Thursday, June 28, 2012

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Swan and Cygnet in Manlius

There is great excitement in Manlius today. Faye and Manny's second clutch of eggs is at the end of incubation.
Syracuse.com reports that there are four cygnets as of this afternoon. I think I only saw one, shown in all these snaps. Five have hatched. One did not survive. A sixth egg remains to hatch. Maybe by tomorrow they will all be brought out of the nest for their first swim.



Sunday, June 24, 2012

Marietta: Home of the Founder of Mills Seed House

Home of Frank B. Mills who, in 1887, founded the Mills Seed House near Marietta.

The home and some other buildings from the former seed company can be found on Rose Hill Road, a short distance south of Route 20.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Monday, June 11, 2012

Geese on Stillwater

Four adults and at least 16 goslings. What kind of blended family is this? 

[Enlarge this to good effect.]

Friday, June 8, 2012

Armory Square: Transit of Venus

The MOST drew two dozen astronomers with as many different methods to observe Venus as she transited the Sun on June 5.  Several hundred people stopped by, where operations were set up along the Creekwalk, to have a look. Lots of young people. Fun, and the astronomers, we learned, will wholeheartedly share their skills, inventiveness and equipment. Was seeing us and each other in the daylight unusual? A good time was had by all.  Thanks, astronomers and MOST.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Labrador Hollow Natural Area: Invasive Species: Yellow Flag Iris

Iris pseudochorus: the jury is in about this non-native. Invasive but controllable? Advice is to go very easy if you  must decide to introduce it into your garden. Keep it away from lakes and waterways. It is noxious, hard to eradicate and banned from sale in several states although New York isn't yet among them yet.

It is strikingly beautiful.

Friday, June 1, 2012