What's Your Nature?

Become a Nature Up North explorer to share your encounters with wild things and wild places in New York's North Country. Post your wildlife sightings, landscape shots, photos from your outings, and even your organization's events!

Encounters

Snow Angels

Indiana Jones just loves the first real snow he can make snow Angels in!!  

Doggy Snow Angels

A curious snake on thin ice.

While walking along one of the smaller ponds at the Indian Creek Nature Preserve, I encountered this snake sunning itself in the grass. To avoid me, it went out onto the ice but never ventured far out, and turned to face me before disappearing into the brush on the bank. I am not completely sure what species it is, although I suspect it is an especially orange Northern Watersnake. 

A snake lays on a thin sheet of ice on a small pond.

West Branch of the Oswegatchie River hike.

A wilderness hike bake to the seldom-visited West Branch of the Oswegatchie River, at the Aldrich Pond Wild Forest.

West Branch of the Oswegatchie West Branch of the Oswegatchie West Branch of the Oswegatchie West Branch of the Oswegatchie West Branch of the Oswegatchie

Bog River Paddle

My annual kayak trip between Lows Lower and Upper Dams.

Lows Overlook from the Bog River Mt Morris from the Bog River Geese taking off on the Bog River Silver Lake Mountain from the Bog River Approaching Lows Lower Dam on the Bog River

High Rock on the Oswegatchie River

My annual paddle from the Inlet to High Rock. Very low water conditions, and temps in the 30s.

Oswegatchie River paddle at High Rock Oswegatchie River paddle Oswegatchie River paddle High Rock

Migrating visitors at Upper and Lower Lakes.

We stopped off at Lower Lake, which was drained this year by the DEC to do some work.

While there were commonly seen birds like ring billed gulls, trumpeter swans, ducks, geese, blackbirds and kingfisher.

It was a nice surprise to see some Semipalmated Pipers and a Lesser Yellowlegs on their way from Northern Canada down to the Gulf, or farther. 

 

Bird standing at edge of water. Small bird standing at edge of water. Small bird sitting on the ground near waters edge.

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

While certainly not located within the North Country, the relatively dark skies in the area certainly allow us better opportunity to see things in the night sky.

The photo doesn't do it justice of course, but I'm still thrilled to get it.

A comet in the night sky

Fluffy Flakes

First snow of the season!

Fluffy Flakes

First snowfall

Took a drive and the rain started to look thick, turning into slush and then big, fat fluffy snow flakes!! 

First snowfall

The calming storm

My first attempt at photographing the Northern Lights.



They weren't nearly as vibrant to the eye, but over a 30 second exposure, they do show up fairly well.



I definitely look forward to future opportunities to view and shoot them.



 

sky with stars colored by the norther lights above river

Lows Overlook bike & hike

A nice bike & hike to Lows overlook during the peak of the foliage change.

Lows Overlook Lows Overlook Hitchins Pond Autumn on Lows Overlook

SLU Peak Weekend at St. Regis Mountain

Every year the SLU Outing Club does Peak Weekend. This year I joined a group to hike up St Regis Mountain and had a blast! The weather was perfect and the trees changing color made it magical. 

Liz stands on rock facing out over a view of trees in various shades of fall color change.

ADK Overlook at Glenview

Stopped near Donnelly's Icecream at Glenview to see the sunset. Great view of the ADK high peaks, and great color in the leaves. They were starting to hit peak this weekend (last weekend in Sept.)

The field in the foreground is a piece of land owned by the ADK Land Trust called Glenview. They're working on an accessible trail system on the property, set to finish sometime in the next year.

Picture taken from Glenview - a piece of land managed by the ADK Land Trust.

Green Frog on the Huckleberry Lake trail

While hiking the trail to Huckleberry Lake I came across a wetland area with a ton of frogs! This frog was sitting on a rock looking out over the pond, and let me get very close to take this picture. 

A close up image of the face of green frog with a yellow throat sitting on a rock.

I spent about 30 minutes hanging out with this guy while he hunted fish and chased frogs!

I spend a lot of time paddling on Dexter Marsh and taking photos. I was on my way back to the launch to head home, and a motor boat came up behind me. I moved off to the side to get out of their way, and thankfully spotted this bird (I think a green heron, but I'm new to birding so I'm not completely sure). Not only was he unbothered by the motor, he didn't mind me at all! I sat about 10 feet from him in my canoe while he ran back and forth and hunted fish and frogs. It was a lovely experience to be able to observe him without feeling like he was afraid of me.

A heron perches on a fallen branch and searches the shoreline for snacks A heron standing in shallow water searching for food, crest up, with a reflection below

Crayfish at Eel Weir State Park

We did some searching for crayfish in Eel Weir state park over the weekend. Water was low and we found many dried up shells along the shoreline. We also caught 10 or so in the water. They all appeared to be Northern Clearwater or Allegheny crayfish. We didn’t find any invasive rusty crayfish.

1 armed crayfish Crayfish in a tub More crayfish in a tub Fish caught in net

Foggy Morning

Walking early morning and the fog was lifting as the sun came up.

Foggy Field at Sumrise

Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake

Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake. A plaque on Rabbit Island commemorates the tuberculosis experiments Dr. Trudeau performed here in the summer of 1886. The plaque reads: "On this island in 1886 Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau conducted his historic experiment to determine the effect of environment on the incidence and progress of tuberculosis in a colony of rabbits. This plaque was placed by Trudeau Institute, Inc. in commemoration of this pioneering study in experimental epidemiology, October 7, 1972.".

Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake Rabbit Island Paddle on Spitfire Lake

Green Frog

As I was walking on the Saddlemire trail I noticed this green frog hanging out in the grass in the middle of the trail. It wasn't at all startled by my close up photo!

A close up, top-down photo of a green frog framed by blades of grass.

Chimney Bluffs State Park

Hiking Chimney Bluffs State Park along the shores of Lake Ontario. 

Chimney Bluffs State Park Chimney Bluffs State Park Chimney Bluffs State Park Chimney Bluffs State Park Chimney Bluffs State Park Chimney Bluffs State Park

Walk on Sugar Island

It was a cooler, windy evening in August when we decided to walk around Sugar Island. While not terribly buggy, you did have to keep moving else they may swarm. The view from the dock was beautiful though and well worth a few mosquito bites. 

View of the river from tip of Sugar Island

Hart's Falls from an Eagle's perspective

We stopped by Hart's Falls to see how different it might be after the recent high waters due to Hurricane Debby.

The River itself was already a foot lower than it was at the high the prior day, so I wish I'd had thought of this earlier.

But quite a bit more of the rocks on the upstream side were submerged than we had ever seen on prior visits.



For perspective, both of us are in the picture on the rock.



 

Drone view looking down at Hart's falls from 200 feet in air.

Not a reflection

Butterflies 

Not a reflection

Beautiful Day

Walking and saw this!

Queen Anne’s Lace & Butterfly

Jen's visit with the snapping turtle.

The heavy rains left over from hurricane Debbie had not raised the level of the Oswegatchie yet, but it did create multiple frog puddles over the lawns of neighborhood yards. 

While out looking for the frogs, Jen saw a turtle break the surface, so as it didn't seem to care we where there, she got closer to view it. 

Just after this photo, it walked over to her, and bumped her get a few times while leaving against her fur a few minutes before we all departed ways. 

Person squatting down next to snapping turtle in a few inches of water.

Bat!

Walking in to work and spotted this little guy crawling across the sidewalk around 8am. Came back with an oven mitt to move him and found him climbing the tree. Came back around noon and found him still between the first branches sleeping. My buddy guess is Large Brown Bat. No obvious signs of white nose syndrome.

Bat in the pavement Another angle of the bat on pavement The bat started climbing this a tree Another photo of the bat on a tree The bat stopped between these branches to sleep

Hummingbird

Hummingbird

Paddling Kusaqua & Rainbow Lakes from Buck Pond Campground

Paddling Kusaqua & Rainbow Lakes from the Buck Pond campground. 

Paddling Kusaqua & Rainbow Lakes pitcher plants Paddling Kusaqua & Rainbow Lakes Paddling Kusaqua & Rainbow Lakes Paddling Kusaqua & Rainbow Lakes

Spruce Grouse Fledglings in the Massawepie Mire

While walking the Massawepie Mire railbed, I was thrilled to spot two Spruce Grouse fledglings in the boreal habitat west of the crossing of the South Branch Grasse River. The DEC and regional ecologists have been working to establish a breeding population of this endangered species, with their efforts including the release of males and females. It was therefore wonderful to see successful breeding. I was fortunate enough to have one of the fledglings fly into the boughs of a conifer to pose for photos.

Spruce Grouse Fledgling in the Massawepie Mire

Snake with lunch.

The Photography Club at the Nicandri Nature Center meets monthly, and when we were walking a part of the trail quite close to the Center in mid-July, we came upon this scene. The frog was still alive, and the snake was busily digesting as much as possible so it could slither off to enjoy the rest of its meal. In the meantime, we were able to get some pretty good shots. Although this is nature, it was still difficult to watch.

Our local Nature Center Photography Club members came upon this scene when we were walking the trail in July.

Heritage Park, Canton... the local inhabitant.

As we walked the footbridge over to Falls Island, we noticed a deer at the waters edge eating berries.



We watched it for a while and took a quick walk over to see the falls and on the way back the deer was on the trail, still eating, as we stopped for a moment to look at it, while it looked back and realized we were not scary.



As we started to approach the deer started to follow,  probably 20 feet behind us.  It made it about 1/3 of the way across the bridge before turning back.



Deer eating berries viewed from bridge

Sinclair Falls

Water levels were high, very buggy! But perfect for mushrooms!

Sinclair Falls

Evening on the St. Lawrence River

We decided to take our boat out on the St. Lawrence River for an evening cruise and ended up floating beneath the Ogdensburg Prescott International Bridge. Our puppy, Cooper, was really enjoying the cool air. I snapped this shot near Chimney Island.

Dog gazing at the sunset from the back of a boat

Burdock at CCE Bioblitz

While at the CCE bioblitz we found some pretty burdock.

Burdock at CCE Bioblitz

Had a great time at the Cornell Cooperative extension bioblitz and saw some gorgeus plants.

Burdock at CCE

Oswegatchie Float July 13th 2024

Nature Up North's float on the Oswegatchie.



Among the many creatures we observed were Great Blue Heron, Robin, Turkey Vultures, Barn Swallow, Kingbird, Painted turtles, Red-Tailed Hawk, Eastern Phoebe, Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing and a Solitary Sandpiper.



A terrific few hours out on the river for an easy 5 mile paddle.

Paddler in Kayak looking at Great Blue Heron on tree limb. Eastern Kingbird in tree Spotted Sandpiper Eastern Pheobe Paddlers in two canoe Paddlers in a kayak and canoe Two paddlers in canoe Two paddlers in canoe Tadd dreaming of Crawfish. Lone seagull landing on river Great Blue Heron Barn Swallow

Mink

Mink

The Showdown

Twice the frog attempted to swallow the crawfish  by the head, and had to retreat.

After a 15 minute standoff, the frog took a position between the crawfish and the water it was trying to get to.

I'll never know who won, because this started a standoff between myself and my wife and the insects that were attacking us.

We lost as these two waited each other out.

White River Crawfish v American Bullfrog White River Crawfish v American Bullfrog Frog retreats backwards after a failed attack on crawfish. The frog having positioned itself between the water and the crawfish, as each waits for the other to move.

Little Clear Pond Paddle- Santa Clara

A nice morning spent paddling Little Clear Pond.

Little Clear Pond Paddle Little Clear Pond Paddle Sundew on Little Clear Pond Paddle Little Clear Pond Paddle Little Clear Pond Paddle

American Kestrel Family

Freshly fledged American Kestrel nestlings awaiting a delivery from mom in the morning sun. 

American Kestrel fledglings await breakfast delivery from Mom

Beautiful trees at the feild station

Beautiful sunset litup the trees at the feild station at the book exchange camp fire! Lovely night!

Sunset lighting up tops of trees at community campfire

Crayfish at Eel Weir State Park NY

After finishing a paddle on the Oswegatchie, I spotted these small Crayfish over the shore by the boat launch. 

Northern Clearwater Crayfish held above shore.

American Kestrel Fledgling

While on my morning walk to check our various bird boxes, I heard a commotion in the veggie garden. The tree swallows were swirling and calling. I spotted a recent fledge from our kestrel box sitting on the fence. He was kind enough to pose a while. I got a few nice shots before he heard Mom calling and joined her in a nearby tree. 

American Kestrel North America's smallest falcon

Wellesley Island Paddle

A nice morning paddle from Eel Bay at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, through the Narrows, and into South Bay.

Wellesley Island Paddle Wellesley Island Paddle Wellesley Island Paddle Wellesley Island Paddle

Snake on the road while biking

Had to stop quick and take a picture of this snake on Judson Street Road.

A small garter snake on the road while biking

Barn Swallow Fledglings

These recently fledged barn swallows were getting flying and hunting lessons from Mom in my veggie garden in the early morning. Helping me with pest control! So sweet. 

Barn Swallow fledglings

Eastern Kingbird Family

This was a fantastic spot to view the building of the next, the babies and all of the hunting and caretaking.

It was located about 15 feet from the shore, so it was protected to an extent, and the placid water is a haven for damsel and dragon flies. The adult birds were almost always within sight as they hunted and returned.

At times, one would sit at the edge of the nest and spread it's wings to help shelter the young from the direct sun.

 

Kingbird looks for food as it's babies in the next wait impatiently. Kingbird lands at the top of next in tree stump with babies in it. Kingbird holds a dragonfly in it's beak above the babies in the nest.

Frog at Stone Valley NY

Tailed Frog at Stone Valley

Frog

Tree Swallow nestbox

Tree Swallow nestlings getting fed just before fledging. This is one of ten boxes occupied by these beautiful insect eating birds! (PS- why no tree swallow tag available???) 

Eat your breakfast!

Butterfly at the Field Station

A butterfly with a broken wing at the first campfire of the season!

An orange butterfly with a broken wing

Great Blue Heron Catches a Meal

This photo was taken by Rensselaer Falls resident Troy Parla in Heritage Park, Canton.

A great blue heron with a fish in its mouth.

The Moore Trail on the Oswegatchie River

A gloomy spring day hiking the trail from Wanakena to the Inlet.

The Moore trail The Moore Trail The Moore Trail The Moore Trail The Moore Trail

Red-Backed Salamander

For our last ecology lab of the semester, my class went to Higley Flow State Park to look for salamanders! This is one of 60 Red Backed Salamanders that we found by looking under logs and bark. 

A close up photo of a red-backed salamander in the dirt

Red-Back Salamander Part 2

Here's another photo of a Red-Backed Salamander that I found during my ecology class lab! These salamanders are very small, but are so abundant that their biomass outweighs the biomass of many other species in the area, including deer! We found 60 Red-Backed Salamanders during our lab. 

A red-backed salamander being held in a hand. The salamander is small, about as long as my palm.

Is it a car? Is it a boat?

A local repair shop was testing out their restored 1950’s/60’s German car/boat combo in the little river. Photos were taken from the SLU boat house on the little river.

Car/Boat backing into the little river. Car/Boat floating on the little river. Car/Boat under power in the little river.

Love Birds

I watched this wood duck pair circling overhead. They finally landed and in perfect sunshine. I have been seeing them in this tree over the last couple of weeks and we have three duck boxes that are occupied. This pair appears to be nesting in a natural cavity in the tree. A great argument to leave standing dead and dying trees as they provide habitat and nesting opportunities for our native bird species. 

Nesting Wood Duck pair

Gray Fox

I have been seeing gray foxes from time to time, but always in poor lighting situations and never near enough to capture a photo to verify my sighting. This changed last Saturday. From my kitchen window I spotted this gray fox and her mate crossing our property. I was able to capture a few photos through the glass. This is the best one. She almost looks angelic. 

Gray Fox

Spring Water Monitoring

Warm spring weather made for comfortable testing in waders under the SUNY Canton bridge. 

St. Lawrence students wade in the Grasse River to collect water data. St. Lawrence students wade in the Grasse River to collect water data.

March paddle on the Oswegatchie River

An unusually warm spring gave me an opportunity to kayak when I would normally be snowshoeing.

March paddle on the Oswegatchie River March paddle on the Oswegatchie River March paddle on the Oswegatchie River March paddle on the Oswegatchie River  The iconic Wanakena Rock March paddle on the Oswegatchie River

Eagle with prey

Eagle with prey

Coyote Lovely

My regular morning routine involves walking our property with my camera. We live on the north end of Black Lake. While I was walking towards the lake, I spotted a coyote crossing the clearing. I typically see at least two at a time and figured I must have missed the first. I continued towards the lake and sat for a while watching bald eagles in the distance. Then I spotted something walking towards me on the ice. I pointed my camera towards the edge of the tree line and was happy to capture this shot and many more. Coyote on ice. 

Coyote on ice

Coyote on Ice

Each morning I walk down to the lake's edge with my camera, hoping to catch a glimpse and even better a photo of some of our abundant local wildlife. This female coyote was curious about my camera's clicking and posed for quite a while as she walked by following her mate. 

Coyote Lovely

Juvenile Bald Eagles on ice

I see about one bald eagle a day here on our property on Black Lake. The other day I was thrilled to see not just one or two, but FIVE sub adult bald eagles ranging in age from 1 to about 4 years old. I shot this photo and several others from my kitchen window. 

Eagles on ice

Pointe Au Roche State Park

Pointe Au Roche State Park is always a nice winter destination. This year we didn't need snowshoes.

Pointe Au Roche State Park Pointe Au Roche State Park Pointe Au Roche State Park Pointe Au Roche State Park

Care for a sit?

Picnic bench on the water

Rainbow Falls

Waterfall

Junco in the snow

The wind was blowing and the snow was falling but it did not deter this dark eyed junco. 

Junco in the snow

Snow Bird

It was a snowy Sunday but the Juncos did not mind. This one posed for me. 

Dark Eyed Junco

Foxy Friday!

I have been watching for foxes since seeing their tracks in the snow on my morning walks. I was so happy to see this pair in our garden from the kitchen window. 

Foxy Friday

Foxy Friday continued!

I have been watching for foxes and hoping to have them return to our property after not seeing any for about a year. I was so happy to see this vixen, part of a pair that were exploring the gardens around our pool looking for voles and chipmunks. 

Foxy Friday

Foxy Friday!

I have been seeing fox tracks around the property when there has been snow and hopping to catch a glimpse since I had not seen one in a while and the last one I saw was suffering from mange. I was so happy when I looked out the window to catch not only one, but two foxes out in the garden around our pool. This photo is what I believe to be the male. Taken from my kitchen window. 

Afternoon sun at Indian Creek Nature Center

Took a walk at Indian Creek Nature Center out to the lean-to there that is dedicated to John Green. John was a professor in the Biology Department and also one of the folks who first established Indian Creek Nature Center for the public. He was also a good friend. 

Afternoon sun over the wetlands Sign dedicating an Adirondack-style lean to to John Green

Solstice sunset walk in the forest

Took a walk in the woods as the sun was beginning to set on the shortest day of the year.

Sunset behind trees in a forest Tracks in the  snow leading up to some trees Trees backlit by the sun

St. Lawrence River Log Udders

A blustery day on a short walk at Fort de La Présentation.  

Out past the lighthouse, I found beautiful ice formations on the rocks, concrete and driftwood.



With the wind and being around 18 degrees, it was good that it was a short walk, but well worth the exposed hands to work the camera.



A beautiful day to be out actually.

Frozen river water forming ice clusters under driftwood.

Early Season Skiing

Skiing Whitaface with the peak in the clouds. As you ski down the cloud cover ended just above Little Whiteface giving way to some great views into the valley.

Looking down whiteface mountain from the end of “The Follies” trail. Looking at Little Whiteface from the peak of Whiteface.

Critters in the snow

Though it is warming up into the 40's today, it was fun to see these tracks in the snow. I like the reminder that these critters are out and about even in the cold weather.

Mouse tracks in the snow Squirrel tracks in the snow

Bloomindale Bog Hike

An easy rail-trail hike that always has Gray Jays looking for a snack.

Bloomindale Bog Hike- Gray Jay enjoying a snack Bloomindale Bog Hike Bloomindale Bog Hike Bloomindale Bog Hike Bloomindale Bog Hike Gray Jay Bloomindale Bog Hike

Pileated Woodpecker on a cold December morning

On my morning walk I encountered this very busy male pileated woodpecker. I heard him working before I spotted him. 

Pileated Woodpecker working on a dying tree near Black Lake

The last rainy view on our way up Whiteface

This was our last view of the mountains when hiking up Whiteface

A sign about tree zones on Whiteface.

Squirrel eating out of a chair

The squirrels love to use this feeder and often visit it as an alternative to the bird feeders in the yard.

A grey squirrel sits in a miniature wooden recliner and eats corn off of the foot rest.

The First Snowfall of the Season!

The first of many chilly and snowy mornings in the North Country has me looking forward to all the winter months have to offer. 

Snow Covered Foliage

Hike on Azure mountain

Hike on Azzure mountain

Sustainability Farm Goats

Foxy and Snowball, the goats at the SLU Sustainability Farm are enjoying their new pasture! These two are very sweet goats; they love to explore and interact with human visitors. 

Two goats in a grassy field with fall trees in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Belted Kingfisher in against autumn leaves

I was kayaking on Black Lake on an unusually warm October afternoon when I heard the call of the belted kingfisher. I allowed the wind to blow me closer where I was able to take a few photos and I didn't drop my camera in the water! :) 

Belted Kingfisher on Black Lake with autumn leaves

Azure Mt Firetower

Azure Mt Firetower

Sunrise at Azure

Mt Azure sunrise hike- view from fire tower

Azure Mt Firetower Sunrise

Azure Mt Morning

Azure Mountain in the morning

Geese flying over the harvest moon

While out on my regular morning walk, I heard Canada geese approaching. As I looked up I realized they were about to fly in front of the still glowing harvest moon. I am happy I had my camera with me. 

Canada Geese flying over the harvest moon

Fall colors

Fall colors

Northern flickers on stump

While I was on my morning walk here on Black Lake, I noticed a group of flickers seeming to check out the various boxes around our property. I was happy that I had my camera handy when these two males were competing over the tasty snacks in this old tree stump. The approaching flicker is showing off his yellow under feathers that give them their name "Yellow Shafted Northern Flicker"

Northern Flickers, males, checking out the snacks in this old stump

Touche! Hummingbird fencing tournament

Ruby throated hummingbirds dueling over garden territory. 

Fencing Hummingbirds

Chipmunk Getting Ready for the Winter

I am pretty sure this chipmunk lives in the Canoe House, everyday it scurries around with some food in their cheeks. 

The wildlife at the Canoe House is alive and scurrying around as the weather gets colder!

Autum

Beautiful view on a fall day 

Beautiful views on a fall day

Ruby Throated Hummingbird perched on a sunflower

Each morning I take a walk to greet the new day. I love seeing what birds are enjoying the flowers and trees around our home. On this September morning, this little lady was kind enough to pose for me on a dew covered sunflower branch. 

Ruby throated hummingbird on dew covered sunflower

Mt Arab Sunset

Sunset Mountain Hike

Ruby Throated Hummingbird on zinnia

Hummingbirds are fighting over the flowers in the gardens. This little one found a perfect spot to sip a zinnia blossom with flowering dill in the background. 

Ruby Throated Hummingbird sipping nectar cherry queen zinnia with dill flower in the background.

Ruby Throated Humminbird on tithonia

While working in the garden there is always a flury of hummingbird activity this time of year. They battle for control of the best feeders and flowers. I captured this photo after this hummingbird successfully chased off the competition and went on with enjoying the flowers. 

Humminbird on tithonia in my veggie garden.

Nighthawk

I noticed a bird flying around our property and the hayfield next door, it flew like a bat in circles. There were lots of insects on this hot and humid September day. I realized it was a nighthawk. A rare sighting during daylight hours. Please allow me to add proper tag. Nighthawks are on decline, and it would be great if people could properly tag their sightings. 

Common Nighthawk circling above

Spiky caterpillar

I think this was a spiny oak-slug moth caterpillar. It was really beautiful, I can't recall ever seeing another caterpillar that looked like this before.

Spiky caterpillar

Ives Park Sunset Potsdam NY

Racquette River Sunset Racquette River Sunset Trail ride

Remember when it wasn't raining?

Mushroom!

Mushroom

Eye contact! Juvenile Male Ruby throated hummingbird with pollen on his beak

This little cutie was perched on the Blau Hilde bean vines in my veggie garden. He seemed to be staring right into my lens. He reminds me of a young teenager just getting his facial hair with his ruby feathers just starting to come in. I love that his little beak is covered in pollen. I had more hummingbirds around than ever this season. They were so much fun to watch and photograph. 

Ruby throated hummingbird staring straight into my lens while perched on blauhilde bean vine

Bee approach

Bee approach

Hummingbird nectaring on hyacinth bean flowers

This little beauty showed up while I was sipping coffee on our porch. I have an abundance of hummingbirds this season, much to my delight. I think they enjoy the multitude of native and annual flowers I have planted for them. The hyacinth bean vine was a new addition to my annuals this summer. Hummingbird approved! 

Hummingbird on hyacinth bean vine

Close Encounter

We took family on the St. Lawrence River and saw this large ship. It was amazing!

Close Encounter

American Goldfinch on red sunflower

I always have my camera with me while I am out in the garden. This little goldfinch posed for several photos, it was difficult to choose my favorite. 

American Goldfinch on red sunflower

I always have one of my cameras handy while I am in the garden. I plant flowers not only for myself to enjoy, but for the birds. This American Goldfinch was kind enough to pose on my sunflowers. 

This American Goldfinch posed for me on this red sunflower in my garden

Asian lady beetle on a flower

This photo depicts an Asian lady beetle, a species similar in looks to a ladybug but very invasive in the North Country. It can be hard to tell the difference between the two but the main giveaway that I look for to distinguish them is the black "M-shaped" marking located behind the Asian lady beetle's head. Despite the invasive nature of this species, they are still stunning and photograph beautifully.

Asian lady beetle on a flower

Sunset at Barnhart Marina

Fungi at Heritage Park

We had so much fun learning about fungi!

white and brown fungi in hand

Leaves Already Changing?

Enjoyed a nice morning walk on the SLU XC trails, but am surprised to see some leaves already turning red. Keep hearing that everything is “two weeks early,” plus these trees are on the edge of a soccer field right next to the road, so maybe not the healthiest habitat, contributing to some external stressors…

A mostly green maple tree with a few red leaves

Curious Stoat

I was heading out to the garden when I heard the birds sounding the alert. I looked around and sure enough this little one was running along the stone row. I waited on the other side for him to peek out. He seemed to be interested in the clicking of my camera and struck a cute pose. I am pretty sure this stoat is one of the young ones I saw Momma carrying earlier in the season. 

This little one was running along the stone row

Hermit Flower Beetle

Seek identified this as a “Hermit Flower Beetle” he was the size of a half dollar, maybe a bit bigger, and I love that you can see the lamellate antennae, which is very characteristic of scarab beetles. This fella is similar to the beetles we know as june bugs, but not the same. Apparently they can emit a noxious odor when frightened! 

Big brown beetle on brown porch

Fungi & Fairy Houses at Lampson Falls

A rainy walk to Lampson Falls to build fairy houses, collecting material along the way, led to the discovery of lots of different fungi, all probably much happier than the humans at the damp conditions. despite the rain it was a joyful afternoon!

Orangish fungi growing on the dark, damp bark of a tree Community member holding fungi they found at Lampson House made of barks and sticks House made of fiber twisted around a branch House made of leaves and pine needles House made of bark and sticks

Sunshine and Leaf!

I just love the way the sun shines through this leaf and you can see all of its intricate veins, and the rest of the tree stands a little out of focus in the background. Nature is so awesome!

Bright green leaf with the sun behind it

Yellow Warbler in dill

This little yellow warbler was hunting insects in our veggie garden. 

Yellow Warbler in dill

Birds at the Boat Launch

I work as a Watercraft Inspection Steward to manage invasive species and, when the boat traffic is slow, I try to see what the feathered fellas are up to! There are many places for them to hang out at the boat launch: grasses and reeds, trees, even industrial structures! They are good company for a long day outside and I never get tired of listening to their conversations.

Osprey perched on a power line Mallard walking on the boat ramp Peregrine Falcon perched on a tower

Big pine

Big pine in wanakena

Ducks in the ADKs

Ducks in a lake

Reflection

Reflection

In the velvet

Beautiful little buck stopped in my yard to eat. 

In the velvet

Bumblebee Robber Fly!

Visited by a bumblebee robber fly at the canton farmers market! These flies are cleverly disguised as bees with their yellow and black coloration and fuzzy bodies - but a closer look and a few clues will give away their status as flies (members of the Diptera order). First - this guy only has one pair of wings. Bees have two pairs! He’s got short antennae, and his eyes are more round whereas bees generally have oval shaped eyes. Finally the giveaway that this isn’t just any fly, but a robber fly - the mustache (technical name: mystax, a collection of stuff bristles on the face).

Yellow and black bee looking fly on a piece of paper Black and yellow bee looking fly on a piece of paper

Close Call

Close Call

Flicker fledgling

This freshly fledged northern flicker visited me while I was working in our garden. He was calling for his parents and they were returning the call from afar. Our home on Black Lake is like a small bird sanctuary with so many birds nesting in our trees and bird boxes. 

Flicker fledgling on garden fence

Oh deer.

Kayaking down the Grasse River at dusk. 

Oh deer

Dawn

I walk my dog every morning at 4:30am and this is my view along the way. 

Dawn

Giant Water Bug With Eggs

Having a snack

This dragon fly landed on my son and just happened to have caught a spider to have for a snack. 

Having a snack

Early morning groundhog

Jack in the pulpit

Jack in the pulpit

Maple Leaves Are Out!

So exciting to see the new, bright green leaves on these sugar and Norway maples on SLU campus. Not just here but all over campus and beyond the beautiful greenery is just so lush and fresh - it really feels like a breath of fresh air and new beginnings. 

Very green leaves and a few branches of a sugar maple Green leaves and brown branches of a Norway maple with a little bit of blue sky peeking through.

Trail buddies

Dogs walking on trail

Bee and Flower

Bee in flower

Reading Bee!

This little bee kept coming back and landing on my book and my sweater while I was outside. I was wearing a yellow sweater with flowers so he may have liked that. When the little friend was on my book he was rubbing his antennae and legs - and you can see how full the tibia on its hind legs are with pollen! So cool! 

Small bee with lots of pollen on its hind legs rest on the white pages of a book.

Amphibians of Black Lake

Spring Tulip

Tulip

Black Lake "fish food"

Scott and I sampled the lake today and towed a zooplankton net behind the boat near Raspberry Island. Fun times on a beautiful spring day

3 tiny copepods caught in a net, one of which has egg clusters!

Partridge

Spotted this little beauty in my backyard while hiking my dog 

Partridge

Birding with St. Lawrence Land Trust

Birding walk led by Tom Langen and the St. Lawrence Land Trust at the Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Some of the most exciting sightings (to me at least) were the Virginia rail (pictured here creeping through the marsh), a Northern Waterthrush (not pictured), an American kestrel hovering (not pictured), and the Baltimore oriole we saw at the very end (pictured in a blossoming tree). Other birds we encountered were: 

The bright orange of a Baltimore oriole is partly camouflaged by the yellow and orange blossoms on a spring tree Marshy plants hide a Virginia rail creeping around

Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

Banded Terns

Banded Terns

Mergansers take off

Mergansers

Otter Breakfast

Otter

Do you want to know a secret? Tree Swallow nesting pair

This sweet tree swallow pair ended up raising a little family in our veggie garden nest box. It appears they are discussing the local real estate here prior to making a decision. I love having tree swallows nesting on our property. They eat lots of insects! 

Tree Swallow pair on nest box

Great Blue Heron in tree

I spotted this beauty from the window while I was making dinner. He landed in the perfect evening sun. 

Heron in tree

Great Blue Heron breeding plumage in tree

This beauty appeared in a tree while I was making dinner. I was able to capture a series of photos in the perfect late afternoon light. This is among my favorites. I love seeing Great Blue Herons in their breeding plumage. I love living on Black Lake! 

Great Blue Heron about to take off

Golfing Groundhog

Buddy was zoomin from tunnel to tunnel

Groundhog

Tree Swallow Pair

Tree Swallow pair in our little vineyard on Black Lake. I look forward to their arrival each spring. We have at least 6 nesting pairs a season. I love watching their aerobatics. 

Tree Swallow pair grape vines

hooded merganser

I was watching the sunrise over Black Lake when I spotted some ducks moving closer. I was able to capture a photo of this hooded merganser as it passed. I love his reflection on the water. 

Hooded Merganser on Black Lake at sunrise

Wandering the wetlands

This semester, Nature Up North has been helped by two St. Lawrence University students participating in a "Community based learning" course. Among other things, Julia and Ilana helped us to put out some game cameras in early March. We went out today to retrieve the game cameras. Knowing that the St. Lawrence University Kip Tract is primarily forested wetland, and that the trails are flooded, we donned chest waders just to walk the trail and get the cameras. We were successful in collecting 3 of the 4 cameras; one that we had placed near the bank of the Little River was under water!

A wet stroll along the Kip Trail Underwater game camera Flooded trail

Wetland birding

Kayla and I went out to do some morning birding on the Kip Trail. After abandoning the trail on the Wachtmeister side due to flooding, we headed to the Pike Rd. entrance. Though I have no bird pictures to share, we saw and/or heard at least the following: Eastern phoebe, kingfishers, mallard ducks, brown creepers, hairy woodpeckers, chickadees, a northern cardinal, red-breasted nuthatch, and likely a yellow warbler!

We happened upon more flooding on the trail and also found some evidence of recent beaver activity near the lean-to.

Flooding on the Kip Trail Beaver chewed wood Beaver chewed beech tree Intrepid ornithologists

Flaming clouds at sunset

Flaming sky

Feather or cloud?

Flaming sunset

Reflections of sunset

Flaming sunset

Clouds at sunset looked like a flame

Flaming sunset

Flaming sunset clouds

April Icing

Spring icing Spring icing Spring icing Spring icing

Stoneflies on the Porch!

iNaturalist identified this as a "Winter Stonefly," there have been a bunch on my porch. It's still pretty chilly - how do these insects survive? So cool! 

A small stonefly - dark brown/black with obvious wing veins and long antennae

Snow Geese

Snow Geese

Tracks in the Snow

Saw some tracks in the snow, not sure what they were, maybe a raccoon?

Saw some tracks on the St. Lawrence University campus today. Not sure what they were, maybe a raccoon?

Eagle eye

Eagle watching the field

Winter walk

Went for a walk while it snow!! Very peaceful

Winter Walk

Walk Along the Saddlemire Trail

Shadowed Owl

Owl was soaking up the sun.

Owl with shadow

Gobble Gobble

Turkey trotting by

Meeting at the feeder

Cardinal and woodpecker meeting at the feeder

First Time Skiing

My first time skiing at Titus was so much fun! Most of the day was cloudy and spent a while on the "bunny" slopes, my friends and I had a great time.

A picture of 2 skiers on Titus mountain, lower side

Backyard Blue Jay

It was a beautiful afternoon just after a snow storm when a few Blue Jays fluttered about in the backyard. This one loved to pose for the camera. 

Blue Jay sitting proud in backyard.

Cold and Beautiful

Beautiful sunny and cold January day

Ice covered trees

Cardinals on ice

A little icing to start the year

Cardinals in iced tree

New Year Owl

Beautiful Barred Owl was sitting on the edge of the wooded area.

Owl

Barred Owl

We were working around our yard when I heard the blue jays sounding alarm calls. I looked to see what they were upset about and spotted this barred owl just through the branches in the wooded area behind our house. My partner grabbed my camera for me, teamwork! 

Barred Owl in our backyard on Black Lake

Views of Huckleberry Lake

Our first hike to Huckleberry Lake in the Wolf Lake State Forest in St. Lawrence County. An easy 1.7 mile out-and-back led to a ledge over the still-as-a-mirror lake.

Huckleberry Lake 1 Huckleberry Lake 2 Huckleberry Lake 3 Huckleberry Lake 4

Sunset from the Site

We saw this beautiful sunset from a campsite at Meacham Campground.  

Sunset from the Site

Hill at Meacham

We visited Meacham Lake and got a great picture of the hills.  

Hills at Meacham

Owl Pond at Night

This is one of my early attempts at capturing what the night looks like under little more than starlight.



You will hear little more than insects, frogs and maybe a Coyote or Owl in the distance.  



Of course, on this night I could hear something walking directly between where I was to take this picture and the 200 feet to the cabin.

And I could not see a thing.  

I heard it breathe on occasion.  So I forced my mind into believing it was "just a deer".

Scenic view of pond lit by starlight with trees and hills on either side. Landscape view of a pond and the sky as it is bordered on both sides by trees

Colors in the Rain

I was driving down the road, and I saw some really nice fall colors. The trees almost made a mini tunnel over the road, and it looked like a great picture opportunity.

Fall colors on Old Canton Road, Canton NY

Sparkles by the Lake

This beautiful view was at Ausable Point.  

Sparkles by the Lake

Heron in a Marsh

This was taken in Peru at Ausable Point.  

Heron in a Marsh

Brandy Brook Colors

It was a clear and calm Fall day along the beautiful area of Brandy Brook, just outside of Waddington. 

Fall colors along Brandy Brook in Waddington

Fall in full bloom

This sight was absolutely breathtaking 

Leaves

Busy Bee

It was amazing to see this little bee at work 

Bees

Autumn on the Oswegatchie River- High Rock Paddle

I've been paddling to High Rock on Columbus day for several years now. I enjoy this trek immensely, and the autumn season makes it that much more enjoyable. The leaves are past peak, but still, it's an amazing trip this time of year. The forecast of sunny skies took a while to get there, but eventually, the skies cleared. To top it off, I saw a bald eagle and a bear. 

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Beautiful fall hike up Goodman Mountain

Had a beautiful hike up Goodman Mountain one Sunday morning, the leaves were all shades of green, yellow, orange, and red and the path was so soft and beautiful with the ones that had already fallen. An amazing short hike!

The cutest cluster of brown and white mushrooms Sun shining through green and yellow tree leaves Fall colors from Goodman peak Leaf that is green yellow orange from inside out Leaf covered path

Bees Nest

Bees nest in a tree

Autumn on the Beaver Narrows Trails at the Wolf Lake State Forest

The Beaver Narrows trail is awesome any time of year, but the fall is by far my favorite.

. . . . .

Autumn at Moose Pond

A short but great hike into Moose Pond during the peak of the foliage. 

. . . .

Fall 2022

Leaves 2022

Color of 2022

Aww nature

Misty Blue Morning

Looking for a few moments of peace before I headed to work I stopped at the Public Beach in Blue Mountain Lake to be rewarded with this spendor!

Blue Mountain/Lake

God is the perfect artist

Walking to the end of a trail and looking out over the hills and pond was so beautiful 

Fall leaves

Fall 2022

Chilly but beautiful leaf peeping day!

Sinclair falls

Buck in velvet

Was fortunate to see the velvet still hanging on...

Buck in velvet

Reds of fall 2022

Burning flames

Autumn 2022

Oh the color palette! Wow!

Field of colors

Old golden glow

Old maple that I grew up playing under as a child .

Old maple tree glows

New Friend?

Heard some rustling outside and thought that maybe I was about to make a new friend. I don't usually judge a book by its cover but when dealing with skunks, it is safe to assume that it would not want to be my friend.

Skunk roaming around SLU campus

Cedar River Flow

Always a blessing to be here! 

Cedar River Flow