Michael usually takes the big kids out on a nature hike on Sunday afternoons, but this week we all headed to a state conservation area together.
The big trees kept most of the occasional rain showers from even reaching us, and we enjoyed a lovely quiet time in the woods.
We saw millipedes plain
The children are very observant, and notice even the smallest specimens of plant or in this case
a couple of red spotted newts. I was rather amazed they found these little guys, as they are so small and hide under the leaves.
I am able to discover large things, like this mushroom.
They pointed out this squaw root to me.
We heard pileated woodpeckers as soon as we entered the forest, but it took a long time to find the elusive chattering birds. Lydia told me last Sunday they sound like monkeys, and I think that's an apt comparison. I also saw a scarlet tanager - I think I even saw it before Lydia, as she was distracted watching the pileated. She also spotted a red eyed vireo and a flycatcher.
But I admit my favorite sightings are of my children making their quiet observations, like this.
