Most Recent “Seen Lately on the Trails” Listing
Seen Lately on Hill-Stead’s Trails
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BIRDS
Red-Winged Blackbird
Goldfinch
House Finch
Song Sparrow
Red-Tailed Hawk
Turkey Vulture
American Robin
Cardinal
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Barred Owl
Carolina Wren
Wild Turkey
Blue Jay
Eastern Bluebird
Tree Swallow
Carolina Wren
MAMMALS
White Tailed Deer
Red Fox
Coyote
Weasel
Rabbit
Muskrat
(2) Fishercats
INSECTS
Mosquito
Dog Tick
Cabbage White Butterfly
Mourning White Butterfly
Clouded Sulphur Butterfly
Spring Azure Butterfly
PLANTS
Skunk Cabbage
Filed Pussy Toes
Fleabane Daisy
AMPHIBIANS
Green Frogs (and egg masses)
Toad Eggs
REPTILES
Painted Turtle
Northern Water Snake
Brown Snake
Garter Snake
May 6, 2009 at 7:06 AM |
This list is terrific Diane. I am also really enjoying your well thought out and informative blog topics. The earth day one was insightful. I wish I had more time to interact with the site. But I will visit periodically. Great job. You are without doubt the best at what you do.
Betty
May 14, 2009 at 4:58 AM |
As I was going into the Hill-stead on Saturday morning (I’m a museum interpreter for the house) I saw a beautiful scarlet tanager singing in the elm tree out in the front.
May 14, 2009 at 8:41 PM |
What a thrill! The Scarlet Tanager is a spectacular beauty, with its red body and black wings. This bird nests at Hill-Stead. You can often hear his throaty, husky song from the tops of trees. It sounds like “a robin with a cold”. But getting a good view can be tricky with the trees leafed out. Good for you, and good for our wonderful elm tree! Keep your eyes open, and let me know what else you see!
July 6, 2009 at 11:51 PM |
Hi Diane,
Loved your spittlebug stuff. Yes the wetness has been a bit much, but the trails are really holding up well. It is better to have a rich world full of fresh water than a nasty drought. Your butterfly walk should be terrific. If I’m in town I will be there. Also your list of things seen lately is a great resource. Sue and I saw a painted turtle laying eggs about 3 weeks ago near the pond.
Betty Collins
July 11, 2009 at 4:18 PM |
Betty! You should have been there-the butterflies were neat, and we had a great group. Also, we saw the turtle you speak of once again laying eggs in the meadow. Sue swears it is the same one. Cheers, Diane
July 15, 2009 at 6:50 PM |
Hi Diane,
I have seen a big, dark brown snake (perhaps a water snake?) 2 times down by the pond. I’m guessing its about 3 ft. in length or so and about 2 1/2 in. wide. I think it lives in the rocks under the bridge because that is were I first saw it and where I saw a snake skin later. The second time I saw it I almost stepped on it. It was curled up in a ball in the grass and it looked like a rock. I hope that’s the biggest the snakes get around here!
~Natalie
July 15, 2009 at 8:29 PM |
Natalie, I know just the one you mean. He’s been there for quite some time, and has grown and grown. He is a northern water snake, and he is very well fed! If you are quiet, as you obviously are, when you approach the bridge you may very well see him. Most of the time I have people with me, so he is scared off. But when I am alone I get a real kick out of him. Thanks for writing! Diane
November 24, 2009 at 4:54 AM |
Nice article, great looking website, added it to my favs!
November 24, 2009 at 9:02 AM |
Thank you! Diane Tucker
August 11, 2010 at 2:21 PM |
Hey Diane,
My favorite tree in the garden, the tulip tree, lost a large branch in a storm recently. Do you think it will be ok?
August 20, 2010 at 11:27 AM |
I am always amazed by the resiliency of plants (and trees). I loved tulip trees, too. They were used as masts in the olden days because they grow so straight and tall. Of course, the flowers are stupendous.
Diane
September 23, 2010 at 12:46 PM |
Hi Diane, What a great list! I sure would like to visit your trails some day. Maybe I’ll get to the area next year. Tn is not that far from where you are (I moved East to Tn from Calif. a year ago) so maybe I’ll roam those trails eventually! Have a wonderful autumn day!
September 27, 2010 at 9:01 AM |
If you visit you must let me know you are coming and I’ll show you around!
Diane