On the Trails of IES

Trail Report for Oct 3, 2007

Some sights taken in last week at Gifford garden were still to be seen today:
Autumn crocus were blooming at the head of the walkway to Gifford House.
A dizzying container of canna was on the brick patio.
I was enjoying close looks at things like Dusty miller.
Moonflower seed pods were intriquing.
Along the Wappinger Creek Trail, wood nettle stood looking innocent.
I mustn't forget: last week there was a river otter in the creek! Spend some time by trail marker #10 - or the "Appendix" as I like to call it. It's a good place for birds, too.
The Creek itself was looking fallsy with golden leaves collecting in the stoney shallows.
A huge barred owl swooped over my head where the trail lets out to the Fern Glen. It landed long enough for a look, but not a photo.
I played hide and seek with a black squirrel behind the Sedge Meadow, but couldn't get a photo. I've seen a few this year.

Leaves were collecting along the paths in the Glen too.
Some things retain their leaves, like spotted wintergreen.
Some things, like this fungus, were only revealed when leaves fell.
Some things, like spicebush berries show right through the leaves inviting birds to spread them.
Another interesting berry is that of eastern wahoo the native relative of the alien burning bush.
All of our goldenrods are native - and there are a few...
But it is actually the inconspicuous ragweed that is to blame for allergies.
Beggar-ticks is another inconspicuous plant, but everbody knows those long, two-pronged seeds that stick to your socks.
I leave you today with a bee leaving an aster.