Category Archives: Flora

Catching Rays In The Garden

Posted on by
3

Thursday, August 18, 2011

This is no snake in the grass. This Garter Snake is sunning itself on a wildflower at Avalon Preserve. I was out early this morning hoping to see a Goldfinch or maybe some warblers. I had seen my first Indigo Bunting only just yesterday but I really doubted I’d be so lucky two days in a row. And I wasn’t. No buntings for me today. I did see a few Goldfinches but I didn’t get any good shots. Too be honest, I’ve never gotten a decent pic of one of those beauties yet. That’s how it goes. I did get some okay-looking shots of some Cedar Waxwings. They may show up in a later post if I don’t get too lazy.


I was walking along the paths in the farm fields adjacent to the Barn when I came across  this unlikely sight. This little guy is maybe eight inches, tops. He’s coiled up on the stem of a yellow flower, warming up for the day’s activities. I like these open fields because of all the sunlight. I suspect our friend here likes them for the same reason. Somehow I doubt he was waiting there so I could have this very cool photo op. JK

Tree Party

Posted on by
Reply

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Tree party! No, this is not an Entmoot. (Anyone get that?) It’s an Arbor Day celebration for the whole family. Four Harbor’s Audubon Society, of which I am a proud member, along with the Three Village Community Trust and Frank Melville Memorial Park will be hosting a Tree Party at the Bates House at the park Saturday, April 30th. It looks to be a pretty cool event. There will be activities for the younger ones as well guided tours through the park for everyone. This is an excellent park with varied habitats including two ponds, a saltwater marsh, wooded ares, and open fields. There will be plenty of info about the trees and the animals that depend on them. Think birds, but it doesn’t stop there. Sweetbriar Nature Center will have a presentation of several animals. If you’ve never seen a Sweetbriar presentation, you’re missing out. It’s a wonderful chance to see the critters that live in our own back yards but that we very rarely get to see, and certainly not up close. Also, lest I forget, there will be free trees for all to take home. These trees were especially chosen to grow well here on Long Island. Come get yours. JK.