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

Eagle with prey

Eagle with prey

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

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

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

Care for a sit?

Picnic bench on the water

Rainbow Falls

Waterfall

Snow Bird

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

Dark Eyed Junco

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

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. 

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

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

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

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 Sunrise

Azure Mt Morning

Azure Mountain in the morning

Azure Mt Firetower

Azure Mt Firetower

Sunrise at Azure

Mt Azure sunrise hike- view from fire tower

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

Ives Park Sunset Potsdam NY

Racquette River Sunset Racquette River Sunset Trail ride

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

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

Close Encounter

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

Close Encounter

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

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

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. 

Sunset at Barnhart Marina

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

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

Mergansers take off

Mergansers

Otter Breakfast

Otter

Banded Terns

Banded Terns

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 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

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

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 sunset

Clouds at sunset looked like a flame

Flaming sunset

Flaming sunset clouds

Flaming clouds at sunset

Flaming sky

Feather or cloud?

Flaming sunset

Reflections of sunset

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

Walk Along the Saddlemire Trail

Winter walk

Went for a walk while it snow!! Very peaceful

Winter Walk

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

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

Heron in a Marsh

This was taken in Peru at Ausable Point.  

Heron in a Marsh

Sparkles by the Lake

This beautiful view was at Ausable Point.  

Sparkles by the Lake

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

Busy Bee

It was amazing to see this little bee at work 

Bees

Fall in full bloom

This sight was absolutely breathtaking 

Leaves

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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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.

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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

Autumn at Moose Pond

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

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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

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

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

The Bog River and Lows Overlook

This is an annual event for us. The foliage seems to run a little earlier along the Bog River area and this year was great. The paddle up the Bog river and then the hike up to the overlook make a perfect "surf and turf" outting.

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Cedar River Flow

Always a blessing to be here! 

Cedar River Flow

Unexpected Hike on Scarface

Peak weekend, decided to go hiking with a few friends, the high peaks were too crowded with hikers so decided to take a smaller trail. Found some unique features along the way. Now, I am halfway complete with the Saranac 6...

Mushroom on tree Stream around the rocks view of adk mountain range

All your geese in a row

Geese

Sunset Over Water

Sunset from my backyard, on the Grasse River in Massena, NY.

Colorful sunset over a body of water

Sunset atop Mt. Azure

Another beautiful reminder that we are blessed to live in the best place on Earth. 

a beautiful sunset for the beautiful North Country

Path of Trees

Sun Breaks through clouds by the golf course

Fall at Sandstone Trail

Relaxing hike 

Sandstone Trail

Mother Nature's Canvas

Peaceful Sky

Sunset

A Day Canoeing on Long Lake

The waters were a little windy, which made canoeing a little bit more difficult than originally planned. The trees surrounding the lake were just beginning to change their colors, so mainly green with a few leaves of red and orange. But the views of the mountains along the lake were absolutely stunning.

canoes, shed, at a bank on the lake canoe on lake with adk mountains in background long lake image 1 long lake image 2

Paddle at Cranberry Lake!

Got out on the water and paddled cranberry lake with a group! Got to get off and explore some rocks, go for a chilly swim, and camp out! It was so fun to be outside and enjoy being with new friends!

Taking out the orange raft to paddle cranberry lake with a group of people who quickly became friends!

Waterfall and fall leaves

The water was roaring and so amazing. The air crisp and steam flowing from the water with the changing leaves in the distance 

Waterfall and Autumn leaves

ROOTS

This is a fallen tree on the Lampson Falls trial. Such a beautiful piece of nature 

ROOTS

This beautiful girl wanted her photo taken!!

Hard at Work

My family went to Hidden Pastures Dairy to pick sunflowers and we came across many honey bees enjoying the sunflowers.

Honey Bee collecting pollen from a sunflower

Mother Dove's Nest

This is a mourning dove's nest we discovered in our spruce tree in the fall.  

Mother Dove's Nest

Sunset Hike

Sunset Hike on Mount Arab, lots of bugs, but the view was worth it. 

sunset looking over the lake sunset over the safety building

Stone Valley

Stone Valley waterfalls

Baby mouse

Sweet little mouse looking for a morsel was relocated to an area where there would be plenty of food, water and warm places to make a home.

Mouse

Spreading those Wings

This was a monarch butterfly that we grew from a caterpillar.  We released it and it lighted on a plant in our yard.  

Spreading those Wings

Sandhill Cranes near Wilson Hill WMA

It was a delight to spot this pair of Sandhill Cranes grazing in a grassy field near the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area in Louisville, St. Lawrence County, NY. Sandhill Cranes breed in several locations in the county, including the Wilson Hill WMA, Upper & Lower Lakes WMA, and the Lisbon Swamp Complex. Keep your eyes out for these majestic birds that can reach four feet in length and have wingspans of 6.5 feet. Better yet - keep your ears open for their distinctive rattling/rolling calls.

Sandhill Cranes near Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area

Nature and Buildings

This was such a beautiful site as I was walking along the trail across from this gorgeous building that I could not resist the urge to capture its beauty 

Brick church in Potsdam on the Island

Golden Hour Sunset

On an evening walk at my friend's house, I noticed we were walking by a very simple but beautiful scene. And as someone who lives in the city, I was quite enchanted by it--I just had to get my camera out.

The perfect end to a fun-filled day in Hammond, New York.

Nature at Work

This was a breath taking experience! Fresh morning dew all over the flowers . It was so beautiful 

This was such an amazing site. Fresh morning dew covered this beautiful flower and it had a tiny little bug collecting nectar

Evening paddle

An evening on the Grasse River

Barn in the Evening

Barn and moon

Out for a strole

I was out for a Strole and saw this beautiful family of geese heading out for a swim 

Geese

Sunset hike

After a rainy hike up for our annual August 31 sunset hike, we were greeted at the top my the most beautiful double rainbow. The clouds then continues to part and the sunset was stunning. 

A beautiful double rainbow met us at the top of Coney Mountain

Spider dew

Dew on web

Butterflies

Butterfly summer

Summer walk

Butterfly

Queen Anne’s Lace and Butterfly

Wildlife in my yard

deer enjoying apples from my tree

Hungry bird

enjoying my mullein plant

Looking into the Sky

This was taken at the Malone Rec Park, on what we call Snake Hill.  

Looking into the Sky

Toad house

A toad climbed far up to an abandoned bird house.

Toad squats in bird house

Beauty

The fields  are full of babies

Fawn

Panther Mt. - Tupper Lake

At just over 1.5 miles, this short trek is an easier mountain than most. For details : https://hikingthetrailtoyesterday.wordpress.com/2022/08/31/panther-moun…

Panther Mt. Panther Mt. Panther Mt. Panther Mt.

Deer in Canton

A very unwary deer encountered us on Peter Van de Water Walking Trail in Canton.  He continued to munch leaves and watch us until he decided it was time to walk to the next island.

Deer on Peter Van deWater Trail

Lampson Falls

Lampson Falls

Duckling along shoreline

Pinkerbelles

We saw these pretty flowers on a trip to the Wild Center in Tupper Lake.  

Pinkerbelles

Eagle on Raquette River

Eagle spotted on the Raquette River in Norfolk, NY

Eagle

Banded kingfisher

Driving along the Oswegatchie river, I saw something white. Took out my camera...and oh my goodness...I have never seen one of these! This banded kingfisher was my first ever sighting.

Banded kingfisher

Model with bear in background

Taking model shots of my coworker and spotted the bear behind her (look to the right) picture of bear posted by itself as well on profile/encounters 🥰

Bear to the right

Bear in Reynoldston

I was taking model shots of my coworker on the bridge and spotted the bear behind her! Had to quickly change my settings! This bear just strutted across the river, not a care about our presence! 

Bear crossing river in Reynoldston

Fishing on the St Lawrence River

This was such a beautiful site . Watching the sun go down as we were fishing on the St Lawrence River 

Sitting watching the sun go down as we were fishing on the St Lawrence River

Sunset Silhouette

Couple watching a beautiful sunset at Barnhart Marina

Sunset at Barnhart Marina

Mink with crayfish

After hearing mink running around chirping along the rocky shore I followed them from farther away and sat there watching them. After a little bit I ran back in and got my camera and when I came back there were only 2 left. One was sleeping on a rock and then there was this little guy who came back with a huge crayfish! 

Mink along rocky shoreline with crayfish in mouth

Gazing at the Sky

This was taken during a camping trip to Meacham Lake this past year.  

Gazing at the Sky

Beautiful Sunset Over Rollway Bay

Turtle stroll

Just spotted this fella out for an afternoon stroll

Turtle mostly black with a little red striping visible on leg

Big guy!

Not much to say except for this fella was big and he was NOT bothered by us

A good sized frog

A sweat bee with some mites

This sweat bee seemed to have some sort of mites bothering it, not sure if it’s the same mite that infests honeybee hives (Varroa destructor) or something similar or even completely different. 

Bright green bee with little red mites on abdomen

Giant water bug with eggs!

Super cool find at Conservation Field Day at Indian Creek Nature Center - a male giant water bug with eggs on its back!! Giant water bugs reverse parental roles and the males carry the eggs on their back until they hatch. These cool insects also have a sinister nickname: toe-biter!

Giant water bug with eggs on back!

The slugs are feasting!

Love finding large, cool fungi but love even more seeing how all the other forest critters use them! Breakfast is served for these slugs!

Slugs feasting on a mushroom

Sunset wishes

Wishes at sunset

Edwards Nature Trail

The Edwards Nature Trail is such a hidden gem! It’s so cool to be able to walk along the old train trestle, and the trail itself is very accessible and easy to find. And of course crossing the Oswegatchie River is lovely!

Old train trestle on a cloudy day

Lilac flower in bloom

I was walking around with my camera and every time I would go outside, I would always get a big whiff of the lilac bushes! Finally I grabbed my macro camera lens and took some photos of the flowers!

Lilac flowers blooming

Poser Hummingbird

This little guy was the first to arrive in May. He made himself comfortable, I think he was a regular. He would buzz past me while I took my morning walks with my camera. On this morning, he chirped and then landed nearby and began stretching and preening his feathers. He put on quite the show, I got a great series of photos. I gave this guy a name, Harold, because he was quite bold and seemed to recognize me as the human who was filling the feeders and growing his favorite flowers. I get a great number of hummingbirds here each season on Black Lake. 

Ruby throated hummingbird posing in apple tree

Red Trillium

Saw a ton of these beautiful red trilliums on Cranberry Lake! A lovely way to start the morning after sleeping in the lean-to. 

Red trilliums in the woods!

Round Lake hike

A nice hike into Round Lake (Sabattis NY). for details- https://hikingthetrailtoyesterday.wordpress.com/2022/05/09/round-lake-h…

Round Lake Trail Round Lake Trail Round Lake Trail

Atop Baker Mountain

It was an amazing early spring experience. 

Atop Baker Mountain

Baker's Finest View

This was taken atop Baker Mountain.  

Baker's Finest View