20220909 first fall patrol

With what seemed like an early nesting season and a very warm summer, I headed out for a first of the season Patrol. Joining me was Karen McKendry and Thomas Baker. It is always great to bring new folks out and show them what this time of year is all about. While no turtles were spotted, we did find other wildlife. Right at the roadway Bizzy spotted this large Caterpillar. 

We spotted a just as large and slightly different large caterpillar along the trail. This seemed to be much brighter in appearance.:

We found one more of each of the above examples. Here is a shot of the third unit:

We also encounter a number of young Toadlets and one mature American Toad. Pickerel Frogs were plentiful and we spotted 2 Maritime Garter snakes and what I believe was a dark Red-bellied snake. 

Other sightings were some American Goldfinches and the wing of a Common Nighthawk. 

Perhaps the most significant finding was that the lake has fallen victim to Blue-Green Algae. We notified the Department of the Environment and it was confirmed. 

More patrols coming. 

Put some wild in your life today!

Turbo