Oak at the edge of the Field

 

My on-going project is to identify every species that lives on the land I own.  I know it's an impossibility but find it interesting that no matter how long I live here there are new things to discover.  This year I found six new species.  First was Gray Snow Mold.  It isn't like I haven't seen it each spring - just didn't realize there was a name for it and what it was.  Also in the spring I identified Crown Rust.  It's a bad thing for apple trees but turns out to be a useful way to identify Buckthorn trees before they can even leaf out.  Later in the year on the hazelnut bushes I found a Double-eyed Soldier bug.  It's a species of stink bug.  The 'double-eyed' refers to markings on it's back.  This summer there was an Eastern Phoebe perched on a shepherd's hook.  Bird identifications can be tricky so sent a pic of it over to Neighbor Doug who replied, "If it isn't a Phoebe it should be."  In late summer, Brother Phil pointed out something crawling on his pant leg: a Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar.   Have seen Spotted Tussock Moth caterpillars here before but not a banded one.  This fall finally figured out the small tree off one of the paths w/ light colored berries - a Gray Dogwood.  Gathered some of the berries and planted them in an old compostible latte cup - if I can get them to grow will transplant them along the driveway.   Am looking forward to what new things next year will bring.