October 16, 2019

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 57°F, cloudy and windy at 11:00 AM on October 16, 2019.
• With the threat of inches of rain this afternoon, the walk started a little earlier today.
• Katydids, crickets, and peepers were calling again.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• Note that the grounds close for the winter on Nov. 1.

The Trails

• The oaks at the Gifford House trail head were loosing their green.
• By the Carriage House, maple and locust still had a fair amount of green.
• Off the Sedge Meadow Trail burning bush had been hiding until now.
• If the color alone weren't enough, the fruit would clinch the ID.
• Nearby was the long, 3-lobed leaf of invasive amur maple.
• The boardwalk across the swamp was almost completely covered with leaves.
• A mob of birds passed through, among them a blur of ruby-crowned kinglets.
• After several attempts, the camera clicked and one was still there.
• The less frenetic yellow-rumped warbler was in the group as well.
• Although the back Old Hayfield looked like November, it had warmed up enough for me to peel off a layer.
• In the Old Pasture amur maple appeared again, but this time in yellow rather than the usual red.
• Our native little bluestem was going to seed now.
• Just as the path enters the woods, the calendar view of the Wappinger Creek opened up.
• Farther along, the creek widened under maples and hemlocks.
• A bit down stream was another favorite view that sometimes includes mallards or mergansers.
• Then there was the view at the "Appendix", the area about trail marker 10.
• We have placed a bench here at this favorite overlook.
• I was amazed to find 1/2 dozen cigarette butts at the foot of the bench. I also reflected upon how amazingly seldom I encounter litter on our trails. Thank you everybody for helping keep our grounds clean and for observing our tobacco free policy.
• Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.

Sightings