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!
Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing seen sitting in the reeds just off the bridge.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow seen sitting in a pine tree just outside of the house. Black spot on chest very distinctive.
Hermit Thrush
Hermit thrush heard singing off in the bushes off the Route 56 bridge in Colton next to Kunoco.
Who has been here?
Looks like red squirrels are starting to feed on evergreen cones!
Cub Scout Bird Watching Hike
Our Cub Scouts enjoyed a mid-morning hike on a beautiful day. It threatened rain all morning so the group of brave souls who attended was smaller than usual. Bird watching was the goal, but we spent more time watching the cows (who were quite friendly coming right up to the fence I assume looking for food) and investigating the numerous mushrooms and the one random skull we found. We practiced our leave no trace guidelines and took only pictures and left only footprints. Very deep ones thanks to the mud.
The Adirondacks
Three hikers - Page, Dylan and Ryann met Erin Siracusa.
Ms. Siracusa explained the geological formations in the Adirondacks
which formed vistas beyond description.
It was a terrific sunny and invigorating day - get outside and away from your computer!
Gothics South Face (Original Route 5.4)
This was leg 2 of a day-climb up Gothics Rainbow Slide (East Face), South Face (Original Route 5.4) and North Face (Finger Slide 5.1). Full pictures and story are located at this address: http://forums.adkhighpeaks.com/showthread.php?t=21847
Luna Moth
This is the second luna moth I've encountered in the past week. The first was spotted on campus, across the street from the Brewer bookstore, and this one was spotted in the Community Bank parking lot. These moths can have a wingspan of up to 4.5 inches. Interestingly, adult luna moths do not eat (they don't have mouths!), and they only live for about a week (their only purpose is to mate).
First Weeks of Nature up North Programming!
Amidst the hot and the wet, summer programming has begun with Nature Up North! Our first week of programming was a blast of campfire songs, goose wrangling and Little River paddling. We kicked off the summer with a dendrology canoe trip on the Little River. After safety and techniques were covered, our group of paddlers, ranging from first timers to seasoned veterans, ventured out to enjoy the meandering river while encountering a chorus of green frogs
Cucumbers, Clovers, and Other Edibles of the Forest: A Guided Nature Adventure at Higley Flow
Cucumbers in the woods!? Please join us for a nature walk collaboration with a naturalist from Higley Flow to look at some of the tasty treats of the woods. Explorers will adventure out into Higley Flow's trail system that travels through different ecosystems checking out the natural features of one of New York's most beautiful parks. Participants will get an introduction to some of the edible plants in the area while enjoying a short walk on the park grounds.