Category Archives: Nature Study

Education, Mountain Biking, Nature Study, Observations, Pine Hill Partnership, Trail Updates, Uncategorized

Wild Times Summer

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Wild Times At Pine Hill Park Summer, 2026 Summary

The first day of Summer I spent updating the status of the some 50 American Chestnut trees growing in the park at 5 different locations. Some of those trees have been growing in the park since 2015. On the first day of summer last year, the State of Vermont was still under drought conditions. Appreciable rains wouldn’t begin until a week later. The chestnut trees were doing fine on their own over the years without me watering them. So, I purposely didn’t water them during the drought, thinking they’d be fine. BIG, BIG, BIG mistake. About 60% of the trees  were lost. The trees that were growing on ledge fared the worst. This was understandable due to the fact that American chestnut trees have a taproot, and that type of root doesn’t do well on a rocky substrate. Trees at the Rocky Pond site did much better. Those trees are growing in an area with relatively deep soil. The one old wild surviving 70 ft. tall American Chestnut continues to do well. It produces a prodigious amount of burs each year. Unfortunately, it’s out in the forest all by itself, so is unable to produce viable nuts. 2 different trees are required to produce viable nuts.

Also, on this first day of summer, baby yellow-bellied sapsuckers could be heard calling from their tree hole nests. It always amuses me this time of the year that no matter where I’m hiking in the forest, I’m sure to hear baby sapsuckers calling for food. Three northern water snakes were seen on the edge of Rocky Pond, and button bush shrubs planted from seeds last year by local school children were doing very well. School children plant milkweed seedlings each year at Rocky Pond as part of their participation in the Monarch Butterfly Way Station Program, and they plant button bush seedlings along the shores of Rocky Pond as part of their project to increase the number of waterfowl in the pond by increasing one of their favorite foods-button bush seeds. Birds seen in the park this day included red-eyed vireo, ovenbird, scarlet tanager, veery, hermit thrush, red-winged blackbird at Rocky Pond, least flycatcher, robin, black-capped chickadee, common yellowthroat, crow, Eastern Wood Peewee, and yellow-throated vireo.

The following day, a doe with 2 fawns, and tiny toadlets were seen along Lower Giorgetti trail.

The next day, I was informed that a painted turtle was observed laying eggs in a nest it had dug out of the ground on the side of the trail just in front of the bench at Rocky Pond. I got up to the park as soon as I could and found not one nest had been dug, but at least 3. The entrance to the nests were perfectly round openings about an inch in diameter. Can’t wait to see if the turtles will return next year. Eastern tiger swallowtail seen feeding on a Common milkweed flower.

The last day of June was dedicated to observing birds. Birds seen that day included veery, ovenbird, red-eyed vireo, red-winged blackbird, song sparrow, least flycatcher, pine warbler, yellow-bellied sapsucker, dark-eyed junco, white-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, common yellowthroat, American goldfinch, downy woodpecker, chestnut-sided warbler, scarlet tanager, and black-capped chickadee.

The first whole week of July was spent observing birds. Besides the birds already seen earlier, we also observed chestnut-sided warbler, Eastern towhee, tufted titmouse, robin, wood thrush, house wren, hermit thrush, the rarely seen red-breasted nuthatch, and the stunning indigo bunting.

On the 16th of July, I went fishing at both Rocky and Muddy ponds, curious to know what kinds of fish were in both ponds. After hours of fishing, the only fish caught at Rocky Pond, and I caught a lot of them, were brown bullheads, and the only fish I caught at Muddy Pond were bluntnose minnows. Now, I know there are more species in those ponds because a few years ago, I visited the ponds on the day when the pond ice was beginning to melt and observed the winterkill present. The shoreline of Muddy Pond, especially, was covered with thousands of dead yellow perch, largemouth bass, and pumpkinseed.

By July 20th, the forest was becoming noticeably more quiet, with many birds having completed their mating and fledgling stage and are now focused on gathering enough food to prepare them for their long migration journeys ahead.

This time of year, garter snakes and deer are a more common sight. The young garter, and other snake species, are old enough and big enough to be more easily seen, and the does, along with their young, are spending more time in areas of the park frequented by visitors because they feel more safe there.

It was on August 11th that I felt the first cool wind coming down from the North, letting us all know fall was “in the air”. And it was the first day I wasn’t bothered by bugs at all. In fact, it seemed like a very “light” black fly season this year. It is a very well known fact that black fly seasons vary significantly in intensity and timing from year to year, based on snowpack, spring temperatures, and weather conditions during peak season. Not a single bird heard or seen on my hike to Rocky Pond on this day.

In mid-August, I realized that the 2 osprey that nested at Muddy Pond earlier this year, did not successfully raise any young. It looked like they had abandoned their nest sometime in July or early August. My mid-August, the nest had been overgrown with small shrubs. I’m sure they’ll be back next year to try again.

By mid-August the forest floor was becoming more and more covered with fallen acorns. Looks like another great MAST year, with plenty of food for deer, bear, birds, small mammals and other creatures of Pine Hill Park. Squirrels and chipmunks were busy collecting as much as they could before the snow and cold arrived.

Last year in mid-August, migrating waterfowl were already starting to be seen in increasing numbers on Muddy Pond. Not so this year. The pond has pretty much been devoid of such waterfowl. I’ll see an occasional double crested cormorant, and a few mallards and wood ducks but that’s about it. It was also this time of year that the painted turtles left their Rocky Pond nests. Pieces of egg shells littered the entrances to the nests.

On August 23th, while hiking along the middle Giorgetti trail, I heard a gray treefrog calling, observed numerous spring born pickerel frogs hopping about, a broad-winged hawk flying overhead, a cabbage white butterfly, and a doe and its fawn taking a leisurely stroll through the forest.

By the last day of August, you could see the gorgeous Bottle Gentian in flower under the powerline along Crusher Rd. It’s the only place in the park I’ve seen that beautiful flower. For years I’ve collected its seeds and have tried to grow the plant in potting soil with no success. I just found out this year that the seeds need to be placed on TOP of the soil when sowing the seeds, not deep into the soil. Can’t wait to see if I have some success with them next spring.

At the end of the first week of Sept., I went on a bird hike and saw only red-eyed vireo,

white-breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse and Eastern Towhee. Soon the red-eyed vireo and Eastern Towhee will be migrating out of this region.

By mid-Sept. about the only plants still flowering are the goldenrod, Queen Anne’s Lace, purple clover, New England Asters, Bottle Gentian and a few small wood asters

I have a tradition of hiking in the forest on the last day of each season. This year, I observed leaves in early stages of changing colors, acorns falling in big numbers due to a strong wind, a great blue heron at Muddy Pond, pileated woodpeckers calling, a painted turtle sunning itself at Muddy Pond, and a white-throated sparrow, blue jay, and black-capped chickadee.

That’s it for this issue. Please stay on the trails and respect private property on your rides, hikes and walks. And enjoy your Wild Times at Pine Hill Park.

Education, Hikes, Nature Study, Observations, Pine Hill Partnership, Uncategorized

Wild Times in Pine Hill Park-Spring

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by Tom Estill

The first day of Spring found Rocky Pond still covered in ice with a few small areas around the edges showing open water. On the East side of the Pond a larger area of open water could be seen. That’s the side of the pond which receives the most sunlight. A Cooper’s Hawk was seen in the area along the Lower Giorgetti where it nested last year. As I would find out weeks later, it did not nest in the old nest which it has done for a number of years in the recent past.

A few days later, it was hard to find any snow in the park. Both ponds were still frozen over, but the East side of Muddy Pond showed a large area of open water. A pair of common mergansers were seen swimming in that small area. The entire perimeter of Rocky Pond had a narrow band of open water. An Eastern Newt was seen swimming near the shore. Turkey vultures were seen flying over the large boulders below overlook. Some of them would occasionally fly down among the rocks and rest. I have no doubt they were looking for a place to nest, but never will due to the popularity of hikers climbing among those boulders. Barred owls could be heard “hooting” at the North end of Muddy Pond. Many gray squirrels were seen running about.

On March 29th, no snow could be found anywhere in the park, both ponds were almost completely devoid of ice, a pair of hooded mergansers were seen at Rocky Pond, while at Muddy Pond you could find numerous common mergansers. A barred owl was heard “hooting” near the powerline of the Pond Trail. No wildflowers were seen.

During the first week of April, southern migrants were being observed in increasing numbers. At the ponds were seen Common mergansers, hooded mergansers, mallards, wood ducks,

green-winged teal, ring-billed gull, and Canada geese, while in the forest black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, tufted titmouse and the Eastern Phoebe were seen. Shrub and tree buds were starting to appear, especially along the 3 Giorgetti trails. Bluebirds were seen “checking out” the wood bird nest boxes near the trailhead.

On April 4th, temperatures were in the 60s, and there was a strong south wind. And many migrants were taking advantage of that wind. A single Osprey was observed on its Muddy Pond nest for the first time, a Carolina wren was singing, and the first warbler was seen-a yellow-rumped warbler.

On April 8th, the first wildflower was seen, the Coltsfoot flower. ALWAYS the first of the season. The flower is very common along either side of the trailhead boardwalk. And just 2 days later Trout Lily leaves were starting to be visible on the forest floor. Also on this day was the first sighting of the Mourning Cloak butterfly.  One of the first to be seen each early spring,. Robins and song sparrows, which hadn’t been seen in months, were singing and preparing for nesting season.

On April 11th, 2 osprey were seen on the Osprey nest, a Canada goose was sitting on its nest at Muddy Pond, spring peepers were heard for the first time at both ponds, and a hermit thrush was seen in the forest.

The next day, 3 Osprey were seen at Muddy Pond. Female was on the nest, while the 2 males were interacting with one another.

In mid-April, one Canada goose was sitting on an island nest, where they nest every year, with another swimming close by keeping guard. The wonderful smelling trailing arbutus was flowering, and wood frogs were calling from both ponds. Though tree buds started to appear the first week of April in trees along the lower Giorgetti trails, they were now starting to appear on trees in the upper trails. On April 17th, painted turtles were sunning themselves in large numbers at Muddy Pond and a broad-winged hawk was seen for the first time this season.

On April 21st, a pair of otters were seen swimming in the middle of Muddy Pond. Though occasionally seen at Muddy Pond, it’s rare that I’ve seen them at Rocky Pond.

During the last week of April, a very large snapping turtle was seen in Muddy Pond, and Shadbush was in flower bringing such wonderful color to the understory.

It wasn’t until the first week of May that the forest felt that it was really coming alive. Many birds were singing, fiddleheads were appearing in increasing numbers, more flowers were blooming, and there was a noticeable warmth in the sun. On May 8th, during a birdwalk, I saw or heard yellow-bellied sapsuckers, Eastern phoebe, song sparrow, American redstart, yellow-rumped warbler, cardinal, gray catbird, Eastern towhee, white-breasted nuthatch, crow, American goldfinch, tufted titmouse, hermit and wood thrushes, overbird, common yellowthroat, least flycatcher, great crested flycatcher, blue jay, yellow-throated vireo, chestnut-sided warbler,

red-bellied woodpecker, house wren, black-capped chickadee, and at Muddy Pond-Canada geese, osprey on their nest, painted turtles sunning themselves and spring peepers still calling.

On May 10th, after a day of raining, the trails were covered with Red Efts. And I heard my first gray treefrog calling. 2 downy woodpecker males were fighting over one female. I also observed 2 birds I rarely see in the park, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Lesser Yellowlegs sandpiper at Muddy Pond. Gay wings, jack-in-the-pulpit, painted trillium and wild strawberries were all in flower.

On a May 18th birdwalk with Dave and Shelley we were treated to the sight of a Scarlet Tanager, Rudy-throated hummingbird, parula warbler, blackburnian warbler, and black-throated green warbler, all seen in the park only at this time of year.

On May 27th, while at Rocky Pond, I witnessed three northern water snakes in a mating ball. They uncoiled from each other and immediately swam off, to return just a few minutes later to continue their mating behavior once again.

By the end of May, Muddy Pond was about half covered in water lilies, something that happens each year as the water temperature rises.and more sunlight falls upon the water plants.

On June 5th, I helped a group of homeschoolers and their parents plant an American Chestnut tree along the Middle Giorgetti Trail. I had them all line up in front of the seedling for a picture, and as I was getting ready, a beautiful deer came out of nowhere and walked close behind the group as if nothing was happening. They’ll never forget that, I’m sure.

Mid-June found a one inch toadlet crossing middle Giorgetti trail, a magnificent Indigo bunting under the powerline on the Pond Trail(Same place and time every year for the last 14 years), and beautiful White Admiral and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies. House wrens are nesting in the birdhouses in the area near the trailhead.

On June 16th, Tor Collins of Randolph, VT who is helping me at the park this summer, planted 2 dozen milkweed seedlings in the Monarch Way Station Area at Rocky Pond, and a dozen buttonbush flower seedlings along the shore of Rocky Pond. The buttonbush flowers produce a huge number of seeds which waterfowl feed on. It’s hoped that such plantings will attract more waterfowl to Rocky Pond.

That’s it for this issue. If you have any interesting sightings in the park and would like to share them with the readers, please send your story to Tom Estill at testill@cksrutland.org

Enjoy your time at Pine Hill Park and please stay on the trails during your walks there.

Education, Fat Biking, Hikes, Mountain Biking, Nature Study, Pine Hill Partnership, Trail Running, Trail Updates, Trail Work

Trail tread degradation

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A picture is worth a million words. This trail was built in 2007 and over the years has lost almost 10″ of trail tread. We rebuilt this trail by hand in 2025 to repair drainage’s that had disappeared years ago.

We have received a Recreational Trail program grant for 2026 and 2027. This will continue to allow us improve drainage’s in many parts of the park, Redfield and Carriage Trail this up coming year.

To build up this area we rock armored before adding a lot of mineral soil to the trail tread.

Education, Hikes, Nature Study, Observations, Uncategorized

Winter Wild Times Report

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By Tom Estill

Tom spends almost every day walking in the woods to see what nature is providing. He documents everything he sees or hears. Including thinking he seeing a coyote a long ways away and tries to call it closer only to have a red fox come running at him full tilt.

Here is his winter report.

The first day of winter, Dec. 21st, found the snow cover on the forest floor mostly gone due to a spell of record high temperatures. The snow covering both Rocky and Muddy Ponds was gone exposing a thick layer of ice covering those ponds. The forest had become very quiet with only one bird, a pileated woodpecker, being seen on a hike I took in the forest on Dec. 22nd. But, as I was getting back into my car to leave the park, I heard crows flying overhead and looked up in amazement to see the largest flock of crows I had ever seen in my life. They just kept coming, and coming, and coming for what seemed like forever.

On the last day of Dec., cold temperatures had returned with some small streams still having flowing water, while rumbling sounds could be heard at both Rocky and Muddy Ponds as the ice covering both ponds was experiencing thermal expansion and contraction. Many deer, fox, squirrel and rodent tracks were seen, and overhead could be seen or heard pileated woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, ravens, crows, and a brown creeper.

On Jan. 3rd, Dave and Shelley and I counted birds for the Annual Winter Bird Count. The results are as follows: Black-capped chickadee-20, Crow-14, Mourning Dove-14, Tufted Titmouse-10, White-breasted nuthatch-12, Blue Jay-2, Purple Finch-10, Cardinal-1, Raven-3, Hairy Woodpecker-5, Downy Woodpecker-9, Red-bellied Woodpecker-1, Dark-eyed Junco-9

An early Jan. thaw led to much for the lower trails having bare ground. Shortly afterwards, a couple weeks of below zero temperatures then took place with about a foot of snow accumulating on the ground. A trail camera was set up right outside the entrance to a fox den during this cold spell. Fox tracks were leading into and out of the den.

On Feb. 2nd, while hiking middle Giorgetti trail, I caught a glimpse of what I thought was a coyote wandering around a rocky cliff area near the old Crusher Rd. quarry about 200 meters away. It hadn’t seen me. So, I took out my cell phone and played a recording of a howling coyote to see how it would respond. Well, that coyote turned out to be a red fox and it came running to me like a bullet. Before I really had time to react it was standing a few feet in front of me while I stood there perfectly still with my arm raised high holding my phone staying perfectly still. The moment I lowered my arm it once again took off back to where it came from. That area turned out to be covered in fox, deer, squirrel and rodent tracks.

On Feb. 9th, the ground was still covered in deep snow and it was bitterly cold. A few birds were seen including pileated woodpecker, crow, white-breasted nuthatch, and a cardinal.

By the second week of Feb., more birds were being seen including, downy, hairy, and

red-bellied woodpeckers, crows, white-breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse, brown creeper, cardinal and black-capped chickadee. Gray squirrels were exhibiting courtship behavior

including a male chasing a female, while at the same time, chasing off another competing male. It was a gorgeous, sunny day with temps. In the mid-twenties.

By mid-February, temps. were slowly on the rise, but snow remained about a foot in depth on the ground.

On Feb. 25th, I retrieved the fox den trail cam and saw the camera had recorded a fox going into and out of the den, deer walking by, and grey squirrels scurrying about.

On Feb. 26th, I saw my first spring tail(snow flea) of the season at the base of a large oak tree. Always a sign to me that the worst of winter is over. The next day I noticed numerous midges flying throughout much of the forest. Many people mistake them for mosquitoes. But you won’t find mosquitoes flying about the forest in the winter.

March 3rd found the forest with still about a foot on its floor, but a long stretch of temperatures in the 50s was forecast for the days ahead. Winter resident birds seen on that day included pileated woodpecker, crow, cardinal, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, brown creeper, white-breasted nuthatch and downy woodpecker.

On March 11th, a turkey vulture was seen flying over Rocky Pond, and a pair of red-shouldered hawks was seen flying over Muddy Pond. Interesting to note that I’ve seen these same species in these same areas, over the last few years. Both ponds covered in ice, with Rocky Pond showing a few surface puddles. Ground snow was mostly gone due to recent temperatures in the 50s and low 60s.

On March 15th, I observed a Cooper’s Hawk flying among the trees along Middle Giorgetti trail, in the same area where it has nested in the past. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the nest in the weeks ahead. Areas of open water appeared on both ponds, but the ponds are still mostly frozen over.

On March 17th, I went on a hike and didn’t see or hear a single bird. A rarity for me. It may be due to the fact that a recent cold front had moved into the area dropping temperatures 30 degrees.

That’s it for this issue. If you have any sightings you’d like to share with me and the public, please email me at: testill@cksrutland.org

Remember, your sightings will eventually end up in the Rutland Historical Society for all to see years from now.

Please stay on the trails, and enjoy observing the Wildlife of Pine Hill Park

Education, Hikes, Nature Study, Observations, Uncategorized

Wild Times at Pine Hill Park

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Fall 2025 Summary

Tom Estill keeps a pretty cool journal of happenings in the park. This fall report has a 10 year comparison and what changes he is seeing in the park. Take a few minutes to read this it’s quite fascinating.

On the evening of the fall equinox I took a pleasant evening hike up to Muddy Pond. I always try to be in the park on the day of an equinox or solstice. I was wondering if the osprey were still at their Muddy Pond nest, but none were seen. Sometime in mid-Sept. they had finally started  to migrate South. Wood ducks were the only water birds seen at Muddy Pond, and the forest was very quiet with only a few birds observed, including: pileated woodpecker, raven, crow, white-breasted nuthatch, black-capped chickadee, and white-throated sparrow.

On a Sept. 26 hike, I noticed many leaves, acorns and beech nuts falling. It would turn out to be a great MAST year. Chipmunks were busy collecting nuts, a Monarch butterfly was sipping nectar from a New England Aster flower, and many insects including bumblebees and honey bees were collecting nectar and pollen from the remaining wildflowers. A large flock of blue jays was observed flying through the forest, no doubt as a way to protect themselves from other predatory birds by increasing the number of watchful eyes. At Muddy Pond were observed wood ducks, a few mallards, and a belted kingfisher. But most exciting of all was the sight of a sow and her two cubs drinking water at the edge of Muddy Pond. They had been seen on a regular basis throughout the park all summer long.

During the last week of September, acorns were still falling, chipmunks and squirrels were continuing to collect acorns, and the Eastern Towhee was still living in the forest.

By the first week of October, Vermont was STILL under a severe drought warning. The park was dangerously dry. Canada geese were beginning to show up at Muddy Pond in increasing numbers, with 250-300 seen there on Oct. 6th. On that same day a Tufted titmouse, red-bellied woodpeckers, white-throated sparrows, and a hermit thrush were all also seen.

Two days later on Oct.8th, rain finally fell in an appreciable amount. The forest floor was covered in acorns, beech nuts and leaves.

One week later on Oct. 14th, robins were seen migrating through the forest in great numbers. The dogwood trees near the trailhead were covered with robins feeding on the berries. Many flocks of Canada geese could be seen migrating south. And at Muddy Pond a couple double-crested cormorants along with a half dozen wood ducks were observed.

By the third week of October, wildflowers, for all intents and purposes, were gone for the season, and acorns had pretty much stopped falling.

On Oct. 23rd, three otters were seen at Muddy Pond, along with Canada geese, and wood ducks. A red-tailed hawk, golden-crowned kinglet, American goldfinch, brown creeper, raven, cardinal, black-capped chickadee, white-throated sparrow, and blue jay were seen throughout the park.

On Oct. 27th, I was very surprised to see a garter snake, but then, it was a relatively warm 45 degree F day. I also watched a black-capped chickadee feed on Eastern hemlock seeds. At Muddy Pond a single kingfisher, mallards, wood ducks and Canada geese were observed. On the way back to the trailhead while walking down Crusher Road, a red fox jumped out in front of me and headed into the forest. It had been resting in a culvert pipe.

On Nov. 1st, I hiked to the wetland area which feeds Muddy Pond in search of a great blue heron nest.  A great blue heron was commonly seen throughout the summer and early fall flying to and from that area from Muddy Pond. I have found such a nest in that area in years past, but nothing this year. Along the Carriage Trail near the north end of the lake, many trees showed signs of recent beaver activity. Not surprisingly so, with the beaver dam showing recent work, and dens increasing in size and number.

By the first week of Nov., the forest had become so very quiet. I was very surprised to see a Mourning Cloak, and other smaller moths flying about.

In mid-November, Muddy Pond was very active with resting migrants.  Hundreds of Canada geese, and a smaller number of hooded mergansers and wood ducks could be seen there. On the way back, I came across a large American Toad which had two puncture wounds on its back. Some predator probably got a mouthful of toad glandular secretions and decided it wasn’t something it wanted to eat.

On Nov. 17th, I noticed 3 new beaver dams being built on the west side of Muddy Pond. It’s an area known to have had such dens in the past, but all were abandoned in the last few years. A few days later, both Muddy and Rocky ponds were frozen over with a thin sheet of ice. First of the season.

On the 20th of November, 3 beavers were seen working on 2 of the recently established dens on Muddy Pond. Upon arriving at the pond, I saw only a single Canada Geese, and a pair of hooded mergasers, but shortly afterwards, numerous flocks of Canada geese started to arrive.

On the 22nd of November, Half of Rocky Pond ice had melted. One Canada geese, and three mallards were observed there. At Muddy Pond, not a single water bird was seen, and only one beaver was observed in the water. No birds were seen or heard in the forest. Four days later, the ponds were still free of ice, due to increased temperatures and rains, and hundreds of geese could be seen at Muddy Pond.

By November 29th, both ponds showed ice returning to a few small shoreline areas, and by Dec. 1st, the ponds were mostly covered in ice about one fourth of an inch thick. A few hooded mergansers were the only birds seen at Muddy Pond. Small patches of snow could be found throughout the park.

On Dec. 2nd, a large snow storm entered New England dropping about a half foot of snow on the ground. Surprised to see several long-jawed orb weaver spiders crawling on the snow on a hike throughout the forest on the next day.

On a Dec. 6th hike, there were lots of deer tracks in the snow. They seemed to be all over the park. A week later, as I hiked through the forest I saw only a few birds, including a pileated woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch and a small flock of crows.

Mid-December saw a day in which temperatures rose to the MId-fifties, with Midges flying about the forest in large numbers. By December 20th, most of the snow was gone, including the snow covering both ponds leaving behind the ice covered ponds.

This is the 10th year I’ve been writing these seasonal summaries. I thought you might like to see what changes have occurred in these last 10 years. So, I went back to my journal entries from 2015 and found a few interesting changes I’d like to share with you.

In 2015, the first 25 of over 50 American Chestnut trees were planted at the park. One is now over 12 feet tall. Blight has started to infect a few trees and none of them have flowered yet. Since 2015, two 70 foot tall Wild American Chestnut trees have been discovered in the park. One recently died due to a Spongy moth infestation and early spring frost a few years ago. The other is producing a huge number of burs, but the seeds inside are infertile because it’s a type  of tree which needs to be fertilized by a second different tree. In 2015, both ponds were still open water on the Winter Solstice. 200 milkweed seedlings were planted at Rocky Pond to establish a nationally recognized Monarch Way Station. Very few Carolina wrens were seen that year, now they’re a common seasonal bird. The same can be said about the Scarlet Tanager and Indigo Bunting.

This is why I do the seasonal summaries. The City of Rutland now has a pretty good history of Pine Hill Park Natural History, to complement its thorough social and political history of the City. Eventually, I’ll donate all my Pine Hill Park Natural History journals to the Rutland City Historical Society for folks to enjoy reading(I hope!) years from now. And they may even provide some observations of ecological significance.

It has been a wonderful experience, and I have enjoyed every second of it. And yes, I plan to keep providing you readers with summaries for years to come.

So, as always, enjoy your time observing the wildlife at Pine Hill Park, and please, stay on the trails.

Education, Mountain Biking, Nature Study, Observations, Uncategorized, Volunteering

Wild Times!

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At Pine Hill Park Summer, 2025

The first day of summer, 2025 was rather typical with spring born wood frogs hopping about the forest floor, chipmunks scurrying about, and various birds including red-eyed vireo, American redstart, blue-headed vireo, northern cardinal, black-and-white warbler, common yellowthroat, ovenbird, raven, yellow-rumped warbler, Eastern towhee, and robin filling the forest with the sounds of their territory and courtship calls.

A few days later a large heat dome covering a good part of the United States, moved into New England bringing park temperatures into the 90s. Combine those temperatures with swarms of black flies and mosquitoes and you ended with with miserable hiking conditions. Luckily such conditions were offset by the sight of colorful birds such as the American goldfinch,yellow-throated vireo, chestnut-sided warbler, common yellowthroat, northern flicker, and one of my favorites, the Scarlet Tanager. You also had the delightful songs of the pileated woodpecker, veery, Eastern towhee, and various warblers to help take your mind off the bugs.

The last week of June, I planted 13 Button Bush seedlings along the South and East sides of Rocky Pond. They produce seeds which waterfowl feed on, and hopefully, more waterfowl will be attracted to that pond. Button Bush grows wild in isolated spots along the shore of Rocky Pond.

During the last week of June, bedstraw, bittersweet nightshade, wild basil, yellow hop clover, blue vetch, yellow woodsorrel, yarrow, Indian pipe, white avens, cinquefoil, fleabane, yellow loosestrife and poke milkweed were all flowering. And in the morning it was not unusual to find northern water snakes sunning themselves on logs, and schools of black bullhead fry swimming in schools at Rocky Pond. On June 29th, I saw my first rose-breasted grosbeak in the park.

On July 2nd, I went on an evening walk and was surprised to hear how quiet it was compared to earlier in the day. And of course, I was enchanted by the flutelike and melodic sound of our Vermont State Bird, the Hermit Thrush.

On my way back to the trailhead, I came upon a broad-winged hawk perched on a branch, focused on a movement in the ground leaf litter below. It dropped to the ground and captured a small rodent.

In mid-July, a sign was posted at the trailhead warning visitors that a sow and 2 cubs had been spotted in the forest, and to keep your dogs leashed. Didn’t see the bears throughout the summer, but did see plenty of signs of their presence. Also, the deer I saw during this time were all looking very healthy.

On July 22nd, I took a long and beautiful hike along the outer trails of the park. Queen Anne’s lace, wintergreen and goldenthread were all flowering. 2 Osprey were flying over Muddy Pond, and many birds were observed including, red-eyed vireo, pileated and hairy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse, great-crested flycatcher, hermit thrush, Eastern wood pewee, black-capped chickadee, cardinal, gray catbird, Eastern towhee, robin, and American goldfinch.

By the first week of August, blackberries were ripening, and on August 2nd I saw a Baltimore Oriole at Rocky Pond, the only place I ever see them in the park. Bull and Green frogs were both calling, and Muddy Pond was almost completely covered in water plants, mostly yellow pond lily.

On August 11th, two young osprey were seen sitting in their nest on Muddy Pond, with one adult flying overhead. So glad to see the Osprey nest has been doing so well at Muddy Pond over the years. This was also the day I saw my first Spangled Fritillary of the season in the park. The park has such a wonderful variety of butterfly species.

The next day, I came upon a very large pile of black bear scat. And it was a BIG pile of scat. Just past the bridge near the trailhead on Middle Giorgetti. Wondered what brought it so close to the trailhead. Cottontail, gray squirrels, chipmunks were all seen. And acorns were starting to fall upon the forest floor. It will turn out to be a good MAST year. The wildlife should have plenty to eat this season. Also, saw a red-shouldered hawk at Muddy Pond, in the same area I heard it a few months earlier. I wondered and hoped if such a bird was nesting in the area. Only time will tell.

If there is one word to describe the condition of Pine Hill Park in the summer of 2025, that word would be DROUGHT. In the 20 years I lived and hiked in New Hampshire, and the 13 years here in Vermont, I have never seen the forest so dry for so long. My biggest concern was someone inadvertently starting a fire in the forest.

In mid-August, I saw white admiral and cabbage white butterflies flying about, spring born pickerel frogs hopping about, the forest was dangerously dry, and a few Canada geese and wood ducks were seen on every walk to Muddy Pond.

The first week of September continued to be bone dry. A great blue heron was seen at the north end of Muddy Pond, flying in the direction of a heron nest located in the wetland area which feeds into Muddy Pond.

In mid-September, Rocky Pond had heated up enough to provide ideal conditions for the growth of algae, and the pond was starting to take on a green tint. More birds were starting to show up at Muddy Pond as migrant waterfowl were starting to stop over there. Forest birds were beginning to migrate through the forest in increasing numbers also.

On September 15th, while walking along the trail near the Ledges, a small flock of chickadees flew right up to me, some perching just a few feet away from me. All giving alarm calls. Were they looking to me for protection against a nearby predator I couldn’t see? Never happened to me before during this time of the year. Such behavior I have seen many times in the winter.

The next day I had a beautiful red fox run across Crusher Rd. a few feet in front of me.

On Sept. 19th, I felt the first cool north wind upon my face, a sign that has always let me know that winter is not far away. New England aster and blue-stemmed goldenrod were in flower and a gorgeous dagger moth caterpillar was seen crawling in front of me on the trail. No osprey seen on the nest, no doubt gone until next spring.

On last thing I would like to tell you about before I end this issue. This summer I was given one American Chestnut seedling to plant in Pine HIll Park. It is a very special seedling. It is called a Best X(by) Best cross seedling have genetic characteristics which suggest this seedling may exhibit blight resistance. A seedling which has been under study for decades. I’ll be giving you updates on the condition of that tree as the seasons and years go by. The hope is that it will someday pollinate and be pollinated by other American Chestnut trees already growing in the same area it was planted.

That’s it for this issue. Please stay on the trails and enjoy your time observing the wonderful wildlife of Pine Hill Park.

Education, Hikes, Nature Study, Observations, Pine Hill Partnership, Uncategorized

Wild Times 2025 Spring Report

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By Tom Estill

Two days after the first official day of spring (March 20th) in 2025, the flower Coltsfoot was observed to be the first flower to bloom at Pine Hill Park, as it always is. And after the flowers start to fade and wilt, its leaves only then appear. Most, though not all, of the ice at both Rocky and Muddy Ponds was mostly gone. A few Canada geese and common mergansers were observed at Muddy Pond. The only birds observed were the Song Sparrow, robin,

white-breasted nuthatch, crow, and black-capped chickadee.

On March 31st, the snow was finally gone at the park. More species of birds were observed including the Northern Cardinal, brown creeper, dark-eyed junco, Eastern bluebird, American goldfinch, Black-capped chickadee, crow, white-breasted nuthatch, downy woodpecker, blue jay, and tufted titmouse.

During the first week of April, a small flock of golden-crowned kinglets, red-bellied woodpecker and numerous yearly residents were seen in the forest, while one Canada goose was seen sitting on a nest near where the creek from Rocky Pond flows into Muddy Pond. A few Canada geese nest there every year. The first Eastern newt was observed at Rocky Pond and a robin and Cooper’s hawk were seen along lower Giorgetti. Oak trees were beginning to flower and Flowering Arbutus flowers were getting ready to bloom. Wood ducks were heard calling at the south side of Rocky Pond as they always do this time of year, and that wonderful earthly smell was prevalent throughout the whole park. The forest floor was awakening after months of being frozen under the snow cover.

On April 6th, small flying insects were becoming more numerous, gray squirrels were scurrying about, a mated pair of common mergansers were seen at Rocky Pond, and Eastern phoebes, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers had returned.  A northern flicker was also observed, a bird not commonly seen in the park.

By the middle of April, Canada geese were nesting at both Rocky and Muddy ponds, turkey vultures were seen flying over the rocks that overlook the west side of Rocky Pond, and one Osprey was seen next to its nest at Muddy Pond. Trailing arbutus was in flower, its scent truly heavenly. Spring peepers were calling at Rocky Pond, song sparrows were singing in the reeds at Rocky Pond, and a Cooper’s hawk was seen near its old nest near the first bridge on middle Giorgetti trail.

During the third week of April, trout lily leaves were starting to emerge from the forest floor, 2 osprey were chasing one another while a third looked on at Muddy Pond, a pair of brown creepers were seen making a nest behind loose bark on a tree near the edge of Muddy Pond, painted turtles were sunning themselves on logs at Muddy Pond, the first Hermit thrush of the season was heard singing in the forest, and a Cooper’s hawk was seen sitting on that nest on Middle Giorgetti trail, while another one was seen feeding on a tufted titmouse nearby.

On the last day of April I saw barren strawberry, common strawberry and bellwort all in flower. 2 osprey were seen at their nest on Muddy Pond and fern fiddleheads were finally emerging from the forest floor.

On May 4th, I saw many red efts walking along the forest floor after a few days of rain had recently fallen on the park.

After nearly two weeks of continuous rain, it finally let up enough for me to hike the park once again. And on May 10th, I was lucky enough to be in the park when our spring migrants were flying through the park. Never in my life had I observed 4 Scarlet Tanagers together on the same large shrub. Without a doubt, one of America’s most beautiful birds. And to see 4 on one shrub! I couldn’t believe it. One of the highlights of my 13 years hiking throughout the park. A house wren was seen building its nest in one of the bird houses near the trailhead. Birds seen included American goldfinch, rose-breasted grosbeak, black-and-white warbler, northern cardinal, crow, chestnut-sided warbler, yellow warbler, American redstart, black-capped chickadee, red-bellied woodpecker, gray catbird, song sparrow, least flycatcher, veery, wood thrush, yellow-rumped warbler, brown-headed cowbird, brown creeper, downy woodpecker,

red-winged blackbird, blue jay, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, blackburnian warbler, ovenbird, hermit thrush, yellow-throated vireo, robin, Eastern towhee, northern flicker, red-eyed vireo,

blue-headed vireo, black-throated green warbler, and a white-throated sparrow. At Muddy Pond were seen Canada geese, common mergansers, osprey, dark-eyed junco, and a belted kingfisher. What a great day in the forest!

On May 15th, spring born baby American toads could be seen hopping all about the park. Chipmunks were scurrying about, the gorgeous indigo bunting was seen at its usual spot beneath the power lines on the Carriage Trail on the way to Rocky Pond, and the park was filled with the songs of dozens of species of birds.

The next day, May 16th, I saw a number of American Giant Millipedes, Eastern Tiger and Sulfur Butterflies, a deer along the Carriage trail, and numerous species of birds once again.

On May 18th, a great blue heron was seen at Muddy Pond flying towards its nest in the wetland area that feeds into Muddy Pond on its north side.

On May 26th, I saw a bird I don’t see very often in the park, a Northern Oriole. And always at Rocky Pond for just a few days then not to be seen again. A few days later on the 29th, I saw a large garter snake slithering among the rocks that overlook Rocky Pond. Moccasin flower, bunchberry, Azalea, and starflower were all flowering.

During the first few weeks of June, I continued to see numerous birds, most of them already in their nests with males making known to other birds of the same species their territories by singing and chasing off intruders. What a wonderful time to be in the forest. Ox-eye daisies, red clover and king devils were all flowering. Of course, you had to start dealing with the

annoying biting insects this time of year. After coming down with Lyme Disease this time last year, I’ve been extra vigilant when it comes to using bug spray and checking myself for attached ticks when I get home. You, too, need to be very careful when hiking in the forest. Stay on the trails, avoid high grass areas, and don’t hesitate to use bug spray.

That’s it for this issue. Enjoy your time in the park, and please respect our gracious neighbors by staying on the trails.

Education, Hikes, Mountain Biking, Nature Study, Observations, Pine Hill Partnership, Uncategorized

Wild Times At Pine Hill Park

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Winter, 2024-25 Season by Tom Estill


On the first day of Winter in Dec. of 2024, I was feeling bad for the birds and decided to purchase and put up 1 bird feeder and 2 suet feeders near the trailhead. Returned two days later to see what kinds of birds had been attracted to the feeders only to find all 3 feeders gone! No sign of them anywhere. Well, I’m not doing that again.

By Christmas Day, snow was about 6” deep, and temperatures were very cold. On Dec. 26th, the only bird I saw on my 2 hr. hike was a crow. Now that I think about it, I believe I’ve seen crows on just about every hike I’ve been on at Pine Hill Park since I first started hiking there in 2013.


On Dec. 27th, I observed tufted titmouse, crow, and white-breasted nuthatch. Many deer tracks could be seen throughout the forest, along with coyote and small rodent tracks. I was so delighted to once again see porcupine tracks leading up to its den in the rock outcrop near the intersection of the power lines and the Carriage Trail. In years past, I’ve set up a Trail Cam at the spot and have recorded porcupines walking in and out of the den. Coyotes have also denned there in the past.


On Dec. 28th, Dave, Shelley and I participated in the annual Audubon Society Bird Count. Our results are as follows: White-breasted nuthatch-16, Crow-24, Robin-1, Black-capped Chickadee-23, Tufted Titmouse-20, Mallard-3, Downy Woodpecker-10, Brown Creeper-3, Cardinal-1, American Goldfinch-137


By the first week of Jan., both ponds were completely frozen over, and there was about 1” of snow on the ground. The only birds seen those first 10 days of Jan. were crows, pileated woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, ravens, and robins.


On Jan. 11th, I collected a sample of creek water and debris underneath the bridge near Rocky Pond just to see what microscopic organisms might be found in that habitat that time of year. In just one drop of water, I observed hundreds of diatoms and Midge Larvae. Midges are those flying insects you see flying about the forest in late winter, commonly mistaken for mosquitoes due to their similarity in appearance.


The first week of Feb., I once again set up my trailcam in an area near the fox den on Middle Giorgetti Trail. But unlike last time, the only animal recorded was a gray squirrel.


On Feb. 9th, I visited the park the day after a major snow storm had passed through the area. Over a foot of snow was on the ground. I was very surprised to see a large flock of Canada Geese in a V formation flying north overhead. Hairy woodpeckers, crows and robins were also seen. Now, about those robins. In all the some 35 years I have spent in VT and NH, I have never seen as many robins in the dead of winter as I have seen this winter. It’s as if they never flew south. They sure were enjoying the various berries around town.


In mid-Feb., I saw a pileated woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch, large flock of crows and another large flock of robins in the park. I also had the luck to be in the right place at the right time to observe a FISHER walking through the forest near the old Crusher Rd. quarry. At first, because of its light brown color, I thought it was a marten, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was a fisher. I’ve only seen a wild fisher a handful of times in my life and they’ve always been a dark, almost black, color. And that’s what threw me off.
On Feb. 21st, while walking through the forest I heard numerous BANGS, BOOMS, and CRACKS. They’re called Frost Cracks and I hear them every year about this time. They involve the freezing of water in certain cells of the tree, causing the cells to explode with a loud bang. Always fun to hear the sounds on a cold winter day.
Two days later, I was surprised to see numerous cottontail tracks in the snow near the huge boulder at the end of the walkway near the trailhead. Along with the tracks were numerous piles of rabbit droppings. I’ve been seeing more and more of those rabbits in the park as the years have gone by.


On March 3rd, I came across bear tracks in the snow and decided to follow them for awhile. From the Carriage Trail near the intersection which leads to the golf course, I followed the tracks to Rocky Pond where they led across the frozen Rocky Pond outlet-the same place my trailcam had photographed a black bear a few months earlier.


A few days later, winter packed snow was beginning to disappear from the park. On March 8th, numerous flocks of Canada geese were seen flying north. Both ponds were still frozen over, and trails had become treacherous with recent rains turning the compacted snow to ice.
By March 10th, bare patches of snow were beginning to be seen throughout the park.Temps. were in the 40s. It felt like spring. White-breasted nuthatches, red-bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, downy woodpecker, brown, creeper, crow, black-capped chickadee, northern cardinal, tufted titmouse were all seen along with a pair of Eastern bluebirds flying in and out of one of the nest boxes near the trailhead. A red-shouldered hawk was seen near the Rocky Pond outlet where it has been seen in the past, and I saw my first midge flying about.The next day, I saw my first turkey vulture flying overhead and temperatures were in the low 60s! The day after that I saw a red-tailed hawk flying overhead. Both ponds were still frozen over.


By Feb. 19th, both ponds were starting to show open water in a few perimeter spots. In one of those spots on Muddy Pond were seen a few Canadian geese and Common mergansers.


That’s it for this edition. Please stay on the trails and enjoy the wild wonders of Pine Hill Park.

Education, Nature Study, Observations

Wild Times in Pine Hill Park

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Tom Estill has a great fall report!

The first day of Fall 2024, was a very quiet day in Pine Hill Park. Very rarely have I taken a hike through the forest and not seen or heard a single bird. Sept. 20th was one of those days. Not only was the forest very quiet, but the only living things I saw were grey squirrels scurrying about.

That all changed a few days later when, on Sept. 22nd, numerous migrating passerines could  be seen throughout the forest flying south in front of an approaching cold front from the north. Birds seen included red-eyed vireo, cape may warbler, black and white warbler, black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, hairy woodpecker, crow, and tufted titmouse, and at Muddy Pond, a few Canada geese, a few wood ducks, and a great blue heron.

On Sept. 27th, Shelley texted to tell me she found 2 chestnut burs on the Svelte Tiger trail near where the 1st wild American Chestnut tree was discovered a few years ago. I immediately headed up to the park, found the burs lying where Shelley had found them, and spent the next couple hours searching the area for the tree that may have produced the burs which contained fertile seeds. To my great disappointment, no such tree was found. So, the mystery as to where those 2 fertile burs came from remains a mystery to this day. By the way, the mature American Chestnut found on Svelte Tiger could not have produced those burs. First, you need two trees to produce FERTILE seeds, and secondly, that tree has been dying the last few years, due to it not only being infected with the blight, but also irreparably damaged by that hard frost in May of 2022, and the infestation of the spongy moth.

On Sept. 29th, both grey squirrels and Eastern chipmunks were out and about collecting various seeds for winter storage. There were only a few plants still in flower including silverrod, blue wood aster, and New England aster being pollinated by a bumblebee. At Muddy Pond I observed about two dozen Canada geese, and a dozen wood ducks, while throughout the forest were seen white-throated sparrows, hairy woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse, blue jay, black-capped chickadee, Carolina Wren, crow, and a brown creeper.

On an Oct. 2nd late afternoon hike, I found, once again, a very quiet forest with the fall foliage nearing its peak. I was surprised to see a yellow-breasted sapsucker so late in the season, drilling another hole in a white birch already covered with hundreds of sapsucker holes.

Black-capped chickadees and hairy woodpeckers were the only other birds seen in the forest, but over a hundred Canada geese were seen at Muddy Pond.

On Oct. 11th, a huge flock of common grackles was seen flying through the forest, Canada geese now numbers in the low hundreds at Muddy Pond along with a few mallards, wood ducks, and an Eastern Kingfisher, and the beaver pond at the West end of Muddy Pond showed signs of recent activity. It’s been getting bigger for the last few months. But what surprised me most that day was the sound of green frogs still calling from both ponds. I collected button bush

seeds from shoreline plants at Rocky Pond and later placed them in a refrigerator for planting in the spring. Beechdrops were in flower along the 2nd Giorgetti trail.

Mid-Oct. saw numerous V-shaped flocks of Canadian geese flying south and the forest was covered in a thick layer of multi-colored leaves. And as late as the third week of October, a Hermit Thrush was seen in the forest along with the usual winter inhabitants, black-capped chickadees and white-breasted nuthatches. Most trees had lost their leaves with the exception of oaks and beech trees, and at Muddy Pond, Canada geese numbered in the hundreds.

The first week of November found a large number of robins flying through the forest, seemingly associated with a passing cold front from the north, most oak trees had lost their leaves after a stormy and windy November 1st, and a couple hundred Canadian geese were still seen at Muddy Pond.

A hike during the second week of November found the forest very quiet with no snow on the forest floor and wood ferns, Christmas ferns and lycopodium providing a green color to the ground.

On November 15th, ice first started to appear on some edges of Rocky Pond, with a few hundred Canada geese at Muddy Pond, and a single winter moth(Operophtera brumata) flying about. Two days later, to my surprise, I saw dragonflies mating at Rocky Pond, along with a single Eastern newt swimming along the shore, and now, hundreds of winter moths flying about.

On November 20th, after a long hike, I was beginning to wonder where all the winter resident birds were. Not a single bird was sighted.

On Nov.24th, for the first time at Pine Hill Park, I saw a snow goose, along with about 50 Canada geese and a single bufflehead duck at Muddy Pond. The next day, the only bird I saw was a pileated woodpecker.

Dec. 13th was a very cold day. Rocky Pond was now completely frozen while Muddy Pond was frozen over with the exception of a small area in the middle of the pond. No snow on the ground, but did have a snow storm the week before. The only birds seen were a white-breasted nuthatch and a murder of crows( that’s what they call a flock of crows!) harassing a red-tailed hawk.

Two days later, both ponds were now completely frozen over, and a loose association of

black-capped chickadees, tufted titmouse, downy woodpecker and white-breasted nuthatches could be seen near the trailhead. Bare ground in the park.

That’s it for this issue. Please stay on the trails and enjoy your wildlife sightings at Pine Hill Park.

Education, Nature Study, Observations

Wild Times Summer 2024

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By Tom Estill

(Truncated version due to Tom picking up Lyme disease earlier this summer.)

The first day of Summer, 2024, found all of New England in the middle of a week-long heat wave. The soonest I was able to get into the park after a long battle with Lyme Disease was July 20th. By then, blackberries were ripening, button bush was in flower, and gray squirrels were seen feeding on acorns. All these things seemed to be occurring a little earlier than usual, and my notes from previous years seem to support that idea. I’ll be very curious to see what changes will be occurring in the timing of park wildlife activities in the years to come. By this time of year, the forest is becoming increasingly quiet. On July 20th, I saw just a few birds including cedar waxwing, Eastern wood pewee, tufted titmouse, and American goldfinch. Jumpseed, goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace, wood aster and tick-trefoil were about the only plants flowering.

While on a hike on August 23rd, I saw white-breasted nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, Eastern wood pewee, blue jay, pileated woodpecker, and American goldfinch, while at Muddy Pond could be seen a single Osprey sitting on its nest, a few mallards and a few wood ducks. To my surprise, all the beaver lodges on the west side of Muddy Pond were now gone, and the large old lodge on the Eastern side was completely overgrown, indicating it wasn’t being used for awhile. Still, a single beaver could be seen swimming in the pond, perhaps using the single small lodge at the north end of Muddy. Many green frogs were seen at Muddy Pond and a single Bullfrog could be heard croaking. At Rocky Pond, a black water snake was seen sunning itself on a rock, and a pickerel frog was hopping through the tall grass.

But the highlight of August 23rd is what I observed that evening. Hundreds of nighthawks were flying south in a huge flock that just never seemed to end. For half an hour I watched the birds, all migrating south. It was a sight I had never seen before, and one I will never forget.

A few days later I was back at the park feeling pretty confident that I wouldn’t be bothered by mosquitoes, as they hadn’t bothered me at all during the last few weeks. Boy was I wrong! They were a terrible nuisance on my 8/26 walk.

Bottle Gentian, illustration by David Jenne

Chipmunks were out and about in big numbers, the gorgeous and rich blue colored Bottle Gentian was in color and the forest was very quiet. If you want to see the Bottle Gentian, look along Crusher Rd. just north of trail marker #12. That’s the only place in the park I’ve seen them, and then, only in August and Early Sept.

The next day, August 27th, was a delightful day for a walk in the forest. A blue-headed vireo was observed, along with the more commonly seen tufted titmouse, northern flicker, black-capped chickadee, blue jay, and raven, and at Muddy Pond was seen a wood duck and an Osprey sitting on its nest. But the best part of the hike is something I had never seen before- PINK colored Indian Pipe. With sunlight low in the sky filtering through the forest leaves, the light falling on the plant made for one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen in nature. And, of course, it was the only day in 12 years I had left my iPhone at home, so I couldn’t take a picture.

Sept. 1st was the last time I saw an osprey at its nest this season. I know that at least one young osprey was successfully fledged this year. Also seen at Muddy Pond was the rarely seen red-shouldered hawk migrating on its way south, a kingfisher and a painted turtle sunning itself. A red eft was seen crossing the Carriage Trail and goldenrod, touch-me-not, wood aster, common boneset, redshank, Queen Anne’s lace and purple loosestrife were all in flower.

A week later, I was surprised to see a Viceroy butterfly flying through the forest. So similar to the Monarch, but just smaller, and a wing coloring pattern so similar to that of the Monarch that you have to look carefully to distinguish the two. The Viceroy does not feed on milkweed so is protected by its Mimicry.

On Sept. 10th, I checked my Trail Camera which had been set up near the outlet to Rocky Pond 3 weeks earlier and was delighted to see a picture of a doe and its fawn, a big beaver, and a BLACK BEAR. I wasn’t too surprised about the bear because I had picked up its scent in that area a few days prior to picking up the camera.. Many chipmunks scurrying about including very young ones, likely the offspring of a second brood, which is not unusual.

In mid-August I hiked up to Muddy Pond hoping to see hundreds of migrating Canada geese, but only saw a few. I was happy to see that the beaver lodge at the north end of the pond was active with lots of recently chewed branches piled on the lodge. Numerous green frogs were seen at both ponds and a gray tree frog was calling near Trail Marker 24. A great blue heron was seen at Rocky Pond. On a short hike on the last official day of summer, the forest was very quiet, gray squirrels were out and about and a Great Blue Heron was seen at Rocky Pond.

That’s it for this issue. Please stay on the trails and enjoy your time observing the wonderful wildlife of Pine Hill Park.