Ticks on Grass



A tick clinging to a blade of grass using some of its legs and stretching out the others to detect and latch on to an animal or human.

The ticks pictured above I spotted on the Green Trail in Connetquot River State Park.  They were clinging on blades of grass growing on the sandy path. It is very easy to brush up against a clump of grass and pick up one of these little hitchhikers. Ticks are quite prevalent on some trails in Connetquot, but fortunately I saw them today and left them there.

Canada Geese Goslings

Although I'm not a fan of Canada geese, I must admit that these goslings were pretty darn cute. As I was taking their photos, the parents were hissing and sticking their tongues out at me. Being a parent myself, I respect their defensive behavior.

Oakdale Train Station Memorial

This monument to Corporal Francis Todarello can be found at the Oakdale train station. The plaque states the following:

"In loving memory of Corporal Francis Todarello

United States Army

1947-1968

Corporal Todarello, an Oakdale resident, served with great distinction and valor while assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, American Division, On June 6, 1968, he died of wounds received in combat against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam.

 Lebertas Inaestimabile Res Est.

Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Sayville, May 25, 1998."

As a side note, Corporal Todarello's grave is not in Oakdale.  He was buried in Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Memorial Day

John H. Snedecor 

Born in Islip, New York in 1841, John Snedecor enlisted in Company H, New York, 131st Infantry Regiment on September 6, 1862.  He was promoted to corporal on January 22, 1864 and later that same year to sergeant. He was just 23 years old when he died in action on September 19, 1864 at Opequan, Virginia. His military record states that he was 5'7" with blue eyes, dark hair, and a light complexion. Before enlisting, he had been a farmer. He is buried in my hometown of Oakdale, New York in St. Johns Episcopal Church Cemetery (along side Montuak Highway). Every Memorial Day I think of him.

Twilight in Heckscher State Park

My favorite time of day in Heckscher State Park

 O Twilight Hour!

by Charles Leo O'Donnell

O twilight hour, you come and take my heart

And shake my soul with silent presagings;

I walk a lonely road, and no wind sings,

But come, O twilight hour, and take my heart.

Rabbits

Walking with my son in Heckscher State Park, I spotted this pair of rabbits. These were not the wild variety often seen among the cattails along the bike path. This pair looked different; they were bigger with softer looking fur and shorter ears. As I was taking photos of them, an employee drove up in a park vehicle and told me that someone had released them a few days ago. According to him they had been pets, so he was pleasantly surprised that they were still alive. He added that there's a fox not too far away that looks scraggly and hungry.  The thought saddened me.

'

White-crowned Sparrow

A white-crowned Sparrow I saw in Heckscher State Park. 

Spring is Here

The Spring Is Here

by Louise Chandler Moulton

I MISS you, sweet! The spring is here; 

The young grass trembles on the leas; 

The violet's breath enchants the breeze; 

And the blue sky bends low and near. 

Home-coming birds, with carol clear, 

Make their new nests in budding trees— 

I miss you, sweet, now spring is here, 

And young grass trembles on the leas. 

You were my Spring, and spring is dear; 

Without you can the May-time please? 

Let lavish June withhold her fees, 

And winter reign throughout the year— 

I miss you, sweet, though spring is here.

Hummingbirds

Last weekend when I was in Delaware I saw a sign that announced, "The hummingbirds are here!" Well, I am happy to report that they are in New York too. I saw this Ruby-Throated Hummingbird today at the Belmont State Park during a walk hosted by the Great South Bay Audubon Society.

Indigo Buntings?

Seeing these birds at Heckscher State Park was the perfect ending to the day. When I first saw them they were on the ground close to the road that loops around the park.  They resembled house finches that had been dipped in blue dye. I think they are Indigo Buntings, but they might be Blue Grosbeaks. I'm no ornithologist. If you can tell from my photo what is, please let me know.