Comments (1)

Popularity: 5%

Comments (6)

I was walking down the field path at Slocum’s River Reserve when I spotted a groundhog in the distance standing up. I took a distance photo of it and then it disappeared into the tall field grass. Gone, so I thought.

As I approached the approximate area where it was, suddenly I heard this growling noise and foot stamping. This “thing” was pouncing toward me. I jumped into the air and stuck out my monopod toward the growling creature. I may have let out a (inaudible?) yell but I can’t be sure of that .

The creature stopped and snarled a little more at me. Once I recognized what this crazed creature was – my pounding heart rested. It was the groundhog I observed earlier. I stood my ground (no pun intended) and took a quick photo. I moved very slowly for better photo positioning but it scurried by me into a path it had made in the thickets.

I had no idea that they were so aggressive. Beware the groundhog!

Popularity: 25%

Comments (2)

April 24th & May 1st: A nice morning walk one day and an afternoon walk on another did not produce the photos I had hoped for, however, it is always a good day to get out and enjoy the scenery.

Slocum’s River Reserve: The area was alive with singing birds. An Osprey in the distance with a fish in its talons flew by. The acrobatic tree Swallows – I tried a few photos to capture them in flight – whew, very challenging. Although, I did try for a few minutes but, I think I might have to dedicate some significant time to accomplish this feat.

A Northern Mockingbird was sitting on a fencepost and nearby bluebirds perched. They sat and waited for some insects and flew to the ground to feed on them.

In the thicket Savannah Sparrows chirped with Chipping Sparrows.

Emile Ruecker Refuge: A Turkey Vulture flew very close to the tree tops- the closest I have seen to date. Usually I see them very high up. The surprise discovery was a pair of Chickadees making a nest inside a dead branch – much like a woodpecker. I had no idea they did this.

A Great Egret was flushed as we approached the bird blind, Snowy Egrets flew overhead, Cardinal singing and various other common birds.

Photo highlights with captions – these were taken at long distances.

(Click on image for larger view. Use keyboard arrows for next previous)

Popularity: 11%

Comments Off

Quite possibly the last of the monthly series showing the season changes of the “The River Project: Sculpture at Slocum’s River Reserve”, an exhibition of site-specific sculptures. Hopefully, I be able to attend the Artist Walk scheduled on March 6th which is a guided tour by an artist. If I do attend, I’ll take a few photos whereby it will then be the last. The sculptures will not be displayed after March 13th.
(Click on any thumbnail image. Then use keyboard arrow keys for next and previous)

• Fish sculpture “Migration” seasonal photos here
• All other seasonal sculpture photos here

More Information

• DNRT
• Gustin Gallery
• Nancy Train Smith Blog

Popularity: unranked

Comments (2)

We had a few days of good weather and before the rain storms come once more, I decided to head to Slocum’s River Reserve to continue taking monthly photos of the art sculptures. Plus, since the previous rain storms washed most of the snow away, the trails at Slocum’s River Reserve were most likely clear of snow but muddy. Unlike the last winter visit with snow covered trails which made for strenuous walking. (Note: click on thumbnail for larger image and photo caption)

Walking on wet trails of snow and mud, I made my way first to the fish sculpture titled, “Migration”. The Migration sculpture suffered a fatal causality with one broken fish.  I suppose the recent bad weather was the culprit. I surmise the wind knocked it off its stand which caused the damage.   Another was also knocked off its stand but appeared undamaged while the others were fine.

The Green Man sculpture stood out in the sunlight surrounded by the bare winter trees. One person on the trail told me a story of when, one day, they were walking their dog it stopped dead in its tracks when they reached the Green Man sculpture. The dog gave a deep huff – that in between bark and growl – not sure what these were. I laughed with them as they told the story picturing the dogs behavior in my mind.

The highlight for birding was a Northern Harrier that flew by and another unidentified raptor in the distance. I was unable to get a decent photo of either.

Lots of Mute Swans and Canada Geese in the distance open water.  As I observed them, I heard some commotion by the waters edge like the sound of  beating wings. I approached the waters edge to find a small opening of water providing a place for one pair of Mute Swans and a lone Canada Goose.

When I approached closer to the shoreline, the swans swam away while the goose stood its ground with a vigilant eye.

I suspect the swans chased the goose away from the open water. The poor goose waited on the ice looking like it lost its best friend.

=======================================

Here are a few more photos of the other sculptures on the reserve.

In addition to these, there are a few more not on this page but within the archives. If you choose to visit, there are two pages within each section. Look for page links on the bottom right corner. Fish sculpture here and  all other sculptures here.

Popularity: 9%

Comments (7)

Winter Path

Snow falls from the trees as the icy wind blew.

Popularity: 29%

Comments (7)

Two days after the blizzard there is still much snow, the main roads are good but secondary roads are still snow covered. As I traveled the snow covered roads to The River Project Sculpture at Slocum’s River Reserve I wondered about the parking lot. Was it plowed? Fortunately it was.

I peered down the snow drifted trails noticing very few tracks. Walking in the knee deep snow made for a slow strenuous walk. I followed the snow trails blazed by a cross country skier and those with snow shoes made the trek somewhat easier.

I took a few photos of each sculpture but one. The ladders were missed due to walking back as I came. When I reached the ladders I was not happy with my position or the lighting plus I did not want to make another trek around.

It was a wonderful day to enjoy the winter scenery.  More photos will be uploaded to the achieve section later.

Popularity: 29%