Hello and welcome to October my friends.
This is the month we lose a few of our feathered friends for the winter. Of course, when some leave us others from the north show up, so I guess it is still a win.
While gathering together and heading south a few birds have stopped by to say so long. I have had all the regulars but was blessed with some others: Northern Parula, several Pine Warblers and Yellow Rumped Warblers and even one female Scarlet Tanager. My wife has been fortunate to see some Ruffed Grouse while on her walks.
Other than birds we have sure been seeing a lot of snakes. Mostly Eastern Garter, Butlers Garter, Grass and Hognose with occasionally a Copper Belly.
I recently had an event happen that I just have to share. Those who know me are aware that I have a rather large girth and that I grow a decent beard.
Well last month I went to a Blueberry patch in Gaylord to pick a few. Upon entering the field, a small boy looks at me and gets excited then turns to his brother and whispers “He’s got a beard”. That made me smile but then as I was finding a spot to pick berries, these two sweet little girls descended upon me. Talking a mile a minute and each feeding me the “Best Berries in the patch”, it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
My wife and mother both agreed that it must be my resemblance to another rather portly gentleman that garnered all the attention. Maybe I should start carrying some small candy canes for just such times as this.
The coming of autumn brings with it several fall mushrooms. My wife has just brought in a bunch of what I believe are Oyster Mushrooms. They are growing on the back fill we had brought in, its mostly wood chips. After proper identification we may have to dry some for later use. We also have puffballs and fairy rings growing right now, I however do not care for puffballs, they seem to sweet and spongy.
Everyone that is out foraging please remember that deer season is upon us once more. Take precautions to be seen and lets all be respectful of others when we see them, we all want to be in the woods even if for differing reasons.
I now have to part for another month. May we all have a fruitful and happy time in the outdoors. Please help keep our woods and waters clean.
- Warren “Toad” Stutesman can be reached at wstutesman@gmail.com
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