A couple of weird critters.

Anything can turn up at the Hawkwatch. Heres a couple of critters from week. The 1st is called a Walking Stick, apparently some types can grow up to a foot long! This one was about 5inches long. The 2nd is a caterpillar of the IO Moth, the spines are actually poisonous.

Walking Stick

IO Moth Caterpillar

Ricketts Glen

I'm keeping an eye on the fall color forecast to figure out a good time to head up to Ricketts Glen. It's also got to coincide with a decent amount of water going over the falls. Fingers crossed. In the meantime here's one from last October.

Ricketts Glen

Very bright Sunday

A very bright day with clear blue skies and not a cloud in sight. I didn't get up early enough to take some photographs in good light so I resorted to harassing the cats.

Bluey

Momma Bear

Rascal

Twinkle

Hawk watch

I've been up to the Hawkwatch a few times this week, I've seen lots of birds while up there. As the birds often breeze thru very quickly I don't often try and take a picture of them. Heres a butterfly instead. It's an Eastern Comma that took a liking to this Canon camera. Each to his own I suppose.

Looking North

Looking South

Eastern Comma

Eastern Comma

Flying South for the Winter

Up on the Hawkwatch the other day we saw loads of Monarchs heading South.

Monarch heading South for the Winter

Coming down the mountain.

As you drive down the mountain from the 2nd Mountain Hawkwatch you arrive at a junction where theres a triangle and at this time of year  a display of Tickseed Sunflower. Amazing colors.

Tickseed Sunflower

Tickseed Sunflower

Tickseed Sunflower

A Walk in the Woods

Today I joined a Lancaster County Bird Club walk along the Cornwall Fire Tower Trails. Weather was nice and we saw lots of Warblers, Flycatchers and other assorted woodland birds. Very nice 4 mile walk. Along the way there were several insect species and more importantly, knowledgeable people that knew what they were talking about. Heres a few of the photos I took along the way. Thanks to everyone who took part.

Eastern Tailed Blue

Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Northern Walkingstick

Red-spotted Purple

Red-spotted Purple