The (Not so) Rural Pennsylvanian

  • In Search of the Black-bellied Whistling Duck

    I recently traveled into Lancaster County to check out reports of the presence of the black-bellied whistling duck. This duck species is generally found in the southern United States and rarely comes into Pennsylvania. However, this summer these ducks seem to be making an appearance in the northeast.

    The birds were reported as continuing at Woods Edge Park. When I initially arrived, I couldn’t spot them. Thank goodness for the arrival of some more experienced bird watchers with spotting scopes. The birds were soon easily spotted.

    Here is a picture of our quarry:

    The elusive black=bellied whistling duck, the star of our show.

    I also checked out some of the other wildlife. I, of course, missed the photo of the osprey diving for its lunch. There were some heron opportunities.

    Great blue heron. I also missed the shot with a fish in its beak.

    There were lots of turtles around the pond.

    This one is relaxing solo.
    Some prefer a Spring break atmosphere for sunbathing.
    This one just seems lost. Maybe it is looking for the ducks.

    Woods Edge Park is a lovely compact park and makes a great place for a picnic or a spot of bird watching if you’re ever in Lancaster County.

    The pond at Woods Edge Park.
    The lovely marshy area opposite the pond.

  • Outdoor Tubbing Update

    My little balcony water garden seems to be doing pretty well. There has been some growth on the plants. I removed six baby plants from the water hyacinth. No wonder they are highly invasive in warmer climates, I added 11 long fin white cloud mountain minnows. So far, they seem to be doing well. I removed the pot scrubber islands for the birds about as soon as I installed them, realizing that the birds would probably just get entangled.

    Balcony tub with new growth. The spearwort looks great and the equisetum is getting some height..

  • Back to Lancaster County for Something Different

    I traveled to Lancaster yesterday to pet superstore That Fish Place/That Pet Place to check out a small vendor and hobbyist swap they were hosting in conjunction with the Aquarium Club of Lancaster. It was a great event. especially if you were in the market for cichlids or plants. Alas, as I was looking for some specific types of community fish, shrimp and snails, I didn’t get anything. The store is well worth checking out, and I bought some supplies – some fish food, nitrifying bacteria supplement for a new tank and test strips. One of the coolest things in the store is this shallow ray tank:

    Check out the rays and other fish. Excuse the glare and reflections.

    I took route 741 across Lancaster County and saw quite few buggies and horse plow teams out on a sunny Saturday. Hopefully I can get back for some pictures soon. I also stopped at Stuaffers to pick up some catnip plants for my cat, Kona. He wouldn’t be happy if I came back empty handed.

  • Like the Spring, I Have Returned

    This weekend, I set off to Chester Springs to check out some garden centers in hopes of finding some aquatic plants for a container water garden I have on my balcony. I found a Louisiana iris and spearwort plant to add to the equisetum (horsetail reed) and water hyacinth I already have.

    Here’s how it looks so far:

    Maker:0x4c,Date:2017-11-17,Ver:4,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar01,E-Y,E-ver:20190214.5310204.002.000

    It doesn’t look like much now, but it should fill in nicely. I will try to keep you updated about my little water garden. The sponges are an experiment to see if birds will use them as landing pads to take drink. I hope to add some fish when the water warms up.

    While I was out, I ran across the charming Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm. They make delicious ice cream. Here is an impromptu panorama of part of the property:

    The lovely property at Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm.

  • Peace and Merry Christmas

    Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Chester County. Here are some of the holiday decorations from my town.

    I think this says it all.
    This neighbor is really in the Christmas spirit.
    The Nativity at a local church.
    Mother and child decorated for Christmas.
    My town makes a great collective effort with the Christmas lights.
    Merry Christmas, America.
    Finally, the town Christmas tree.

  • Fall in Valley Forge

    Although it seems that fall color was late to arrive and short lived, Valley Forge National Historical Park has non the less supplied some nice views. Here is a sampling from a recent visit.

    Knox Covered Bridge, Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.

     

    Another view of the Knox Covered Bridge.

     

    View of General Knox’s Quarters from the Philander C. Knox Estate.

     

    Recently baled hay near the Knox estate.

     

    Historic pony truss bridge on Wilson Road over Valley Creek.

     

    Lafayette’s Headquarters, later used as a farmhouse and inn. Interesting to see three sections from different time periods.

     

    View of the hillside from the model airplane field at Valley Forge.

  • Back to Linvilla Orchards

    Fall is one of the most popular times of year at Linvilla Orchards in Delaware County. The charming Halloween and fall decor, hay rides, food and activities are fun for the whole family (and school groups). The fresh produce, pies and apple cider donuts are particularly recommended.

    Fantastic pumpkin carving is on display.

     

     

    The decorative displays have a story book theme.

     

     

     

     

    The colorful displays of pumpkins and gourds are very tempting.

     

     

     

     

    Linvilla’s critters are out ready to welcome visitors.

     

     

    And because I’m obsessed with Christmas trees …

     

     

     

  • Mascot Roller Mills and Around

    Mascot Roller Mills in eastern Lancaster County is well worth a stop if you are in the area.  The site of the well preserved water-powered grain mill welcomes visitors. More information can be found at resslermill.com.  The William J. Morton Bird Sanctuary is adjacent to mill.

    Mascot Roller Mills – the original mill on this site dated from the 1730s.

     

    The Ressler family home adjacent to the mill.

     

    The Summer Kitchen next to the Ressler home.

     

    The Groff Store-House across the street from the Mill. Once a local gathering place and store, it now serves as the offices and meeting place for the Ressler Mill Foundation.

    Elsewhere in Lancaster County, fall colors are on display …

     

    The horses were enjoying the sunny day.

     

    An Amish farm.

  • Above the Clouds

    On a trip to the Loyalsock State Forest, I managed to catch a cloud inversion from the High Top overlook one morning. The town 0f Hillsgrove below was completely obscured.

    Cloud Inversion, High Top overlook, Sullivan County.

  • Fall Has Finally Arrived

    It looks like the much delayed Autumn color has finally arrived to Chester County this year. I just hope the season isn’t brief. Here is a sample of some of this year’s color.

    A corn field seems to be on fire in Glenmoore.

     

    It looks like this is what was growing on those stumps in the previous picture. This and another tree were next in line with the stumps but had not yet been cut.

     

    A beautiful farm in Coventryville. I always love the star on the barn.

     

    Another radiant fall cornfield and treetops.

     

    Scotts Run in French Creek State Park. It’s apparently a red and orange free zone.

     

    The barn at the Mansion at Hibernia Park.

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