September 10th. The female American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) on the same perch as yesterday.

 

I passed this spot (by the bench in the marsh) on my way west at 7:30. No Kestrel then.

 

At 7:45 on my way back east, the female had arrived. No sign of the male when I left at 8:10.

 

 

 

 

 

Caption anyone? ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scroll down at this link (https://www.performance-vision.com/airline2024/airline-summer-24q.html) to see yesterday's pictures of the female and the male.

 

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

 

 

 

Momma Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and her single duckling with still a lot of growing to accomplish.

 

Been awhile since I've seen a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) at Cranberry Bog, or anywhere else except the coast for awhile.

 

Leaf-footed Bug (Acanthocephala terminalis).

 

New York American-aster (Symphyotrichum belgii).

 

September 11th. Nine-eleven. I had just returned to my truck after walking the marsh when I heard on the radio about the first Tower being struck. Today was a peaceful but chilly 47 degrees o the trail, with a bit of fall color in the Red Maples (Acer rubrum).

 

The first of two Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodius) at the marsh.

 

The best (and only) photo I got of a Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia).

 

The second Great Blue Heron. Sadly, I didn't see the American Kestrals this morning. Perhaps they've moved along on their journey south.

 

The Pink Lady's-slipper Orchids (Cypripedium acaule) about done for the year.

 

A Green Heron (Butorides virescens) at the pond just east of River Road.

 

I count myself lucky if I see one or two of these per year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 12th. 49 degrees. A bit more color in the trees.

 

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) far across the marsh.

 

 

 

Working to get an ID on this caterpillar, hanging by a silk thread.

 

The usual Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) at the pond east of River Road.

 

Spotted something.

 

Preparing to pounce.

 

False alarm; didn't strike.

 

Frustrated squawk?

 

Alert again, preparing to pounce.

 

 

 

 

 

Another false alarm.

 

 

 

September 13th. Foggy morning.

 

 

 

 

 

No American Kestrels this morning. I think they've moved on.

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) in the fog.

 

Climbing Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) showing Fall colors.

 

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) berries have ripened.

 

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

 

Young male Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are showing adult colors.

 

Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta).

 

September 14th. A thorn-mimic Treehopper (Enchenopa sp.) on Goldenrod (Solidago sp.)

 

There are a number of species in this genus that are yet to be named and described.

 

A mated pair of Broad-headed Bugs (Family Alydidae; Alydus eurinus) on Bush Clover. The nymphs are ant mimics.