Category Archives: Ginger

Fall Woods Walk 1

Ginger and I have been exploring a local forest and its network of trails. Yesterday, we walked and birded for nearly three hours and never saw anyone. 

It was quiet: there were no road noises, chainsaws, people, or dogs – all was I could hear was the jingle of her harness, the chirps and trills of the ever-present chickadees, and calling of crows and the drumming of woodpeckers. It was lovely as the temperature climbed from 45 into the sixties – a perfect Fall morning and a welcome break from the onslaught of disturbing news in the nation and the world.

I took my time and saw a lot of birds but thought I’d first give you a flavor of the trek. I’ll sort the birds out next post. 

These old farmlands have a variety of stone walls, old foundations, interesting debris, and lots of natural features that catch your eye. This massive boulder right near the start has a big crack and missing piece that piques the imagination.

Just across the trail is an old hubcap which probably has a story behind it.

The leaves are starting to turn and it’s goldenrod and aster time in Vermont.

A Common Yellowthroat enjoying fall color

Some of the forest is being used for sugaring.

The sap transmission lines are left up year-round.
Ginger explored some of the old pails
This tree had an interesting burl
This tree had an interesting family using it.

Here are a few more shots from the walk:

My Birding Buddy – ready for the next adventure

It is heartening to know that these trails and quiet forest have been preserved and protected for future generations.

Sorting Geese

During these challenging times, one of the safe things we can do right now is bird, and with migration starting, we can see a many new arrivals out back on the river. Yesterday, Ginger and I took a drive to check out some nearby farm fields and we saw hundreds of Canada Geese. I was looking for something like a Snow Goose or Cackling Goose while sorting them out from the roads.

The groups ranged in size from a few to over a hundred.
This gaggle had some Mallards and a couple of Wood Ducks.
Ginger is getting ready for our next outing, with more walking and fresh air.

Stay safe and be glad that we have our avian friends (and sometimes a canine buddy) to enjoy as we navigate the months ahead. Good birding