After passing both Elbow and Lost Island Ponds since leaving the Red Horse Trail, my next destination on the way to Negro Lake is a cluster of small unnamed ponds. Their location is just north of Negro’s outlet stream that has been my guide since leaving the marked trail behind at Witchhopple Pond. Cluster of
Birdathon 2015: Exiting the Backcountry from Cropsey Pond
The morning after the Birdathon is typically filled with regret, disappointment and self-recrimination. This year is no different, especially given missing my target by a single species. A single darn species! Making matters worse, today is historically where fairly common species missed during the day before make an appearance, seemingly mocking my efforts. This year
Birdathon 2014: Birding Along Cropsey Pond Outlet
The big day has finally arrived; the 2014 Birdathon is finally here. Not a moment too soon either! The excitement is palatable, waking me numerous times during the early morning hours before the sun makes even a faint appearance. Each time I do my best barred owl impression, trying to tempt one to respond. Greeting
Snowshoeing with a Porcupine at Happy Valley
The following is a report on a three hour snowshoe through the Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area near Parish, NY in the Tug Hill Region. The snowshoe kept to the northern portion of the management area centering around Churchill Road following roughly the same path as my previous snowshoe to the region on Martin Luther
Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake Trip: Bushwhacking to Upper Ripley Pond
The following is an account of day two of my epic hike from Wanakena, NY to Stillwater Reservoir, Cranberry Lake and then back to Wanakena. The entire trip required backpacking via trail into the heart of the Five Ponds Wilderness, a lengthy bushwhack to the northern terminus of the Red Horse Trail and another trail
