Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Another Discovery Near Steven’s Pond

DSC_0043It is cold, quiet and a bit windy when I park the car and follow the trail that leads down from the road towards the underpass of an old railroad grade, now turned into a hiking trail.

DSC_0042 It is along this trail that I find the little forest birds  as they move swiftly through the trees. I stop suddenly when I am surprised by a Ruby-crowned kinglet that has landed on a branch right in front of me. Before I can snap its picture it is gone and I am standing there, mouth agape. Good thing it isn’t springtime, or I’d be catching flies!

DSC_0044 On the way I pass Steven’s Pond again where the geese, ducks, and swans eat and rest.

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I pass through the cold stone tunnel and emerge in the forest beyond, where trails branch off in all directions and I find myself on the shores of Lake Cochichewick. I see a wooden signboard ahead with a small peaked roof like a house.

DSC_0048 As I head for it I discover another type of sign in its rafters, the remains of a summer nest. I wonder what species of bird lived here and I wonder even more if the chicks survived.

DSC_0049 The sign below has a map of this place and I learn it is called Weir Hill. I see hiking trails all over, just waiting to be explored.  My feet are itching to go, and I briefly consider it, but I am unprepared for a hike today. I do not have water with me, or even the proper clothing.  I am fighting off a cough, and so I turn reluctantly back with dreams of other days and future hikes.

DSC_0051 The path between the ponds leads me back to my car as I pass  a quiet and reflective pool.

DSC_0052I am feeling quiet and reflective also as I think about my new life here and all that has happened, and all that is going on.

DSC_0053I am distracted from my thoughts when an Eastern Blue Jay lands on a branch before me and digs at the wound in the bark. It sends chips flying like a woodpecker until it sees me, then it ceases its barrage and leaps to the branch below, watching.

DSC_0056 I walk past a tangle of roots gripping the ground tightly like a giant hand…

DSC_0057…while the Blue Jay regards me warily, unsure of my intent. Then hopping to a higher perch in the tangle, it does what  jays do best, and sends its warning call over the forest, breaking the stillness with its voice.

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8 comments:

  1. Another great discovery Kathie, you are soon going to have more places to watch birds than you can actually find the time to visit.{:)

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  2. Kathie, that sounds like a great find. A pity I could only get the two pictures up with the path. I'll come back another time with better luck and admire what else you saw.

    Hope all is going well.

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  3. Ha! After I left the comment, the pics came up as though by magic. It certainly is an enticing place. I love the roots like fingers stretched across the path, the russet leaves on the ground and the cheeky jay. Really nice place just to be.

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  4. Looks like a good place to walk.

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  5. I absolutely positively love walks like this. Can I come along again? Here, it's way to cold and icy for walks. You've got a good eye for interesting sights.

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  6. What a delightful discovery Kathie. There truly is beauty all around us if we will just be open to it. And you ARE. I sure look forward to hiking with you on some of these trails as your posts always take me along.

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  7. Such a lovely walk Kathie. Can't wait to see what you find along that path. Hope you get rid of your cough really fast.

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  8. Lovely post Kathie. I can't wait to hear about the birds you see when you get to explore these paths.

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Welcome to my nest! I hope you will enjoy spending time here with me and the birds. Thank you for your comments. I will try to get back to you as soon as I get back from counting more birds.