The Random Ramblings of a Minor Leaguer: Outside

I spent a few hours outside today. The first spot I visited was a new spot for me. It was a little cove at the Quemahoning Dam where Char has been going with some friends recently to kayak. I’ve been around the “Que” many times over the years, but I’ve never been back into the area where this cove is.

At the Que cove, I spotted a few varieties of dragonflies and damselfies, including Widow Skimmers, Eastern Amberwings, and Violet Dancers. While in some bushes trailing a Ruby Meadowhawk, I spotted a Green Stink Bug. That distracted me long enough that I lost sight of the Ruby Meadowhawk.

I then stopped at the Orenda Park, home of the Boswell National Historic District. I’ve driven by here many times, but have never stopped. Today seemed like a good day to do so. It was an interesting little park, very well maintained, with informative plaques. In 1920, the largest coal tipple and viaduct in the world were located in Boswell! The Merchants Coal Company there employed 507 workers at that time, which I find amazing for what is now such a small town. The remains of some of the old buildings from those days are in the park. The park also has a beautiful modern gazebo and strategically placed benches for the benefit of visitors.

It was then off to one of my favorite nearby spots, Mallards Rest. This is a reclaimed Acid Mine Drainage site and boasts a variety of birds, wildflowers, and bugs. Today I even heard – and saw the resultant splash – of either a beaver or muskrat. I also flushed out a Great Blue Heron twice; I was apparently too close for his liking.

Compared to my earlier visits to Mallards Rest this summer, the variety and number of dragonflies and damselflies was down, however I still saw quite a few. Included were Ebony Jewelwings, Common Green Darners, Ruby Meadowhawks, and Blue Dashers.

Today’s visit, as always, found a great selection of wildflowers in bloom. Goldenrod, Joe-Pye Weed, Spotted Jewelweed, Wild Basil, Pokeberry, and a number of species of asters were some of the species that I noticed. I also enjoy being able to identify a species (of anything) for the first time, and today that species was Sneezeweed.

It was a great day to be outside, with the temperature in the low 70s, and low humidity. Summer is fading fast.

A Green Stink Bug (Acrosternum hilare) climbs up a plant at the Quemahoning Dam.

Two fishermen enjoy the afternoon at Mallards Rest in Somerset County.

Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is a member of the Aster family. It gets its common name from the fact that the dried leaves of the plant were used to make snuff. When inhaled, the sneezing would rid the body of evil spirits. Photographed at Mallards Rest.