hamed, Associate Professor of Biology at Virginia Highlands Community College, gave a great presentation on southern Appalachian salamanders Friday evening. Virginia is home to 78 species of the 300 species of salamanders in U.S. The mountains, and particularly the Mt. Rogers area, contain the most diverse species. Globally, over 46% of the species of salamanders are threatened due to a variety of factors (climate change, habitat loss, diseases and pathogens, pesticides i.e. Roundup, invasive species, and over exploitation i.e. for food).

Kevin led a great field trip the next morning where we collected salamanders. What impressed me most was how excited the children were about looking under rocks and logs for salamanders. They kept yelling "I found one" and running back to Kevin to see what it was.

For the most part, we used zip lock bags to keep the salamanders for a little while so as not to hurt them with acids from human skin. After everyone got a good look, we put them back where we found them as the different species are very territorial and might eat each other.

Weller's Salamander Plethodon welleri

This salamander is beautiful--lovely gold and black--a real jewel. It was discovered by a high school student, Peter Weller, who fell to his death while collecting the salamanders in 1931 on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. It resides on Whitetop Mountain where we collected these and on Mt. Rogers. It generally lives above 5000 ft.

Northern Gray-cheeked Salamander Plethodon montanus

This salamander isn't listed in my Peterson guide (Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central N.A.) yet it was plentiful in the area where we collected. It's another salamander that only lives in the mountains (Smokies, Mt. Rogers area) at fairly high elevations. It is not threatened. The kids got a big kick out of holding it and letting it crawl on their sleeves. It appeared to have a smile on its face.

Pigmy Salamander Desmognathus wrighti

I collected this tiny young pigmy salamander under a rotting log where the larger red-backed salamander was within a few inches. Guess the red-backed doesn't eat pigmies. The pigmy does not have a aquatic stage and might be found on trees on rainy nights. It is found above 2700 feet in this area and in North Carolina.

Trillium

Everywhere we looked, we saw trillium. It was a little disconcerting that we trampled quite a few while looking for salamanders.

Red or Purple Trillium Trillium erectum

This is the first time I had seen this trillium.

The color is more of a maroon than red or purple.

Several people referred to this trillium as the "yellow" trillium but I could not find it in my field guides.

The closest to it was the painted trillium although the reddish part looks more like maroon and not quite like the painted trillium I have seen around here which is pinkish and streaked more. Any help on this ID would be helpful.

Our white-flowered trillium on our land peaks about April 24 so you can see the higher elevation is about 2 weeks behind us.

Special note: My rhododendron are past peak today (May 24) but Mt. Rogers will peak about June 7. I remember the first time I went down to Mt. Rogers to see them, I thought I was in the Garden of Eden! You can hike on the Appalachian Trail and see lovely flowers at the same time. Check out Mt. Rogers Recreational Area.

Happy Earth Day 2010

2010-04-22T09:14:00.005-04:00

Emerging Oak Leaves April 13, 2010

I was thinking back about the first Earth Day in 1970. In college, I attended many of the organizer meetings. We had "teach-ins" and lots of great activities--not too much different than today's events. Our main topics were air and water pollution, overpopulation, roadside litter, and conservation of plant and animals. The "greenhouse effect" was talked about also although the terms climate change and global warming were not used. Great progress was made during the 70s under an unlikely president--Nixon (Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, etc.). I have been involved in environmental issues since then.

Forty years later (can't believe it) and many challenges to our environment remain. However, I am hopeful that young people are enthusiastic about keeping planet Earth as a sustaining habitat for humans, plants and animals.

I got an email from Catalog Choice today. I had joined them three years ago to cut down on the number of catalogs I receive in the mail. It worked--I noticed I haven't gotten catalogs from those I entered. It works best if you have the catalog right there to give them the specifics. Check it out--it's free and easy. And, there are even coupons to download from some of the participating companies. Might save a few trees!

Bluebells and Butterflies in Paradise

2010-04-21T15:29:00.013-04:00

Years ago, our retired farmer neighbor moved to Florida to be closer to his son. Every year he sends us a holiday card telling us to enjoy our paradise. He seems to miss his Virginia home so much. I am reminded that I live in paradise every spring and especially at the first sign of Virginia bluebells.

Virginia Bluebells April 14, 2010

I love the magenta of the buds with the open blue flowers and the soft green leaves--lovely color combination.

The bluebells line the left side of this spring-fed waterfall which flows into Walker Creek. I was afraid the bluebells might be affected by the historic flood we had in March. And they were in one location where gravel piled up. Worse, I noticed garlic mustard was beginning to invade so I pulled up about 50 plants today--probably only a fraction of what's there but I plan to keep working on it for one of my Earth Day resolutions.

During the past week, the butterflies have really come out, enjoying the very warm spring days. Earlier we had the mourning cloaks, anglewings, and spring azures.

Spicebush Swallowtail April 17, 2010

The Spicebush is very common because of all the spicebush shrubs we have. Not photographed but also common is the Tiger Swallowtail which feeds on the many yellow or tulip poplars here.

Falcate Orange Tip Anthocharis midea
April 17, 2010

I've also seen quite a few of these Falcate Orange Tip butterflies. The female has no orange on its its forewing while the male is unmistakable as you see the flash of orange as he flies.

I'm not sure what this butterfly is. He flies quickly so I thought it might be a skipper but the only id that comes close from my field guide is the Red Admiral which is around here. But the Cattle Heart looks even more like this photo and its range is only in Texas?? Any ideas?

I am looking forward to Earth Day--should be a lovely spring day.

Toad Love and Salamanders (Newts)

2010-04-10T17:14:00.014-04:00

Last Saturday, I attended a workshop on vernal ponds at Catawba, Virginia. After a morning lecture by Michael Hayslett, Naturalist-in-Residence at Sweet Briar College, we ventured out to Fenwick Mines, an historic and nature area in Craig County. There, we saw and heard toads mating as well as several species of salamanders including spotted, Jefferson, and marbled.

Vernal ponds are spring ponds in the woods that dry up in the summer. While we have 6 ponds on our land, 4 are used by cows and only one dries up in the summer. All are surrounded by woods. Nevertheless on Sunday, I ventured to our ponds on the back part of our land anxious to see what was happening in them. In the small pond that dries up, I saw lots of tadpoles--no salamanders or toads.

I began to hear the distinct song of toads in the direction of two ponds near our hay barn. As I ventured toward the pond of the toad songs, they stopped. Having seen them the day before, I knew exactly what was going on.

The American Toad is a frequent visitor to my gardens and only ventures to water in the spring when you can hear their distinct songs along along those of the spring peepers.

This toad was perfectly still and looked like he was irritated that I was interrupting his or her mating activity.

This toad was swimming in the direction of the other one and floated toward it. Maybe after I left, they hooked up.

After I walked about 100 feet away, I heard the toads calling again. I did not see or hear any toads in the other ponds.

Red Spotted Newt

NOTE: Clark corrected my id--it's a Red Spotted Newt, very common in this area but very hard to identify from my field guide.

One pond had newts and eggs in it (the only one). I was able to take this photograph and tried to identify the salamander with Peterson Field Guides (see note above). This pond does not evaporate in the summer although it gets downright mucky with the cows in it.

Here are salamander eggs but they didn't look like the ones I saw the day before which were round or oval shapes around the branches whereas this one was all along the submerged branch.

On Thursday--only 4 days later, I checked on the two ponds where I saw the toads and salamanders. There was no sign of either. But two Wood Ducks flew off as I approached one pond so maybe they were feasting on tadpoles. I also haven't heard any more toad songs so maybe toads only have short period of mating while the spring peepers are still going strong.

Thanks to the great workshop, I look at our cow ponds a whole different way.

Final Death Valley Post

2010-03-26T11:17:00.012-04:00

We visited Salt Creek on the way back to Furnace Creek Ranch....

Salt Creek

Salt Creek runs in the valley and is home to the threatened and endangered pupfish. The fish must hurry to mate and raise their young before the creek drys up.

The boardwalk protects the habitat and is great for those with wheelchairs.

The male pup fish is beautifully colored with yellow and blue while in Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge, the males were all blue. The male is aggressively defending his nesting territory against other males while he waits for a female.

The pupfish are only about 1-1/2 inch long. My husband bought me a t-shirt with all the species on it and where they were located because I liked them so much.

Furnace Creek Inn

On our last day, I treated my husband to breakfast at Furnace Creek Inn--the upscale resort.

The view from the lobby is quite nice.

Golden Canyon

On our way out of the park, we hiked Golden Canyon.

I recommend hiking this canyon late on a sunny day at sunset when the rocks would actually appear more golden than in the morning. We climbed up a rock face where I took this panoramic photo so we didn't have to hike the whole way.

Natural Bridge

As we hiked the short way to Natural Bridge, I turned around and took this photo of the wet valley floor and the western mountains.

You can tell how large the bridge is by the hikers in the background.

Ashford Mill Ruins

We drove south on Highway 190...

The Ashford Mill Ruins looked great against the blue sky ...

. . . and the distant mountains covered with snow.

Once, out of the park we headed east on 178 and south towards the remote China Ranch.

China Ranch

The China Ranch is a working farm which produces dates. Signs tell you where the date palms come from (California, Iraq, etc.). I have to admit I didn't care for the dates (for some reason my stomach doesn't tolerate them) but the gift shop was great with crafts from all over the world and at good prices.

Death Valley Notes

In July 1994, we had driven though Death Valley when the temperature reached 106 degrees, forcing us to turn off the air conditioning in the car---not pleasant. I never thought it would be a good park to visit until I saw Dawn's photos on her blog from December. So, our canceled and rescheduled winter trip was changed to Death Valley. Thanks Dawn! With our snowy winter, it was a great place to vacation and we saw other Virginians there with the same idea.

Hope you enjoyed my photos. Now, it's back to spring here in Virginia where the wildflower toothwort is budding.

Note: I posted 4 times about Death Valley. If you want to start at the beginning, click here.

Death Valley Sand Dunes and more...

2010-03-23T14:25:00.015-04:00

On our second day in Death Valley, we got up early enough to visit the sand dunes which enabled me to photograph with a low morning sun angle.

Those shrubs were blooming, amazing in such a forlorn place.

The flowers attracted wild bees. When you think of Death Valley, you don't think of much living there.

As always, my husband is way ahead of me on this walk. At first, I thought I didn't want to mess up the dunes with my footsteps but only a few hours later, the prints will be gone, covered up by the wind-blown sand.

We saw the telltale tracks of a small lizard dragging his tail on the ground earlier in the morning.

We did not walk as far as the guy in the center of this photo who cast a long shadow on the dunes because our next hike was waiting...

Mosaic Canyon

Mosaic Canyon is like walking through a geology museum but better.

Here we are in a rare photo of us taken by a stranger. That's a layer of marble (metamorphic) in the bottom of the canyon. In the back, you can see the conglomerate (sedimentary) rock layer which was on top of the marble. Not shown but a layer of sandstone (sedimenary) rock was on top of that layer.

Aguereberry Point

After that short walk up the canyon, we drove towards Panamints Springs on the western border of the park and drove south on Panamints Valley Road--where there was very little traffic. We then drove back into the Park on a rough road with almost no traffic. We then turned up a very rock road up to Aguereberry Point where the temperature had dropped from the 60 to 37 degrees because of the higher elevation (6433 ft.).

This view is from the opposite side of Death Valley as Dante's View but we were there by ourselves to enjoy it because of the rough road to get up there.

Click here for my last post on Salt Creek and our final day at Death Valley.

More of Death Valley

2010-03-22T14:58:00.013-04:00

More on our trip to Death Valley first week in March....

Bad Water Basin

Bad Water Basin

Bad Water Basin is 282 feet below sea level and is typically the hottest place in the United States.

It's a short walk out there where the people look like they're walking on icy slush--actually it's a salty wet area.

Textures caused by the salt crystals vary at every location--so different from anything I have ever seen before.

Artists' Loop

Artists Palette is a great place for colors....

....like these greens (probably caused by copper in the soil) against ochre and rusts of the rocky canyon.

A begging Raven who had this stop all to himself.

It looked like it was raining in the mountains while the valley floor was wet. That was our last stop before we checked in at Furnace Creek Ranch where the warm springs pool (85 degrees) awaited me. I am glad now we only stayed there 2 nights since the room was expensive. So the cheap stays in Pahrump and Las Vegas helped to even things out.

Click here for the next post.

Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge, First Views of Death Valley

2010-03-16T12:06:00.018-04:00

We arrived in Las Vegas March 6 about 10:30 and immediately set out for Pahrump, Nevada to stay outside Death Valley. On the way, we drove through Red Rock Canyon but didn't get out to hike because it was so crowded and couldn't find a parking space (it was Saturday with a bike/run there).

Pahrump was filled with casinos, huge billboards, RV resorts, restaurants and hotels. Its main attractions were that it was close to Death Valley and cheap to stay in a Best Western (athough my husband made jokes about the "gentlemen's clubs" there).

Here's a distant view of Pahrump as we headed out of town on March 7.

On the way to Death Valley, we saw this rainbow, a treat for us since we don't see them too often in the Appalachian Mountains (they're there just can't see them). I thought it meant we would have a good trip here.

Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

Just north of Pahrump is Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge created to save the warm springs and wetlands which were being drained for irrigation. Also, it is home to the threatened pup fish (saw lots more of these in Death Valley). We were the only visitors that day so if you like solitude, this is the place. I loved the colors of the grasses along the steaming warm creek.

Where the spring flows out of the ground, the water was a beautiful blue color, reminding me of the geysers in Yellowstone.

Death Valley National Monument

Our first view of Death Valley from the entrance on Highway 190 did not disappoint. It seemed the sun shone as soon as we hit the border of the park.

We drove up to Dante's View where we could see a good portion of Death Valley. Note that the sun is shining on the valley but the surrounding mountains were cloudy (and snowing up there).

Our first little drive was up 20 Mule Team Canyon. Our rented Santa Fe car did well on the dirt roads in the park.

On the same road, I took several photos, all very different, like this one of the stark white hills against the blue sky.

We drove and then walked up to Zabriskie Point for another great view. This was about 3:00--the photo might have even been better closer to sunset when the shadows were stronger.

I haven't even gotten through the first day! Click here for the next post.

Nature's Fury: Floods, Winter Critters, and Dead Bees

2010-03-15T11:16:00.012-04:00

My husband and I went to Death Valley last week to escape the fierce winter in southwest Virginia (more on this trip in the next post). While we were gone, the weather warmed up and all the winter snow melted. Then, 3 inches of rain fell Friday night, flooding many parts of our county.

Floods

Flooded Walker Creek March 13, 2010

By 1:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, this creek was backed up from Walker Creek which was higher than I ever remember it. From here it is almost 100 feet to Walker Creek, well over the road.

I zoomed in to see the raging Walker Creek.

My neighbor's house flooded--something that hasn't happened since the mid-80s. Creeks all over the county were over their banks while a mudslide closed highway 460--a major thoroughfare.

Winter Critters

Snow covered the ground since late December. Even with the freezing weather, the creek in the valley ran, attracting wildlife during the day.

Wild Turkeys February 19, 2010

Several days, I saw a flock of wild turkeys drinking water out of the same creek that raged last Saturday. I also saw deer foraging during the day in the valley--a little unusual but the only pasture that was green was along this small creek.

Once I got out of the car to take more photos, the turkeys fled into the cedars. When we returned from our trip, I noticed the turkeys were roosting in the trees around our house, something they started no doubt while we were away.

Fox Squirrel March 1, 2010

A regular visitor to our feeder this winter was the Fox Squirrel. We usually only get gray squirrels so this large squirrel was welcome. You can tell the snow had melted by the first of March behind the squirrel---that was only on the south-facing slopes. The north sides of the mountains were deep with snow.

Here you can see the size difference between the fox and gray squirrels although I have seen gray squirrels larger than this one.

American Possum February 20, 2010

Possums came during the day and foraged what they could on the ground and in my compost pile. At night time, the raccoon would come if I didn't put the bird feeders in the shed.

A small possum came near my beehive one morning so I went and chased it with a stick. He was so frightened, he climbed high up in a small tree. That night he expired and his dead body is still in the tree, only attracting a tufted titmouse bird which plucked some fur for his nest. I am still waiting for the vultures or a red-tailed hawk to come get it. I felt bad about scaring the poor possum to death.

Dead Bees

Last Friday, I inspected my beehive and as I suspected, the bees had died. I last saw them on February 21 when a few were out on a somewhat warm, 50 degree day. Since then, the weather turned cold until March 5 when we left on a trip for the week. I called my mentor who told me he had lost almost half of his 12 hives also. What he thought happened was that there was not enough warm days for the bees to break their winter cluster and eat their stored honey so they starved. He said one dead cluster had honey within 2 inches of it. He told me it wasn't my fault.

I do think my bees starved also. He instructed me to remove the dead bees and close up the hives so flies couldn't get into it. When I did, I noticed that the bees in the top of the hive were filled with a yellow liquid--so they hadn't starved but the ones in the cluster were completely dry so they probably starved. But, I might have caused it by putting a feeder (2:1 syrup) on the top. The top medium hive had plenty of honey which I wasn't able to check because of the freezing temperatures (opening to check weight would have killed the bees). I noticed the honey bees had filled the central space of that box with the syrup. The winter cluster had moved down to between the 1st and 2nd box (3 boxes total). There, they were far from the honey stores. With the constant freezing temperatures for so long, they had no chance. I believe if they had stayed up in the top box, they would have been better insulated and close to the honey stores. My mentor says they probably would have starved anyway.

I also wonder about the 8-frame medium box--does it need to be better insulated on the outside for our winters? The weather was indeed very cold but we did not experience any bitterly cold temperatures.

I did learn a lot from keeping bees this year and had ordered another package of bees to start a second hive. So, I will use it to fill this hive. Next year, I hope there will be intermittent warm days in the winter so I can check the hive. I will resist the urge to put liquid feeder on top of the hive. I feel sad about losing my bees but don't want to give up on this hobby.

Nature can be cruel sometimes.

Birds of Sanibel: Fishing Egret

2010-02-22T09:53:00.011-05:00

Part II of Birds of Sanibel Island, Florida

On the road through the Darling Wildlife Refuge.....

...we stopped to watch this Great Egret.

He was fishing...

...and was successful!

He then flew closer to the road. I wasn't sure why but was glad so I could get a better picture.

The fish was alive and he was squeezing and banging the fish against the ground....

...again and again, he squeezed the fish.

until it was dead and then he swallowed it whole.

Ah, now he's satisfied and doesn't mind posing for me.

Right after this, we saw an alligator with some kind of prey but I couldn't get a picture of him in the murky waters...

Birds of Sanibel Island, Florida

2010-02-17T10:50:00.018-05:00

UPDATE--I corrected some of the ids from tips from "Anonymous" comments below!

Yes, I just had to escape from snowed-in Virginia for a few days to visit my sister in Ft. Myers, Florida. It was not easy--had to leave a day early to avoid a snowstorm to drive to Charlotte for the flight, then delayed on the way back by another (not complaining about that).

When my sister asked me where I wanted to go, I said to the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The refuge is an undeveloped mangrove ecosystem with lots of migratory birds this time of year.

Most of my photos were taken from about 100 feet away. The birds didn't want to be close to the road and cars--I could have used a better telephoto lens.

White Ibis

The White Ibis uses its bill to hunt--probably a lot of good worms and crayfish in these rich waters.

The most spectacular bird is the Roseate Spoonbill (in pink) here with a Reddish Egret and White Ibis. The Reddish Egret is quite rare so I am happy to see that.

Roseate Spoonbill with White Ibis

Here you can see how the Spoonbill got its name--a spoon-shaped bill useful for scooping up shrimp (with a White Ibis in the background).

The Spoonbills look great flying.

White Pelicans

These White Pelicans spend summers on lakes and marshes on the upper midwest of United States and Canada. They were safely on a sand island, far from the admiring crowds.

Double-Crested Cormorants

This bird has benefited greatly from the banning of DDT in 1972. Here the black color was a nice contrast to the more common whites and pink of the other birds. Did I mention there were a ton of birds?

Wood Stork

This bird is the only true stork in North America and is most noteworthy for its size--40" length with a 60" wingspan. His neck looks a lot like a turkey's except it's dark gray.

He forages in drying ponds or shallow areas like this one. The Wood Stork stays in the southern states in the summer time and winters in Florida.

Willets

These sandpipers are larger than the typical sandpipers but smaller than chickens. They were quite interesting to watch as they walked and foraged along in unison.

I still have lots of photos to go through, including a nice sequence of a Great Egret fishing--stay tuned.

Snowed In Again!

2010-02-05T12:31:00.010-05:00

Another snowstorm is dumping snow on us today, closing all the schools. I read in the newspaper yesterday we had already had more snow here this winter than Minneapolis or Anchorage, Alaska. And, that was before this storm!

This is what our driveway looked like on Monday so this snow is on top of that--I am not even going to venture out for awhile.

Most people buy milk and bread before a snow storm, not me though. I bought 50 lbs. of sunflower seeds and a case of suet cakes. The seed attracts a lot of birds as seen in the photo above. There's not much else out there for them to eat.

These birds are waiting their turn at the feeder--can you tell how many different kinds there are?

Another photo of a white-throated sparrow...

and a snowy cardinal...

Now, the snow's really sticking to the trees--hope the power does not go out!

More Snow and Lots of Birds

2010-01-31T15:40:00.015-05:00

UPDATE: Feb. 2--Groundhog Day. Phil saw his shadow so it's 6 more weeks of winter. Here, though he would not have seen his shadow since it's snowing again today. Does that mean that spring is close?

Yesterday, my husband measured 9 inches of snow after the night's storm. When I ventured out a few hours later, it seemed the fluffy snow had already compacted to about 7". Today, the temperature rose to 43, starting a thaw. But I managed to snap a few photos before then.

Looking down on our house, I realize how much we are in the woods.

In the opposite direction, I see one of our close neighbors (over 2 miles away) across the hollow. They live in a geodesic dome--can you see it?

These bird tracks are from this morning since it snowed another 1/2 inch last night--probably from the more than 30 juncos that flocked to our feeders today.

The Dark-Eyed Junco is eating one of the last berries from the burning bush shrub.

The Tufted Titmouse is a bird I often overlook because it is so common. This bird is great for warning about predators and for eating up the dead bees around the hive in the morning.

I am not sure of the ID here-think it's a White-Throated Sparrow but he looks a little different.

Of course, the Northern Cardinal is always here...

... along with the Red-Bellied Woodpecker.

Flooding before another Snow Storm

2010-01-29T16:01:00.005-05:00

On Sunday night, several inches of rain fell on top of the saturated ground, resulting in another flood. This view above of our valley is of an intermittent creek that flows into Big Walker Creek which rose above its banks to flood the road. Our road actually had this creek flowing over it for several days before VDOT finally fixed it. The creek will probably stay until late spring, attracting waterfowl. I have seen a Great Blue Heron and another shore bird fly off when I drove past.

I made a fire in the wood stove to warm the house in advance of another snowstorm tonight and tomorrow (7-11 inches predicted). I am glad it's snow instead of the ice that Oklahoma received. This is the third snowstorm this winter and all have happened on the weekend. We also have had two floods, one right after the Dec. 5 storm) and the one this week. It's been a wet winter this year.

The winter seems more like the ones we had when we first moved out here in the mid-1980s. We got a lot of snow back then. I remember we both drove vehicles that did not have 4WD and we couldn't make it up the driveway for weeks at a time (with a 1/3 mile driveway that was a real hassle). We soon traded those in for 4WDs.

I hope to take some photos on Sunday when the sun will be out after the snow.

Warm Up--Long Walk on Land and Bees Survived!

2010-01-15T11:07:00.010-05:00

View of Walker Mountain January 14, 2010

Yesterday, the temperature climbed to 52 degrees so I went on a long walk to the back pasture of our land. The above photo was taken from the pasture. Most of the ponds were still frozen--to my dog Kookie's dismay. The only one that was partially melted was surrounded by cows so Kookie didn't get a chance to do her winter dip.

Yellow Poplar Dried Flower

The Yellow Poplar tree has these dried sepals on them. They're large--2 to 3 inches and look beautiful against the clear blue sky yesterday.

Bee Hive January 14, 2010

Yesterday was the first time I saw my bees out since Christmas day. They cleaned out the hive--putting out a pile of dead bees.

I bought a "pollen patty" from my local bee club. I put it on on the inner cover and about a hour later, I checked to see several bees on it, eating away as well as several bees coming up through the cover hole to check me out and then went up on the patty. I think the patty is good since I didn't really see a whole lot of pollen stored on my last inspection in November.

I lifted up the top box to check its weight--still heavy with honey so they have plenty of food. I think the bee cluster is in the middle box but I won't inspect until weather warms to 60 degrees--always a possibility.

Close-up of Bee Hive January 14, 2010

Glad to see they survived that long cold spell along with me. I already sent off a seed order to Gurney's--noticed about half of it was flower seed for the bees!

Fox Sparrow and Cardinal

2010-01-12T13:42:00.003-05:00

It's cloudy today with snow flurries and the temperature reaching 31 degrees by 2:00 p.m. I'm looking forward to the warm up the next couple of days when the temperature may reach a high of 47 degrees! That will feel like spring after the long cold spell of the past week.

Northern Cardinal January 8, 2010

This female Northern Cardinal hid in the burning bush (a non-native loved by bees and the birds) while a sharp-shinned hawk was nearby. The hawk was in an oak limb above the feeder just waiting for the birds to come back. The birds in the surrounding trees and shrubs froze until the hawk flew off.

Fox Sparrow January 9, 2010

This Fox Sparrow fluffed his feathers to keep warm the other morning. I counted 6 fox sparrows below the feeder the other day, vigorously digging in the soil. These birds are easy to spot because they're larger than the white-throated sparrow, also a winter visitor. They will migrate later this spring to the boreal forests of Alaska and Canada. So, I guess they think it's summer here in Virginia.

"Joy is a Miracle...like Flowers in Winter"

2010-01-02T14:27:00.011-05:00

That phrase was on a card I received over the holidays. Today, I went outside in the bitter cold (23 degrees and windy) and took the following photo which seems to encapsulate the idea.

Heather January 2, 2010

The flowers on this heather shrub have been blooming since late November. It seems like a miracle that the flowers survived 14 inches of snow that was piled on them for a week.

Honey Bee on Heather November 29, 2009

When the temperature rises to the high 40s, the bees will come out to feed on the shrub which they have to themselves (no wild bees out in this cold). I'm assuming my heather is the Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) which grows in the Scottish Highlands. The honey the bees make from the heather nectar is prized for its dark, caramel taste according to the book Honeybee: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper by C. Marina Marchese.

White Christmas

Although a lot of snow has melted on the south side of the mountains, the north sides are still deep with snow. I don't remember snow hanging around this long. On New Year's Eve, we received another 2 inches of the pretty stuff--better than the freezing rain that was predicted to fall. Here's some photos I took of the snow and ice.

Castle Rock on New River December 22, 2009

This photo was taken on Pembroke Bridge a few miles from where I live. Just below is the canoe and boat take out area.

December 25, 2009

Freezing rain on Christmas Eve helped to make the snow melt on our front porch roof creating interesting shapes.

On Christmas Day, the snow had slid off.

Hope everyone has a great 2010!

14" of Snow!

2009-12-19T12:34:00.009-05:00

It started about 2:00 yesterday and snowed about 1 inch an hour all afternoon, evening, and night. I measured at 11:00 a.m. and it was still 14 inches even though the temperature rose above freezing. On this photo, you can see my dog, Kookie, in the middle coming back up our driveway. She loves it.

It looks like more than 14" on top the bee hive. We cleaned the front opening so that there was ventilation. The bees will cluster with the queen in the center. The worker bees take turns being on the outside (just like in March of the Penguins).

I walked down the driveway (dog in front) in the ruts Steve created with the UTV. He still got stuck in a couple of places--no way our 4WDs will make it out anytime soon. Our road isn't plowed and Interstate 81 is still closed. The governor declared most of Virginia a disaster with the National Guard helping stranded motorists on the interstates.

We had to cancel our trip to the Grand Canyon--we can't get to the Charlotte Airport. But, I guess we will have a white Christmas! And, this makes our dog very happy.

We stocked the feeders this morning with the downy woodpecker already taking big bites out of the suet cake. I noticed so many dark-eyed juncos on the ground--now I know why they are often called snowbirds.

First Snow-- Purple Finch and Red-Bellied Woodpecker

2009-12-06T13:16:00.012-05:00

Yesterday, I awoke to 3 inches of snow on the ground. Darn--I had to go to a meeting in town in the morning (where there was little snow--only slush and freezing rain). When I returned, I bundled up and went on a walk.

At noon, the snow was still coming down and sticking to the trees like cotton candy.

The field across from our land did not seem to have as much snow. Maybe the wind blew it away.

Later (while watching endless college football), I heard a bird fly into our new patio door. The Purple Finch sat on a chair for a long while, then flew up into this burning bush about 10 feet from the house. I was glad he flew off later.

This morning, a male Red-Bellied Woodpecker enjoyed a suet cake. No other bird will challenge him at the feeder.

Even though winter is not my favorite season, I don't mind that this snow is sticking around for awhile. Hope it stays until Christmas but around here, that's doubtful.

Fern Driveway, Milkweed, and Native Bees

2009-11-18T13:21:00.011-05:00

It's a rainy cool Wednesday so thought I'd post some photos from the last two weeks.

Christmas Ferns November 6, 2009

Once the leaves fall, the Christmas Fern (Polystichm acrostichoides) is more noticeable since it stays green all winter (perhaps accounting for its common name).

This slope along our driveway used to be red clay before the ferns colonized it. I try to keep it in ferns by pulling out the multi-flora rose.

Common Milkweed November 6, 2009

There seems to be more milkweed along our road this year, all the better for the monarchs. Maybe it has something to do with the state budget cuts--less mowing. I wish they wouldn't spray or mow the roadsides--maybe just cut the tree saplings every few years. The insects would appreciate that.

The pods open up in October and were still opening up this week.

Carpenter Bee November 16, 2009

The temperature was in the 70s for several days so bees were still out. The only blooms I noticed were on this heather shrub (usually blooming in late February). Sweat and carpenter bees were seen on the tiny flowers. The carpenter bee does hibernate in the winter so he or she must have been trying to warm up before crawling back into their hole (probably in our house's siding).

I won't probably be getting out too much until after Thanksgiving--it's the deer firearms season. I read this morning that a Ferrum College student was killed by a hunter only one mile from campus. I wear blaze orange anywhere outside (unless I'm in town). While most hunters are responsible, it only takes one reckless person to create a tragedy.

Wren Visit and Relentless Storm

2009-11-11T19:42:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, the rains started in the afternoon. By 9:30 p.m., our power went out and it did not come back on until 11 p.m. It rained steadily all night--this morning the gauge registered 2 inches of rain. The power continued to come off and on all day and evening. Two trees fell on our driveway--luckily small enough that I could carry them to the side.

We are not even on the map for this storm. It's mostly east in Virginia Beach and Richmond which will get as much as 12 inches of rain. The remnants of Hurricane Ida combined with another storm from the west to create a churning storm that is supposed to last until Saturday. This is not good.

Carolina Wren November 1, 2009

Yet, the birds still manage to get to the bird feeders. And The Carolina Wrens visit me on the front porch, fussing at me through the window while I type on my computer. She does this every day but I am not sure what she is trying tell me.

Carolina Wren October 27 , 2009

A pair sleep at night in the clay birdhouse on the south side of the front porch while another pair stay a tolerable distance away on the north side in an A-frame birdhouse. During the summer, they usually raise their young in the houses.

I will especially enjoy the company of the wrens during this storm.

Peggy O's Memorial Bench

2009-11-10T12:06:00.008-05:00

Last summer, a noted naturalist and birder, Peggy Spiegel Opengari, passed away. In her honor, the New River Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists has installed a bench at Pearisburg Library. The chapter also donated money to The Nature Conservancy as Peggy requested in her will.

Peggy was a well-known birder and founding organizer of the Mountain Lake Birding Festival. She was very active with the local bird club, conducting many of the field trips with her husband. She was also involved at the state level (Virginia Society of Ornithology).

Peggy Spiegel Opengari Memorial Bench

Peggy took her grandchildren often to the Pearisburg Library so it was fitting that a bench would be placed there. Debbie, fellow Virginia Master Naturalist, and I are conducting Peggy Spiegel Opengari Nature Journal Workshops for children every summer as well--also supported by the master naturalist chapter.

Close up of Plaque on Bench

I met Peggy for the first time 5 years ago when I wanted to go beyond identifying birds at the feeder. I went on the New River Bird Club's website and saw they were having a field trip at Pandapas Pond. I just showed up there and Peggy made me feel like a friend right away. I remember learning to identify the yellow-bellied sapsucker. When I arrived home later that day, I spotted the bird right away in our woods. I know I will never be the birder that Peggy was (I don't even have a life list!) but I was inspired by Peggy's enthusiasm for birdwatching.

When I installed the plaque the other day, a woman with her two children asked me what I was doing. I told her about Peggy. The woman thought it was a nice bench in a good place (right outside the entrance). She said she must have been a special lady and I said she was.

Through the bench and the nature journal workshops, I hope Peggy's legacy will live on.

Red-Tailed Hawk Sighting--Sample Post

2009-11-04T20:03:00.006-05:00

Red-Tailed Hawk October 23, 2009

I posted this photo last night as part of my presentation to the New River Bird Club. Now, the back story.....

For several days in late October, a pair of red-tailed hawks have been in our driveway (1/3 mile through a wooded hollow). That's not unusual but I never get a photo because a hawk quickly flies away. This time the hawk did not--he just flew up into a tree and so I was able to get this shot. I think the hawks were on some dead animal but I am not sure what since I didn't see it.

Notes on Posting Photos

Blogger allows quick posting of photos but the resolution is low. So, I clicked on the "Edit Html" tab to find the size: "width: 320px; height: 213px;" Then, I multiplied times 1.3 to get a 416 x 277 resolution and pasted those numbers over the original ones. Once published, a reader also can click on the photo to see the larger resolution (this one is 1687 x 1124 pixels). They have to click back to get to the post (ought to open up in a new window!).

I also feel it is important to post the date your photograph was taken. I know when I see great photos on other blogs, I want to know the story behind them--when and where found, situation, date--maybe even the weather if relevant. That to me is the essence of a nature journal or blog.

Someone came up to me last night and cautioned about indicating the location of rare flowers, butterflies and birds in case someone might be inspired to collect them. I agree. I don't think most bloggers I read post that detailed information. Nevertheless, his caution is worth noting.

Welcome New Bloggers!

I hope some of you who saw my presentation last night might be encouraged to start your own nature blogs. You can get inspired by clicking on some of the blogs in my blog roll. In a few moment's time, you can travel all over exploring nature through the eyes and voice of some very interesting people!

Nature Blogging and Twitter

2009-10-27T11:36:00.013-04:00

On November 4, I'm making a presentation to the New River Valley Bird Club about nature journals and blogs. Now, I have to think about why I do this. Here are some of my notes:

Why I Blog

I've kept a paper journal for many years but only started blogging two years ago. I'm surprised I'm still doing it but it must be good.

Advantages:

I learn something new every time I get on to check my blogroll. Example: post on sandhill cranes.
Part of Worldwide Blog Community of Nature Watchers. Each blog is unique, reflecting each person's interests--some informative, lovely, funny, etc.
Makes where I live seem special when others are interested.
Can post my photos, text, and videos (see below):
Collaboration: An artist took this photo from one of my blog posts and made a painting. She sent me a print.

Disadvantages:

time-consuming sometimes leading to lack of focus (must be disciplined to use)
interesting posts keep you online and out of nature!
weight gain!

Why I Tweet (Sometimes)

I tweeted for the first time a year ago when a fellow nature blogger and myself tweeted back and forth. I couldn't understand any good use for Twitter then. A few months ago, I gave it another try when I noticed some of my favorite bloggers were online tweeting away (Kerri and Dawn). This is what I perceive as the major advantages:

Real-time links to relevant posts, images, and other articles.
Quick IDs (versus blogs which can take several days).
Smart phones allow immediate transfer of data/text from the field.

Disadvantage:
Same as above but maybe even more!

Facebook--I don't use for nature blogging, more of a personal/family connection.

Rat Snake in my Shed and Shaggy Mane Mushroom

2009-10-26T15:05:00.008-04:00

I put up my bird feeders in my garden shed to keep the night critters away. I had to put the feeders in a container to keep a mouse out but I knew he was still in there, probably to keep out of the cold. Much to my surprise, the mouse met his demise....

Black Rat Snake October 19, 2009

This snake is fairly small, not more than a foot but he was able to swallow the mouse--look at the big hump! At first, I wasn't sure of the ID. The field guide said that Black Rat Snakes have the coloration of gray rat snakes (not usually in this area) when they are young so that explains that he is not black.

Close-up of the Black Rat Snake

Shaggy Mane Mushroom October 13, 2009

Our driveway is full of these mushrooms, usually in September but they came up in October. This one, probably several days old, shows how it got its name.

I photographed this zinnia the day before a freeze which killed all my zinnias and cosmos last week. I planted these flowers from a few seed packets and got lots of flowers, enjoyed by bees and butterflies alike. They are a cheap way to help the bees!

Bee Update: I had to start feeding the bees since there is so little forage for them and I wasn't sure of their winter stores of honey (since I swiped a little from them). I did notice them bringing in pollen--there's till some asters. I even saw some bees on my pansies and mums.

Fall Colors in Appalachia

2009-10-11T11:51:00.007-04:00

Dogwood Leaves

Having traveled to the Northeast and seen the brilliant colors of the Northeast states, it has taken me awhile to appreciate the more subtle colors of my fall woods. The dogwoods are the first to change color--maroon but like all the trees, each tree varies. Some are still green or others, like the photo above are in the process.

The Sugar and Red Maples are the main color in the woods with the tulip poplars already shedding most of their leaves.

Red Maple Leaves

Sourwood Leaves

Around our house, I enjoy the red and orange colors of the Sourwood. The trees keep the bright red for a couple of weeks. The American Goldfinches are enjoying eating the seeds.

Spice Bush Berries

These berries stay on for most of the winter while the dogwood berries are being eaten quickly--yesterday by a flock of Cedar Waxwings.

Crab Spider Kill and a Bee with Ears

2009-09-28T11:10:00.007-04:00

White-banded Crab Spider (Misumenoides formosipes)
September 23, 2009

This crab spider caught one of my honey bees last week--I came back out several times to see her in the same position, perhaps sucking fluids from the body. This spider has the ability to change colors over several days to match the flowers where its sits waiting for prey (rather than spinning a web).

Why yellow when the phlox is purple? (Note: my garden phlox blooms late because the deer eat it early in the summer) I assume the spider was trying to fool the bee thinking it's a big source of yellow pollen--as the anthers on the other blossoms have.

Crab Spider with eggs rolled in petal
September 24, 2009

The next day, I went out to see the bee gone and the crab spider had rolled two petals to protect her eggs which she deposited. She won't eat while she protect the eggs which will hatch in about 3 weeks.

Today, I went out to check and could not find the spider or her rolled nest nor any flowers on the plant. The flowers probably fell during our deluge of rain on Saturday--over 3 inches.

Honey Bee on Obedient Plant

This honey bee looks like it has ears on its head but it's the anthers of the plant. The plant evolved its design perfectly so that the bee picks up the pollen while feeding on the nectar deep inside. Then, when it goes to the next flower, it will deposit some pollen. When the pollen piles up, the bee uses its legs to put the pollen in sacs.

I am so glad I have quite a few fall flowers in the yard because there's very little in the fields now.

Native Bee on White Snakeroot Flowers

Finally, I wanted to post this photo of a copper-colored bee on White Snakeroot. It's about the length of a worker honey bee but slimmer. Does anyone know what it is?

House Hunting Wren and Migrations

2009-09-24T14:57:00.008-04:00

Every winter, Carolina Wrens sleep on my front porch. This wren seemed to be checking out the clay birdhouse. Not sure she will like it since bumble bees nested there this summer although they are gone now. The last few nights have been very warm so maybe the wrens don't need the cozy shelter.

Migrations

Birds are migrating through here. The American Redstart has been seen in our little pond/waterfall this week. I have seen this bird before but not so close to the house. Also very close was a Brown Thrasher in a thicket of blackberries and multi-flora roses.

Monarch Butterflies are flying south to Mexico, passing through Virginia right now. It's amazing that they fly that far on such fragile wings.

I saw one earlier this week in my yard and then this one yesterday. They seem to stay for several hours feeding on the nectar and then leaving. I thought I saw one flying high in the sky, above the trees.

With the sunlight shining through, the wings look like stained glass windows.

I saw two Monarchs this morning at two different stoplights in town. Both butterflies seemed to know to fly well above the traffic. I wondered if anyone else noticed.

Good Migrations!

Bees on Wingstem, Kick the Bums Out!

2009-09-15T15:52:00.013-04:00

Honey Bee on Wingstem (Actinomeris alternifolia)

My honey bees are foraging nectar and pollen for the past several weeks on Wingstem, a native plant in the composite family. The plant is easy to identify by the stems which have "wings" actually leaves on each side of the stem (seen in the upper right of the photo).

Wingstem in Pasture

The tall (4 feet or more) plants cover most of the pastures around here. Cows don't eat the plants so I am glad the farmers don't brush-hog the plants to get rid of this important source of nectar. Both bumble and honey bees collect orange pollen from the Wingstem. Fritillary butterflies were also on the flowers. I admit I never thought these plants were pretty but now I have an appreciation for this plant now that my bees seem to love it!

When I went back to the hive, I noticed that bees were collecting several different colors of pollen-orange, light yellow, and bright yellow. Perhaps they are foraging on the goldenrod but I haven't seen it (not much goldenrod compared to wingstem here).

Lion's Foot (Prenanthes serpentaria)

This lovely native wildflower, Lion's Foot, came up around my hive this summer. I did see a honey bee on it so maybe that's where they are getting the white pollen. I was surprised this flower was in the composite family (daises, dandelions, sunflowers). The leaves do look similar to dandelion leaves though.

My Bee Hive Update

My hive inspection of September 4 showed that the bees were very strong in 2 of the medium boxes (box 2 and 3 of 4)--good brood pattern surrounded by pollen and nectar. Bees were all over the 8 frames. On the bottom of the hive, box 1was almost empty of brood--and only a little pollen and not that many bees. Box 4 on the top had more bees and 3 frames of honey.

As I have done all summer (usually 10 day intervals), I used the powdered sugar treatment for varroa mites. This time, I kept the mite check board underneath just to see what I was getting. The next day, I counted about 150 mites on the board! Also worrisome was that I counted 3 wax moth caterpillars--these guys can ruin honeycomb quickly.

Last week, I attended the meeting of the local bee club (New River Valley Beekeepers Association). There I told the group about what I found. Jerry, club president, reassured me about the mites--the powdered sugar treatment gets rid of 80% of the mites so I probably don't have too much of a mite problem.

Mark, an expert beekeeper, recommended the following:

1. Reverse boxes, putting box 1 where box 3 is to have the bees clean it out. Later, if it's empty, remove it for the winter. That will put more bees on the bottom where they can guard against the wax moths and other intruders.

2. Keep box 4 on--hopefully the bees will fill it out and keep it for their winter supply (darn--would have liked that honey!).

3. Start feeding with 1:1 syrup to prompt bees to build up the brood--should have 3 medium boxes of brood/honey/pollen for winter.

I did not have another medium box to use for the jar I put on the top for the syrup. With my husband's help, I made a box out of old shelves--it works fine on top.

During my last inspection (Sept. 11), I noticed there were no wax moths so I was relieved. I reversed the boxes as recommended and noticed more bees at the entrance already. I again did the powdered sugar treatment. I checked for mites on Saturday--only a couple found on the mite check board!

Throw the Bums Out!

One beekeeper mentioned that the workers (female) were throwing the drones (male) out of the hive. The drones don't do any work except mate with virgin queens. Their job done for the season, the workers will discard them so they don't have to waste resources this winter.

This worker appeared to be biting the large drone. When the drones try to return, the workers will not allow them in, repeating the harassment.

This worker rode on the back of the drone, both falling right out of the hive. The worker returned while the drone flew away.

These workers don't show any mercy. When I have accidentally squashed a bee during inspection, bees come over to get any pollen or nectar. So, I should not be surprised at this behavior--everything is for the hive, no slackers allowed!

It's Caterpillar Time

2009-09-06T13:31:00.011-04:00

September is a good month for spotting caterpillars. Many overwinter as pupae so they are eating up everything in sight. I use Caterpillars of Eastern Forests published by the U.S. Printing Office as my guide along with Peterson First Guide to Caterpillars.

Spotted Apatelodes Caterpillar (Apatelodes torrefacta)

This caterpillar was on our rusted gate--about 2 inches in length.

Hickory Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Lophocampa caryae)

Right above the gate, I saw this tussock moth caterpillar which prefers hickories and walnut trees, all of which were in abundance here.

Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar (Ecpantheria scribonia)

This large, about 3 inch in length caterpillar looks scary enough. It rolls into a ball when threatened, exposing the red rings which make it easy to identify.

Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar

This is also a prime time to see Monarch Butterfly caterpillars. This caterpillar will pupate and then emerge and fly south to Mexico before winter! I watched one for a day or two, then it disappeared or was this one about 3 feet away. This one also disappeared after a couple of days--not sure if there's a chrysalis around but I can't find it.

This isn't a caterpillar but a little stick bug--only about 3 inches in length. It should be on a brown blade of grass to be camouflaged but I spotted it easily on these ferns.

Butterflies on Thistles

2009-09-02T16:08:00.005-04:00

I'm behind on posting but still wanted to put up these photos I took 10 days ago. Our back pasture was filled with thistles covered with many swallowtails (giant, spicebush, tiger), fritillaries and other butterflies. Talk about a butterfly garden!

Spicebush Swallowtail

The spicebush swallowtail is our most often seen butterfly, probably because we have a lot of spice bush, its host plant, in the woods.

Tiger Swallowtails

These butterflies are also quite common maybe because their host tree, yellow or tulip poplar, is in abundance.

Great Spangled Frittilary

I believe the thistle is a bull thistle, an alien plant.

Orchard Mason Bee

Bees also love the thistle. I saw bumble bees, orchard mason bees, and many smaller bees but no honey bees.

Thistles are not a flower I would want around my house because of the thorns. But I don't have a problem with letting them grow in the pasture for the insects.

Late Summer Flowers for Honey Bees

2009-08-23T11:07:00.006-04:00

I have made notes in my bee journal on the flowers that I see honey bees are visiting for nectar and pollen. From about July 1 to August 1, the Sourwood trees were flowering, providing nectar. Since then, I have spotted honey bees on field and garden flowers.

Honey Bee on Knapweed (Brown?)

In late July, I photographed honey bees on this knapweed which covered a pasture in a nearby county. I had been pulling up this alien plant where I have found it so now I am rethinking that because this plant seems to provide a good source of nectar and pollen. After my bee sighting, I went up to our pasture (about 3 years since it has been brushhogged). It took awhile but I did find a few honey bees on the knapweed but not on the brown-eyed susans and Queen-Anne's Lace that were also there.

In nearby Blacksburg, I saw honey bees on Russian Sage (and earlier in the summer on lavender) which prompted me to buy a couple of the Russian sage plants at the local Home Depot. While I was there, I noticed honey bees on purple coneflower, yellow jackets on penta flowers, and flies on another flowering plant. It's wierd that the bees have changed the way I garden. I think about what my bees might like to have!

In front of my dog vet's office, I saw honey bees on an unfamiliar shrub while they seemed to ignore all the other flowers in his great garden. When I went back to pick up my dog, the vet handed me two pots with cuttings from the shrub and the name: Blue Mist BlueBeard.

Blue Mist Bluebeard (Caryopteris clandonensis)

This shrub also is not native but does not look like it is invasive either so I think I can plant it in my yard. Now that the weather is finally sunny and not so hot today, I will go out and look for more honey bees.

Mushroom Weather

2009-08-09T13:19:00.006-04:00

It rained so much in July I didn't water my garden once. Although the weather kept me inside, I did manage to get in a few walks in the woods (paying for it with chiggers and mosquito bites).

Orange Pinwheel Marasmius (Marasimius rotula)

This tiny mushroom (cap only about 3/8") had just emerged on a slope by the driveway.

When I came back up the driveway after the walk, I noticed a clump of the same mushrooms illuminated by sunlight. They are so cute--they look like you could put one in a mixed drink.

The rainy weather also brought out parasitic plants.

Indian-Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

This plant sprouts up in the mulch around trees. It's probably not hurting anything but feeding on the decaying plant material.

The wet weather also brings out the box turtles. My husband brought this huge box turtle up from the road because he was sure someone would run over it. A few days later, the same turtle was seen near my blackberry patch. I tossed a few blackberries on the ground and he started eating them. So, I rushed in the house to get my camera. Having finished his snack, he was headed into the briars but I think you might still see the blackberry juice on his face!

Terrific Trees!

2009-07-29T16:53:00.009-04:00

Last week, I helped teach the "Terrific Trees" 4-H summer camp. The workshop was based on the book Remarkable Trees of Virginia by Nancy Hugo and Jeff Kirwan. We wanted participants to appreciate great trees--big ones, old ones, historical trees, and just truly remarkable trees in Montgomery County.

Black Willow Virginia Tech Duck Pond July 21, 2009

The first tree we visited was in the book under campus trees since it is on the Virginia Tech campus. The Black Willow, unlike the Weeping Willow, is native to Virginia. The kids couldn't resist climbing up into the Black Willow. We learned that an extract from the bark is used to make aspirin.

Green Heron Virginia Tech Duck Pond July 21, 2009

While the children were doing measurements, I spotted this Green Heron ---only about 50 feet from where the tree was.

Bur Oak, Virginia Tech campus July 21, 2009

Not far away was another tree---a bur oak that grew near the Virginia Tech Massacre memorial on the Drill Field. This tree is remarkable for its huge crown spread. You can get an idea of the size of this tree by the cars that are parked next to it--they look like toys!

White Oak, Blacksburg, Virginia

The homeowner was happy to talk about the large white oak she has taken care of since she moved here in 1962. She said that the tree was her house's air conditioner. Both the Black Willow and this White Oak are in the Remarkable Trees book.

Red Maple Pilot, Virginia July 22, 2009

This red maple tree grew in a large rock on a farmer's land. His daughter nominated the tree for the Remarkable Tree database. I first demonstrated how to sketch the tree and the children followed suit. Their sketches were quite good.

American Chestnut Selu Preserve, Riner, Virginia

The final tree is remarkable for just being alive--it's a 15 feet tall American Chestnut. Researchers are trying to restore the American Chestnut which vanished as the major tree in American forests due to chestnut blight. This is the only tree that survived of the dozen or so seedlings that were planted.

I didn't post some of the photos of the other trees we visited but all were truly terrific! I hope the children will go on to appreciate how valuable trees are.

Baby Red-Eyed Vireo

2009-07-26T15:26:00.002-04:00

I had this on Twitter but no one commented so I put it up here. Last week, I was up on our back pasture collecting old hay for mulch. I was driving our UTV (like an ATV but with cargo load). I heard a bird calling frantically. I stopped the vehicle and walked back, thinking I might see a snake or other predator. But, a Red-Eyed Vireo was trying to get me away from a nest I thought but I searched in nearby trees to no avail.

Finally I spotted this baby Vireo on the ground. As I edged closer, he looked at me but didn't seem too frightened. Hopefully, he was able to fly toward his mother who was in a nearby tree.

I don't know what it is about the Red-Eyed Vireos but I have seen many of them this year. When the field guide says they are common in wooded areas, they mean it.

Yesterday, I saw a baby Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher in a crevice of a landscape log (also popular with my cats for scratching). I watched the father frantically calling to the fledgling to fly to him. After awhile, the young bird did fly up into a dogwood tree. Then they both flew away to the safety of the woods, far from the cats.

At the feeders, I saw male purple finches feeding their young too. I see this pretty often as the fledglings make a lot of noise and so I check the feeder.

P.S. I took the advice from the previous comments on how to post this photo. it's still not as clear as the original photo.

Posting Question

2009-07-19T11:16:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know the best way of posting photos to your blog? I downsize my photos to 1024 x 780 approximately so they load faster. Then, I edit the html to make the photos slightly larger than the 320 x 240 size Blogger automatically uses. Even at 480 x 360, the photos are not as sharp as when you click on them and get the full 1024 resolution. This is most apparent with vista views--large landscape. Yet, I have seen photos sharper on other blogs. Is it something I am doing or is it just Blogger?

Northwest Trip--Seattle, Cascades, and Mt. Rainier

2009-07-17T14:04:00.001-04:00

Northern Cascades, Washington

One of our favorite destinations is Seattle, Washington. There are so many options for car camping. This year, we chose to do a loop from the Northern Cascades to Mt. Rainier. At the end of the week we spent a couple of days in Seattle.

The automatic sensor worked good on my new camera--it detected that it was low light and was still able to take a photo of our camp with my husband reading his Kindle in the tent while I watched the campfire. We camped on the eastern side of the Cascades in Klipchuck campground.

On our way back toward Mt. Rainier, we drank fruit smoothies right in the orchard next to the farm stand. The cherries seem to be the best from Washington this time of year so we ate them the whole time.

Pasque Flower July 8, 2009

Mt. Rainier is known for wildflowers---glacial lillies and the pasque flower bloom right below the snow fields. This insect which I think is a fly--not a bee--was the most common pollinator for the flowers on Mt. Rainier.

This view of Mt. Rainier was from the White River campground where we stayed one night. The river looks white from the glacial runoff.

The first night it rained but the fire kept me warm.

Sunrise Gift Shop at Mt. Rainier National Park

The next morning, we took the hike from the Sunrise Visitor Center, on the west side of Mt. Rainier National Park. This photo looks like it could have been taken in the Swiss Alps.

False Hellebore

I love the pleated leaves of the false hellebore plant.

The panoramic setting of my new camera works by stitching photos together. I am still playing with this function of the Sony Cybershot.

We always visit Pike Place Market while in Seattle and eat lunch on one of the piers nearby. This gull was right outside the restaurant window watching us eat. Afterward, I went outside and fed him and other gulls oyster crackers. No caution about feeding the wildlife here like in the parks!

Spicebush Swallowtail

2009-07-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

My husband and I returned from a trip to Seattle recently (will post some wildflower photos soon!). Before I left, I bought a new camera--a Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1. I had grown tired of lugging around my heavy SLR with two extra lenses (telephoto and macro).

This was one of my first photos:

Spicebush Swallowtail July 2, 2009

This butterfly is very common--maybe because we have many spicebush shrubs around. I took this using the telephoto (has 20X zoom). When I tried to take a photo of a bird in the tree, the camera would not focus on the bird--kept getting a leaf in focus.

So, I will still be using my SLR for birds if they are in foliage. Otherwise, this new camera will be my primary camera. It takes video too although my Sony camcorder has more features.

This photo of Kookie was also taken with the telephoto from about 15 feet away.