September 22nd; the first day of Fall. Poison Sumac (Rhus vernix).

 

 

 

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).

 

New York American Aster (Symphytotrichum novi-belgii).

 

 

 

Woolly Alder Aphids (Prociphilus tessellatus) covered in extruded waxy fillaments as protection from cold weather.

 

Most are wingless, but some have wings.

 

September 24th. A short walk east of Cook Hill Road in Lebanon.

 

One of a flock of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) that hang out near the cattle yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) near the marsh's exit stream.

 

Heading back past the marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

A good year for Winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

 

Odd not to see any animals out...

 

...except a few goats at the west end of the farm.

 

Next stop, Willimantic and the Windam Town Hall for a regional meeting of the ALSPT Alliance. Acoustics in the room were awful. Until some mics were found it was hard to make out more than one of three words spoken. Not sure what it was like for those attending via Zoom.

 

Committee members for the Air Line Trail South sub-group.

 

A draft summary of how responsibilities are divvied up beteen various constituencies. Hmm, I wish the arrows pointed both ways.

 

A summary of projects over the past few years; not necessarily completed. (I was saddened to hear that some projects underway or currently proposed will not be completed before 2026 or 2027.)

 

The process for initiating projects feels very bureaucratic and I fear it will result in delays addressing urgent issues. I do like the implied standardization of stone dust, hopefully preventing the use of poor quality alternatives such as seen east and west of River Road in Westchester.

 

September 25th. Back to the trail! The first of two hawks seen this morning.

 

An immature Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii). (Thank's Russ, for the ID.)

 

The second hawk., an immature Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). (Thanks again, Russ.)

 

 

 

An afternoon stop at the pond east of River Road. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius).

 

 

 

Six Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) in various stages of molting to adult colors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full adult male plumage.

 

The rock cut heading west from Bull Hill Road...

 

...to the Lyman Viaduct.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dried seed pods of a plant in the Pea Family (Poaceae). Will try growing them to see what they are... unless someone who knows gets in touch.

 

The resident Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) at Cranberry Bog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) duckling at left. Mom at right.

 

Two pair of other Mallards have shown up at the pond.

 

September 26th. Two Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta).

 

Impressive claws.