Savannah Sparrow and Dark-eyed juncos

(edited: had a brain cramp, and called a Savannah Sparrow a Grasshopper Sparrow. I guess I should read my own posts more carefully.)

Bears in the night.

Around 2:45am on the 11th, a bear stopped by the house to check out the bird feeders. I stepped out to push it away, which is usually pretty easy, you just go outside. Well I heard claws on tree bark, and knew I was dealing with a mom and cubs. I didn't see the cubs, but saw mom. She looked at me started popping her teeth and I bolted.
Here's what she left behind. (No I can assure you it wasn't me.)


And that was the second bear in a week.

Beetles in the News

Concerning the effects of the mountain pine beetle in Colorado, Elevation Outdoors Magazine has a piece on the beetle and it's possible effects on recreation.

Food

Growing up in New Jersey did have some benefits. Ecologically, it is the northern range of a whole host of plants.I spent a lot of time in the Pine Barrens. And the shore. Hot and humid in the summer, it does carry a lot of good memories for me. Out in the Pines, nighttime was an incredible mix of sounds.

We also had good food. Harvest Cake, Blueberry Crunch, (works great with a berry mix,yumm!) and Pepper Hash. And of course Jersey tomatoes and corn.

And I can't forget peaches.

Or blue crabs.

Yellow-rumped warbler

Dendroica coronata

Violets

Lady slippers

Lady slippers,moccasin flower, whatever you call them it's still Cypripedium acaule. When the mosquitos are at their worst and the blackflies are swarming, you can be sure they are blooming.