06/19/2026
🥾Field Trip Friday: Week of June 14, 2026.
I visited both Keller Mohawk Hill Public Conservation Area and David E. Ramsey Independence River Public Conservation Area this week.
At Keller Mohawk Hill, fields are filled with bright yellow buttercups and pink Ragged Robin. Savannah Sparrows were seen throughout, with female Red-winged Blackbirds at the main pond. In the hedgerow I observed Northern Yellow Warblers, Song Sparrows, and male Red-winged Blackbirds. A female Bobolink flushed from the grass along the back trail, where I also heard an Upland Sandpiper—a NYS Threatened species, making it especially exciting to hear. Dozens of ducks were in the ponds and marshes, along with nesting Killdeer and active Red-winged Blackbirds. I also saw Bullfrogs, Green Frogs, tadpoles, and a Painted Turtle. Deer and bird tracks were preserved in the dried mud.
At David E. Ramsey Independence River, wildflowers at the parking area included chickweed, wild strawberries, Meadow Salsify, and violets. Bees were active on Daisy Fleabane, along with a Little Wood Satyr, a Swallowtail, and small beige moths. Along the trail, blooms included Virginia Waterleaf, White Avens, and Jack-in-the-Pulpit, plus Broad-leaved Helleborine, Bladder Sedge, and Fringed Black Bindweed. Bird activity was strong in the woods with Red-eyed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, White-breasted Nuthatch, Ovenbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Eastern Wood Pewee, Veery, Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Warbler, and Brown Creeper. A Broad-winged Hawk circled overhead several times, silencing the forest with its calls.
Happy Hiking!!
-Laurie Frykholm
To learn more about our public conservation areas visit: tughilltomorrowlandtrust.org/explore
