Quiet Morning

Headed out early to a northwest gate this morning. I parked my truck at Gate 26 .I stopped at the shoreline for a quick snack.The water was calm . In the distance I could see a loon it's offspring . The hike back took me northwest to Gate 25 then back to my truck. Other than the deer flies trying to make breakfast using me as the main course, things where pretty quiet.
Jim

My wife and I spent another three day weekend primitive camping the Fed. Forest. The weekend weather cooperated. We did a lot of fishing and hiking,

A hike up to Soapstone is always enjoyable,

The hot days kept wildlife movement to a minimum, These two loons kept me entertained watching them fish,

This lunar moth was a nice find on the hike back to the truck,

Jim

Sunday Morning Hot and Humid.

An early start at my favorite northeast gate was eventful. On the ride there this buck in velvet was walking the edge of a field. 

This is always a good start to the morning.  Deer flies were certainly plentiful as I started hiking.  It didn’t take too long when the hoot of a Great Horned Owl caught my attention as it glided out of a tree into deeper woods. A fresh scat pile left by a bobcat kept me alert.

 Not sure what kind of bird this was. I will check it out later in the week.
Walking a cart road I caught movement in the distance heading my way. 

I really thought this doe was going to literally brush my side.

 She was about five yards from me when she jumped and turned effortlessly before disappearing into the distant woods.

Jim 

Soapstone Hill Has A New Addition

Soapstone Hill has a new look. The ambitious work of somebody(s), moved an extremely large rectangular bolder and balanced it on a larger boulder on the Soapstone’s edge.
We spent the weekend camping in the Federated Women’s Forest in Petersham.  This is the second time in several weeks. There was plenty of wildlife in and around the boundaries of The Quabbin watershed.
Saturday afternoon a young bear attempted to cross the Federated Rd near the beaver pond. It was a treat to see and re-enforced the need to keep all food and garbage secured and out of reach.

A hike  to Soapstone Hill Saturday after dinner we met this porcupine in a small diameter tree along the hiking trail

 Sunday afternoon provided this treat with a painted turtle laying eggs,

 Met this garter snake on the hike from the reservoir back to the truck,

This dragon fly made for a interesting picture

Anybody that hikes the Northeast reservoir gates surely has seen this gentleman hiking with a camera around his neck .

Primative Camping Close To Quabbin

The Federated Women's Forest offers primitive camping as close to Quabbin Reservoir as one can get ,and its about as deep woods camping as you can get anywhere in central Massachusetts. Don't expect to find showers, rec hall or even a running water. The only amenities you will find is a single restroom that corn posts its own contents.
If  the sound of the wind whispering through the pines and wilderness is what your looking for you have come to the right place.


My wife and I enjoyed a three day stay last weekend .

 Friday night we were awaken by  a duet  of  barred owls in close proximity to our camp site in full chorus for nearly fifteen minutes.
The cool dry evening carried the sound beautifully. Hearing many barred owls over the years none have ever sounded so "In Tune " as these two.

Saturday morning the smell of beacon and eggs filled the air.

We were very particular cleaning up and keeping food in the truck and rubbish out pf reach of bears.

Looking out from the camp site I caught glimpse of movement in the distance. Checking  it out I found a gentleman sitting at a picnic table enjoying the local critters that have come to expect his visit. I usually run into Dick Cooper at least once a year. If you frequent the Northeast Gates of Quabbin you mostly likely have said hello, Its  Always a pleasure to speak with him. I certainly can appreciate the years he has pursuing  Quabbins trials and roads enjoying its nature and beauty.

It wasn't long before  fishing poles where in hand and my wife and I were off to fish quabbin for dinner. A short mile or so down Gate 36 leads us to the waters edge.

 We fished for several hours  catching  only one rock bass.

Hardly enough for dinner so it was released.Guess it will be burgers and salad. for dinner. As we finish dinner the first calls of a Barred Owl can be heard in the distance.

 A short hike up to Soapstone Hill had this American Toad sitting on the trail . Sunday night  with the sunset and quiet surroundings made for an enjoyable evening.

When we got back to the campsite we enjoyed a fire before calling it a day

The weather couldn't of been any better. The temperatures were in the upper forties at night.

Jim

Weather As Good As It Gets!

This morning the weather couldn't be more perfect. Cool,dry and breezy, I only swatted several mosquitoes sitting at a swamp. The sun couldn't  of been in a worse position, but made for a few interesting pics.

 

This hooded merganser landed in a shaded area as the sun's rays broke the tree line.

 

 This Cedar Waxwing collecting nesting material

Finally , this Garter Snake presented a god pic with the sun working in my advantage

Jim

A Day On Quabbin

I was able to enjoy Quabbin from a boat earlier this week. It was a good day seeing eagles. This mature adult carrying a fish started the day

Watching the trees along the shore line presented the opportunity below. The title picture  was taken as the boat rounded an island.

 
What appeared to be four loons in close proximity raised a question about territory and boundaries.

 
The day also presented a  distant pic of hooded merganser and her chicks