The many senses of Oak Ledge

This week at my site, I really enjoyed discovering more about my place through different senses. It smelled like crisp winter air, as it was very cold when I went to my place. The ice has been breaking up more, and the water underneath was sloshing against the rocks and ice that make up my spot. The water smelled the faintest bit like ocean, but I was probably just imagining it (wishful thinking). I could also hear the timid waves beating against the rocks. I loved the sound of it; it really reminded me that springtime is upon us! I even heard birds chirping (though I couldn't identify them - I really tried!). The snow is slowly disappearing but is now just packed down to the point that it feels like it's been there forever. There are a lot of patterns and textures in the snow and ice. The ice on the lake has split up into little pieces, making a sort of mosaic of all different sizes. It was extremely cold on this day, but the air was crisp and moist at the same time. There were a (very) few flurries that melted as soon as they hit any sort of surface. I could almost taste the water splashing into my mouth. 


Here is a photo of a cool pattern/texture I found in the snow:

:-)

SPRING is in the air!

This week when I went to my spot, it was definitely an adventure. I decided to brave the weather and ride my bike down to Oak Ledge. I overestimated the snowmelt - the path was completely covered and I ended up walking my bike there and back! I entered a different way and found a few more chimneys that I didn't know existed. I also found a staircase and the foundation of a house! When I finally got to my spot, it looked completely different!! First of all, someone had visited and built a fire pit right in the middle of my spot. They also decided to leave their empty beer bottles everywhere! That put a little damper on things. After getting over that, I noticed a lot of other changes. The warm weather melted a lot of the snow and the lake itself was not frozen over anymore. The rock underneath is also now visible! I tried really hard to find animals or even tracks, but I didn't find any really. I saw some dog paw prints but thats about it. I saw a few birds, mostly ducks, crows, and ring-billed seagulls. Hopefully I'll have better luck in the future!

Here are some photos to see the drastic changes in my site:

The fire I found!

Snowmelt... compare this same photo from all my posts.

Water!

Melting lake with Burlington in the background

:-) Happy spring!

Flying south for winter

For spring break, I went to New Orleans! Longest drive of my life but worth it for the 75 degree weather! I didn't actually see any birds in the city (I did see some crazy creatures wearing feathers but I won't go there...)! I did however go to the Audubon Zoo one day and saw lots of cool birds! I saw flamingoes (which I found out are not actually pink - they just look that way because they eat so much shrimp) and ostriches and emu and other big birds like that. I unfortunately don't have any photos of them. I also went to a plantation called Destrehan Plantation. It was really pretty and while there I saw a gorgeous little bird! It was singing in a tree and I was able to get a picture.

I don't remember what it's song sounds like, so I can't identify it that way. After searching around online, I think it's a Chickadee! But I don't know what kind! If you have any ideas, I'll gladly take them! 

I hope everyone had an amazing spring break full of birds!!!

:-)

P.S. Here is a map of where I was:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=216055676668274240240.00049e8c8177833b44cea&ll=29.932325,-90.11673&spn=0.517696,1.234589&t=h&z=10

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

My place was so amazing today! I went just in time for the sunset... keep reading for pictures! I also brought a friend along; it was fun to be able to share my phenology spot with someone else (plus it was a good way to get pictures of myself!). My friend also lent me his trusty North American Trees book, which proved to be a helpful resource in identifying trees around my place. I found five common trees around my area. Here they are!

Arbor Vitae (Cedar)

American Elm (This was a hard one because it wasn't on my sheet!)

Red Pine (This tree looks like it should be in a Dr. Suess book!)

Red Pine bark... so cool!

My buddy Red Maple and I with my trusty North American Trees book!

White Pine

Looking for trees was super exciting... but my site in general was awesome this week because it has changed SO MUCH since the last time I was there. The lake was completely frozen as far as I could see and I walked out onto it to a little island in the middle. From there, I watched the sunset over the Adirondacks and contemplated the life in my area. There is so much history and excitement going on in Oak Ledge, which was especially evident on this day. There were people out with their family and friends and dogs, birds flying overhead, animal (dogs... I checked) tracks in the snow, and amazing ice patterns everywhere I looked. This visit was exactly what I needed as a break from the busy week I've had. I haven't seen much animal life, but I'm excited for what's to come. I also learned some history about my site. It used to be a resort with a bunch of bungalows all around the cove. This is probably what the chimney is from! I also learned that the rock all around my site is Monkton Quartzite. All in all, the changes I found on this visit have only made me more excited for the weeks and changes to come! Here are some more photos to share my awesome visit with you all.

Walking on the ice

Me in front of my spot!

:-)