Latest photos from 3 hikes

Last Sunday it was raining, but I decided to go for a walk anyway. I remember my stomach hurt and I was pretty sure I was coming down with something, so I didn't write it up last week. I went to Washington Valley Park, the Newman Lane trail head.
Due to the recent heavy rain, the stream was flowing strongly.

A hawk, perhaps a Red-tailed (Buteo jamaicensis), soars over the reservoir. Ducks, song birds and possibly squirrels kicked up a ruckus as it flew by.

An American Toad (Bufo americanus) (small, perhaps an adult in its first year) hopped along the trail as I headed back to the parking area.

By this Saturday (9/18/10) the sun had returned and I was ready for a short walk at Colonial Park. It turns out I did have a sinus infection and I was eager to get some sun before resting throughout the rest of the weekend. The sun was out, but the weather was crisp and cool around 60 degrees.

Near the start of the trail some interesting orange beetles (which I will not attempt to identify) rest on the seed pod of a weed species.

The usual domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were hanging around the pond area to the left of the gazebo.

I noticed the Osage-orange trees (Maclura pomifera) had run their course for the season. The osage oranges (grapefruit-sized globes that have a textured surface that looks like brains) were scattered over the ground.

Occasionally, the green orbs would appear unexpectedly at some distance from any tree. I understand that squirrels tear them up to eat the seeds, but they have to constitute a big load for even the largest squirrels in this area to pick up and move.

A lucky shot of what I think may be Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) or other small chorus frog. I always hear but seldom see these tiny frogs. They emit a distinctive "chirp" when they hear you coming and jump away, into the water. I was pleased to finally have a photo of such an elusive species.

A White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) walks through the deeper part of the woods along the trail. A fawn trailed behind her.

This Sunday I wanted another short walk to celebrate the abundant sunshine and 80 degree weather. I headed out for about 1/2 hour along the Delaware-Raritan Canal from the Amwell Road, Hillsborough, NJ parking area.

I was surprised to see that not only had water persisted in some low lying areas, but also had been present for a sufficient length of time for duckweed to grow.

The sun shown beautifully on the plants in this swamp like area. Fall is in the air and the abundant greenery is slowly changing to browns, reds and golds. After a pleasant time walking along the water, I returned home to write this post up and work on draining my sinuses. I understand that other areas (e.g. anywhere except NJ) have received moderate (versus low) rainfall this summer and I look forward to another beautiful autumn season.

Clear Saturday at Sandy Hook, 9/11

Saturday was a beautiful clear day at Sandy Hook beach in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to walk along the sand in the 65 to 80 degree weather an additional time this season. The beach seemed swept clean with the removal of the life guard chairs (stowed until Memorial Day 2011). With visibility high, the ocean seemed to stretch out forever. On the bay side, the tide was in. It seemed the tide was in the exact opposite position as our trip last week.

No fiddler crabs were in sight, but fish darted about, just beneath the surface.

My grandmother stated the birdwatcher above had the perfect spot.

The light was so perfect, I could not quite capture it on film. It may have been something with the way the water reflected the sky...

At Mount Mitchell overlook, we gazed back fondly on the beach we had just left. The best shots I've ever taken came from this trip, with visibility so good.

Sandy Hook Lighthouse is visible above, and beyond it is Manhattan, NYC. Around noon we feared some 9/11 commemoration. At one point, everyone on the beach seemed to be pointing out towards the New York skyline. But all it turned out be was (we assumed) a dolphin dorsal fin, bobbing black and sleek among the waves. It swam along the shore, then vanished just as mysteriously.

I must look into getting out on a sailboat. It must be a glorious ride on these crisp, sunny days. I look forward to more pleasant weekends as fall approaches.

Happy Labor Day Weekend 2010

Beautiful weather has graced the Labor Day weekend this year. Like many folks, I had Monday the 6th off work and made it down the shore one more time before summer officially ends. Before the holiday, an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans terrestris) took a swim in our pool. As eye witnesses report, I was very excited! And I took several stills and a few videos of the adolescent snake (just over 6 inches in length, 1/4 inch a thickest point) swimming gracefully through the water before I lifted him out with a skimmer.

On Saturday, I took my usual route through Washington Valley Park. The air was on the cool side, crisp and breezy with low humidity.

I noticed many new views, as the leaves of many trees have turned dry and crackly and comes down already.

Many turtles feel no ill effects due to the drought - they swim and sun as if the waterline were as high as usual.

It has been pointed out to me that my blog is on the "fussy" side with all my identifications (or id attempts). I'll just call these turtles - I understand the species (probably painted turtles) may only be important to me.

After my 2 hours or so walk on Saturday, I was ready for some kayaking on the Delaware-Raritan Canal on Sunday. Aengus and I and a large crowd of eager tourists enjoyed the canal around noon during fair conditions.

I think we spotted a Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) relaxing on a branch as we spotted back.

A Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) was kind enough to let us get quite near and pose for me.

On Monday, my family and I returned to Sandy Hook in Atlantic Highlands, NJ just after 9am. A quick walk on the boardwalk out to the back across from Spermacetti Cove Visitor's Center revealed snails, fiddler crabs, a kestrel, many birds and small fish.

Fiddler crabs (Uca, sp.) defend their burrows in the sand by waving their one enlarged claw at potential trespassers.

On the ocean side of the park, a star fish or sea star.

Before we know it, 12 noon and the end of our beach day rolled around. Overall this holiday (as they all do) went by much too fast.