5-23-08 Observations

- Sunny, breezy and refreshingly cool the last few days, with nights being particularly pleasant...low to mid 50s and a bright moon.

- Today has been a warm (around 80) and seasonal spring day on the mountain properties. A few sprinkles here and there.

- Walked the Magical Mile hiking trail (the new trail from Hemlock Park to Mother's Park) again a couple of days ago.......the trail parallels Stone Creek for over a mile....serene forest....quiet....truly magical.

- Reports of recently born fawns beginning to come in....

- It has been a great growing season for most all local flora....the Blackberry vines are currently loaded with brilliant white blooms and the Mountain Laurel is blooming along the creeks and in the valleys. Most of the blooms of the laurel are brilliant white, with occasional specimens showing pink blooms.

- Attached are recent bird photos....Can we say inconspicuous? The Song Sparrow (on the ground...Melospiza melodia) is best described by this one word. The Northern Mockingbird in the photo seems to be quite angry that I was sharing space. The photo of the striking Pileated Woodpecker is one of my best....and the bird seems to be showing the world how they use the rigid tail feathers for leverage and balance when having a meal. Two of them are tending a nest in a tree just behind my cabin.