Ticks

A small patch of grass growing on the Green Trail

A tick on a blade of grass on the Green Trail

] 

There are many signs at Connetquot River State Park warning hikers about ticks and yes, indeed, ticks are a problem, but they can be avoided. Many people know to stay on the paths and to avoid the grassy areas surrounding them. I would recommend to also stay away from the small clumps of grass that grow on the paths because ticks can be lurking in them too. To prove this, I took photos this weekend of  ticks I saw on blades of grass growing on the Green Trail. It surprised me how many ticks I found. Therefore, my advice is to be cautious and to always check yourself for ticks, even if you stayed on the trails.  

 

Turtle Eggs

Late Friday afternoon at Bunces Bridge, I spotted a turtle laying her eggs by the river's edge. I was heartbroken when I returned to the site on Sunday and saw that the eggs had been dug up and destroyed. I don't know who the hungry culprit could have been, but my guess is a fox or a raccoon. Every year I see this happen to turtle eggs in the Connetquot River State Park, but in spite of the seemly large egg casualties, I still see plenty of turtles sunning themselves on logs in the ponds.