TREES ON STILTS

TREES ON STILTS


At Sapsucker Woods there seems to be quite a few trees that look like they are growing on stilts.
In reality they are trees whose seeds sprouted on punky stumps or fallen boles of long dead trees. The moist punky wood provides an ideal seed germination site.



Also I think that existing living trees, especially the prolific beech trees at Sapsucker Woods, inhibit seed germination in the soil by new tree seedlings. There are very few seedling trees in the large beech tree areas unless they are on "stilts" .


One unique individual looks like a tree but in reality is a platyphant. This is unique to Sapsucker Woods. It is a cross between a platypus and an elephant, a platyphant.
It is very secretive and not much is known about it. I think it lays eggs under tufts of sedge, then quickly runs away so as not to be seen. As protection at egg laying time it covers itself with mosses and looks like mossy logs. This is very effective. As far as I know these are the only known pictures of a platyphant at egg laying time.

.........................................RDS

SUMMER VISIT TO LIME HOLLOW

SUMMER VISIT TO LIME HOLLOW

LIME HOLLOW CENTERFOR ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE is located in Cortland County, NY.

A new visitor center is located off the McLean Rd near Cortlandville and is quite informative.

The area is second growth woodland, with some mature fields and ponds. A large spring in the woods feeds ponds and a brook which is used as a source of water for a fish hatchery.

One of the ponds near the hatchery is where the two water photos were taken.

This gray bark birch root is neat because the tree seedling sprouted on a punky stump many years ago. At the very top you can see where the original trunk was, a black line is visible. The lower section is actually roots that have "barked" with exposure to air as the old, punky stump rotted away.

Summertime is algae time even in a relatively "clean" pond. Nutrients from the surrounding woods still leach out to support the algae. Between the large algae mats the water is crystal clear.

Along this part of pond's edge a few aquatic insects are seen, but not many, and very few tadpoles. There are some small blue-colored damselflies flying here. Near the "swampy" part of the pond there are more insects.

Calm water is always so visually interesting, great for photos!

The vegetation above water, below water and reflected in water all have differing colors.

The water's surface tension gives great shadow effects on the pond's bottom. The multi-dimensional look is mesmerizing.

Visit Lime Hollow, it's always fun!! RDS

EARLY SPRING AT SAPSUCKER

EARLY SPRING AT SAPSUCKER

In the early spring before real growth happens the woods are fairly open and few signs of green appear


Early creatures inhabit the shallow waters of the woodland ponds. I think this beast is a dragonfly larva, but I'm not sure. He sure is strange looking.

Reflections in the open ponds are quite dramatic and clear because plant and algae growth is minimal. Later in the summer duck weed, algae, cattails, waterlilies all intrude into the picture.

The new Stone Egg Sculpture at Sapsucker Woods is interesting. Luckily it is along a trail leading to the parking lot and doesn't intrude on the ambience of the bird sanctuary.

RDS