Hiking - Montezuma Audubon Center

Montezuma Audubon Center

Walking to the Farm for the morning papers encountered a chilly mist. But recalling Jim Teske's weather prediction on Tuesday's late night news left for the Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) believing the overcast skies would eventually clear.

Reaching Savannah and driving east on the Savannah-Spring Lake Road noticed a family of Trumpeter Swans on the far edge of the water at Malone Unit #1. Passing by Muckrace there was a Great Blue Heron in the channel. Entering the parking lot at Martens Tract pulled up along a pick-up track. Standing on the observation deck saw a hunter and his black dog return and get in the truck. With the exception of 3 Red-wing Blackbirds Martens Tract was quiet.

Martens Tract

Since the drizzle remained steady decided to go to the MAC. To my surprise when I got to Malone Unit #1 the Trumpeter Swans had swam to the forefront and were just a few feet off the highway. Looking at the birds saw that they wearing green tags. Could make out the numbers - #206 & #207 on two adults and #204, #205, and either #202 or #203 on the juveniles.

Arrived at the MAC just about 9 AM and met Dave Spier in the parking lot. After assessing the situation in the MAC lobby we decided to hike around the grounds. Discouraged by the wet fields we headed into the woods by way of the cinder path. Just before entering the woods Dave pointed out a double gall.

Bypassed the observation deck. Saw what appeared to be 3 Green Teal on the North Pond. Back in the woods a spice bush with water beads caught our attention.

Further along the trail we became aware of a cluster of beech trees and their leaves.

On the wolf tree Dave pointed out some bracket fungi. Its brown color was unusual. As we made out way up the hill we came across some more beech trees. While photographing them I noted a bug skeleton.

 

Leaving the woods we found the grassland wet and the rain relentless. To our amazement there was a proliferation of Gaillardia.

While drying off in the center Dave helped me identify some of the creatures that I have photgraphed recently.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly

(on our front porch)

Turtle Head

(in our flower garden)

Eastern Phoebe

(Cayuga College Trail)

Although the weather did not cooperate the sighting of the tagged Trumpeters and the photography insights that Dave shared made this soggy morning's trek worthwhile.