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!
"share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move."
We were sitting on a dock feeding fish and I saw the young deer at the far bank.
Believing it was trying to get a drink, I was concerned about it falling in.
Instead it gracefully entered, swam silently and calmly across and exited.
As graceful in the water as among the leaves.
Community Paddle: Birding
Looking for a Saturday evening activity? Well, come join Nature Up North as we paddle along the Little River in Canton looking for birds! By canoeing, we cross through different wetlands and terrestrial habitats that are home to a great variety of waterfowls, songbirds, and raptors. Binoculars are encouraged but not required as we will be getting up close to nature. So come join us on Saturday, June 28th from 6:30 to 8 pm! All canoeing equipment is provided.
Encounters on the Saddlemire Trail
I went for a walk on the Saddlemire Trail with my binoculars with the intention of looking for birds. I did find many birds (including American Redstarts, an Eastern Meadowlark, Yellow Warblers, and more) but I also saw a porcupine and a painted turtle! The porcupine was taking a nap up in a tree, and was still there when I passed by again on my way back. The painted turtle was on the side of the trail poking its head out of its shell near a patch of wild strawberries. These encounters were very special!
Dragonflies of Indian Creek Nature Center
Dragonflies and damselflies are aerial acrobats that can be found in and around many aquatic habitats. We will check out the ponds and various trails and fields of the Indian Creek Nature Center. All ages and levels are welcome! Some nets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own equipment. Insect repellent is recommended. Leader: Jan Trybula, ICNC Board member
Bleeding Fairy Helmet or Rosy Bonet Mushroom
I found this cool mushroom growing off the side of a dead log. Not sure what species it is but I think its either Bleeding Fairy Helmet or Rosy Bonet Mushroom.
SLLT Harts Falls June Bird Walk
Join us Saturday, June 14th from 7:30 - 10 am, as Dr. Tom Langen, a longtime member of our board of directors, will lead a bird walk at our Harts Falls Preserve. The migrant birds are back, and all the residents birds are very active. To ensure all can hear and the birds aren’t disturbed, the walk is limited to 15 people. Please e-mail the St. Lawrence Land Trust (stlawlandtrust at stlawlandtrust.org) with your interest and how many plan to join.
A bird in the bush?
I was watching for a nesting kestrel pair when I heard a commotion. It seems this doe got too near a red winged blackbirds nest. The birds were relentless but she was too busy nursing her fawn to be phased. Fawn is hidden by tall grass.
A bird in the bush?
I was hiding out in the spruce row watching our for our nesting kestrel pair when I heard a commotion from the field behind me. It was red winged black birds. I thought perhaps they were upset with me for potentially being too near their nest. Instead, it seemed this new Momma deer was standing in the tall grass nursing her new fawn. She was too near the nest. The pair of red winged blackbirds were relentless but she stood still only occasionally moving her head while they loudly called and pecked at her.
Extreme Weather Workshop
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Registration will open at 8:30 AM)
Location: Knowles Hall, SUNY Potsdam
Cost: Free – Registration required (space is limited to 100 participants)
Register Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uc36wy8/lp/a943e3a2-474d-436…
Featured Sessions & Activities Include:
Spring Wildflower Walk at Harts Falls
Spring wildflowers are in full bloom Harts Falls; join botanist Anne Johnson for an enjoyable springtime stroll around the St. Lawrence Land Trust property. Please register at stlawrencelandtrust@stlawrencelandtrust.org for more details. The trip will be limited to 15 people. Rain date June 8.