Frogs

If a large and healthy population of amphibians is truly an indicator of a good environment then Oakdale, or at least my area of Oakdale, is doing fine. Frogs, I don't know what type they are, are numerous in the eastern side of Oakdale. This one, sitting on a branch floating in a stream, reminded me of something I read in an old book about bullfrogs: "They have good strong voices and well developed vocal cords, and frequently entertain each other by singing solos. However, they spend most of their time sitting around, looking wise and doing nothing." That sums up this one in the picture rather nicely.

Snapping Turtle

While I was walking yesterday, I came across two snapping turtles laying their eggs beside a stream that flows down to the Great South Bay. Just a couple of weeks ago, a gentleman walking his dog, informed me that in previous years he saw snapping turtles laying their eggs near the stream. It was just pure luck that I there yesterday when the turtles returned to lay this year's eggs.

Baltimore Oriole

There is a Baltimore oriole that visits my backyard apple tree everyday. Unfortunately, I have been unable to get a picture of him. This photo was taken at the Connetquot River State Park on May 28.

Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day, I pay tribute to Sgt. John H. Snedecor who was killed at the age of 25 in the Battle of Winchester on September 19, 1864. He is buried in the St. John's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Oakdale.

I know this is a flycatcher, but what kind I don't know.

This young fox kept walking towards me. I suspect someone is feeding him which is not a good thing to do.

Tiger Swallowtail

Swallowtail butterflies get their name from their unique hindwings which resemble the pointed tails on swallows.  To help them survive to become these beautiful butterflies, Mother Nature has designed camouflage for the swallowtail caterpillars that is ingenious. As very young caterpillars their camouflage makes them look like bird droppings. Later on they change color but develop snake eyespots which serve to scare away predators. In our area, these butterflies typically have two broods: one in the spring and the other during the summer.

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A vixen nursing her kits.

This adult fox was camera shy. He wanted nothing to do with me.

A frog in a stream south of Montauk Highway.

This rabbit lives dangerously close to a fox's den.

A warbler resting near some cattails south of Montauk Highway. Picture taken May 12, 2012

A Kit

A fox kit seen just south of Montauk Highway on Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day! Swans swimming in a stream on
property south of Montauk Highway.

I think this is a yellow-rumped warbler. I spotted him in the Connetquot River State Park on May 11, 2012

Painted turtle sunning himself.

Black and blue butterfly in the Connetquot woods.

A towhee in Connetquot River State Park

An Enchanted Hideaway

An enchanted island on the property of what was once an estate. It looks like a perfect hideaway for fairies and other magical wee folk.

A harbinger of spring in the Connetquot River State Park.

On a hiking path at Connetquot River State Park

Along a hiking path at Connetquot River State Park. Do you see the fox?

Chipmunk at Connetquot State River Park

Connetquot River State Park, near the fish hatchery. May 5, 2012

                                                                            A bridge south of Montauk Highway.

Swan with her cygnets

A swan and her cygnets swimming in a stream just south of Montauk Highway.