Blog Archives

SUMMER IN THE FIELD

7/15/2016

Temperatures in Eastern NC in the past week have been in the 95-100 degree range with the heat index much higher. The Field is in full growth mode and the abundant rain this season has made the green deep and fresh in spite of the heat. To see birds this time of year requires early morning or late afternoon visits--by 10am most of them are finding a shady spot to hang out and talk to each other about cooler days to come. Most birds have by now raised their first brood of the year to fledging--a few of them will have another batch before winter. The food supply of insects is very abundant, with the crop of dragonflies larger than I remember in recent years.If you want to see them, this is a great time to get out in the brush--find a spot close to water and you will find plenty of them. There are a few pics of them below taken in The Field recently.

The wildflowers in The Field are in full bloom--one of my favorites grows here in abundance--the Passion Flower. See pics of them below. For more detailed information about The Field, see the main page for this site here. Enjoy recent pictures below.

SEE GALLERY BELOW. CLICK ANY PIC TO ENLARGE. USE SIDE ARROWS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH.

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ARARAT RIVER GREENWAY, Mt. Airy NC

7/9/2016

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Glyn and I spent a couple of days visiting Andy Griffiths hometown, Mt Airy (Mayberry), NC. this past week. This was our first visit to this great “All American hometown” that Andy used to remind us all of simpler times in our world. If you were (are) a watcher of his TV series over the years, a visit here will bring back many memories of these episodes and bring to life some of those cherished images including Wally’s Service Station, the jail, Barney’s squad car, and many others. The downtown area is packed with nice shops and many reminders of Mayberry. There are many nice restaurants to choose from. Our favorites were 13 Bones (great food!), and The Thai Cafe. Mayberry is certainly worth a visit!
I was also able to visit the Ararat River Greenway there and get a few pictures along this very beautiful walk. This 2.2 mile trail follows the Ararat River which runs through the town and through old hardwood forest and a few brushy fields, providing great habitat for birds and other critters. the Ararat River is a Delayed Harvest trout stream which can be fished at specific times in the fall. It is hard surfaced and offers a moderate to easy trail with a few uphill climbs. The scenery is very nice with great views of the river and its fast moving water. I was able to get some nice bird pics as well as many wildflowers, and a Groundhog, which I seldom see at home in Greenville. If you visit Mt. Airy, take time to walk this scenic trail.The 2.2 miles is being extended to 4.4 miles this month. For further information about this location, please see the Main Page here. I hope you enjoy the pictures below that were taken along the trail.

SEE GALLERY BELOW. CLICK ON ANY PIC TO ENLARGE. USE SIDE ARROWS TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH.

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STANLEY REHDER CARNIVOROUS PLANT GARDEN, Wilmington, NC.

7/3/2016

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While my primary interest on this site is birds, the carnivorous plants of North Carolina offer a special fascination. Most of the 35 species of this type insect-eating plant that grow in the state grow within 100 miles of Wilmington, and a few species grow in bogs in the mountains or piedmont. The most famous of all the species is the Venus Flytrap, and the Wilmington area is the sole location of this very rare species. These plants have adapted to grow in very poor soils which the sandy pine savannas of southeastern NC offer. These plants have developed adaptations to get extra nitrogen and other nutrients by trapping and absorbing insects. In addition to the Flytrap, other species are Sundews, Pitcher Plants, Bladderworts, and others. For a good article about theses NC natives, see this site.

The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in Wilmington NC, located just off Independence Blvd. behind the Alderson Elementary School was developed over many years by Mr. Rehder and is now managed by The NC Coastal Trust. The garden holds many of the carnivorous plants of the area including the Venus Flytrap. In 2013, thieves stole over 1000 Flytraps, decimating the garden, but friends and the Trust have worked to replenish the site. in 1985 the Venus Flytrap was placed on the Endangered Species list , and in 2005 made the official Carnivorous Plant of NC. In 2014, the governor signed legislation that made it a Class H felony for stealing a Flytrap. If you are in Wilmington, it is a real treat to visit this site. The pictures belo were taken at the Stanley Rehder Garden.