Pictures Taken on June 24th 2006

This is the start of a new segment that we're going to start! It usually involves me running around the trail with the ranger and snapping some photos. This page will be updated periodically but the old versions will be available from links on this page. First let me describe the setting, it's Saturday morning we wake up at 7:00 A.M. and take off from McFarland towards Brandon. Our objective, check bluebird houses, clear trees, fill holes, and snap a few pictures on the way. During this adventure we traveled through wet prairie grass nearly as tall as I am, (I'm 6'6 by the way), we climbed hills, were challenged by a large bull and ate a really late breakfast in Brandon. All in all it was a good day. Fortunately it wasn't raining while we were out.

The Wild Raspberries are ready for eating, get em before their gone. You'll find these in different places along the trail. They are delicious!

The flowers are in bloom. The trail sports a variety of plant life from the spring to fall. I'll be posting the names of these flowers soon I just have to check some of my sources.

The old saying goes if the leaves equal three leave it be! These four plants you DEFIANTLY want to leave be. The two on the left are poison ivy, notice the grouping of the three leaves. If you do happen to brush up against these plants wash the affected parts with soap and water as soon as possible. Don't scratch the area as the irritant that makes you itch is an oil and scratching will make it spread to other places on your body. Once you wash the affected areas the oil will be gone, it will still itch but you won't spread it anymore. The two on the right are nettles. They also cause you to itch. Symptoms include an intense itch or sting, but thankfully providing you don't scratch it the itch will go away in about 15 minutes. On a side note I once walked through a patch of nettles that were taller than me. I must say it was not a fun 15 minutes.

As I mentioned we were checking bluebird houses. My father has placed a number of bluebird houses on the trail area to help increase the number of bluebirds in the area. Incidentally we also usually end up raising Tree Swallows, Wrens, and the occasional Sparrow. The top three pictures are Tree Swallows and their nest. The bottom two are Bluebird eggs. Bluebird pictures are easy as the Bluebirds just run away when you close to the nest. (Don't worry they come back). Tree Swallows are another story. They continually try to dive bomb your head in an effort to chase you away! It's always best to wear a hat when checking houses. As for the last picture, take a look at the two bumps on the log. I'll give you a hint they're not bumps! You are looking at two painted turtles. I hope you enjoyed them