Hey, it’s been awhile! I’ve been going through the pics from hikes done in 2013 and 2014 and thought I would share with you glimpses of some of the creatures and such my partners and I have spotted out on the trail.
Buffalo River viewed from Flatiron Bluff
Zina Hall–February 16, 2014
To start, let’s head back up the trail to yesterday when Zina and I were out for a trek down to Flatiron Bluff which is, as the crow flies, about three to four miles southeast of Pruitt in Buffalo River National Park. Our goal was to find the bluff where I knew we would have a bird’s eye view of the confluence of the Little Buffalo and Buffalo rivers. The last month or so has locked the area solid with unusually cold air, but Sunday was an exception. The temps were in the 60’s, and that brought out wildlife that has been holed up for who knows how long.
Can you see me now?
Zina Hall–February 16, 2014
To start, as we were cruising down the trail on our way to Flatiron, we stopped briefly to view the scenery. Had we not, we would have blown right on by a turtle trying to make its way along through the mat of leaves on the forest floor. As you can see, he/she was a just a bit shy, so the best Zina could get was a view of this turtle playing it safe by staying in its shell.
Seeing we were not going to have much success at getting a better picture of the shy and cautious reptile, we headed out for our destination. Not far down the trail we heard some rustling in the leaves, so again, we paused. For those of you who have run across armadillos out in the woods, there’s no animal its size that makes more noise as it rustles through the underbrush in search of a tasty snack. This ‘dillo did not disappoint in the noise department, so off Zina went to snap some shots. When you come up on armadillos in the wild, it is not uncommon to be able to get right up on them. They often seem oblivious to the world around them, and this little placental mammal was just that—for awhile—which made it possible for Zina to take several pics from a good number of angles. Suddenly, though, for whatever purpose it had in mind, it ran right at her, and its charge afforded her this great mug shot. As armadillos go, this one is extremely handsome or cute or whatever they are. Certainly, she/he was anything but shy.
Love at first sight.
Zina Hall–February 16, 2014
Having all the armadillo action we could have asked for one day, we headed out to the bluff where we hung out for an hour or so and basked in the sun and view. However, the wind began picking up, and with that the air began to chill. We had seen what we wanted to see and more, so we agreed it was time to pack up and turn it around.
Where’s dinner?
Zina Hall–February 16, 2014
With the hike behind us, we loaded into the car and headed out to explore the area by driving down the back roads. In short order, we came to a low water crossing of the Little Buffalo and decided it was a great place to stop for some more photos. As luck would have it, just a few yards downstream stood a blue heron on the bank patiently eyeing the water for its next meal. It seemed not at all concerned with our presence, so Zina snapped away and wished the whole time she had a better telephoto lens. Oh well, the pics were clear enough to capture the majesty of this bird.
Now, moving on up the trail to near the end of December 2013, Zina and I were out again to take in a bluff view of Hemmed-In Hollow. I was secretly hoping to get a glimpse of an eagle or two while on the trail, and the day did not disappoint.
Flying high
Zina Hall–December 28, 2013
As can be seen by the photo here, we weren’t exactly up close and personal with this beautiful raptor, but there was no doubt about the white head and tail that distinguish this bird of prey from others in the accipitridae family. It was our lucky day, because we saw two eagles soaring overhead for a brief period of time, but they never came in close enough for a good shot. Oh well, maybe next time we’ll have something more to show you.
Well, I got ahead of myself, so now it’s time to do a brief about-face and head back down the trail to January 21st. That’s the day when Nicholas, my grandson, and I went on a hike to Hideout Hollow—his first time on the trail. It’s a hike that’s perfectly fit for a nine-year-old neo-hiker. About a mile along the trail we hit the bluff area where huge icicles hung and were periodically breaking free and crashing to the forest floor below.
Let it bee . . .
Nicholas Taylor–January 26, 2014
After taking in the views and being sure to steer clear of the falling masses, we decided to take in a small cave that’s plenty big enough to let you know just how dark it is in caves. In fact, we were not far into the cave when Nick voiced curiosity about how dark it might be. So, off went the headlamps, and there we stood in total darkness. In short order it came to be clear that visions of bears and things that go bump in the dark had flooded Nick’s mind, so back on went the lights, and all was well. In any case, shortly after we exited the cave and started heading back to the waterfall, Nick spotted something nearby in a tree. As you can see, what he saw was a hornet’s nest, so here is a picture he took on his disposable camera of the deserted abode. Now I’m no expert at photography, but I think he may develop a knack for catching good shots—no bias on this end.
Home sweet home . . .
Tom Walden–November 3, 2013
Okay, heading back up the trail to early November, Tom and I were out in the North Prong area of Leatherwood on a trail that circumvented the south side of Harrington Knob. Many of the autumn leaves were still on the trees in their golden glory, and we were relishing the sights. As it was, we were not the only ones who seemed to find the area appealing, for we spotted three trees that had been converted into bird condos. I’m not sure the kind of bird(s) that did the exterior work on the apartments, but we speculated it was likely done by some kind of owl. If any of you know from looking at these photos, please let me know by dropping me a line here on the blog.
The high rise . . .
Tom Walden–November 3, 2013
Better wrap this up with one more pic. This one was taken while Tom and I were hiking up to Farris Ridge from down in the hollow draining to the southwest between Farris and Griffin ridges. As it was, we were moving uphill, and I was about 30 feet or so ahead of Tom. All of a sudden he let it be known he had spotted a snake. At first I thought he was pushing my leg, but he insisted he was not, so I turned around and walked back about 15 feet. Sure enough, right in the trail was this beautiful viper. It was coiled up and appeared to be content with taking in the last rays of the day’s sun, and judging from it’s location, I could not have missed stepping right in its business by more than a few inches. Contrary to how it looks in the pic posted here, it was a small snake, so we figured it must have been young. Of course, when I got home I Googled ‘snakes of Arkansas’ and found that the little beauty was actually a pygmy rattler. A first for me and Tom both, and for our good fortune, it turned out to be nothing more than a photo op and left us with a good story to tell.
Snakes alive!
Tom Walden–late-September, early-October 2013
Enough of this for now. Better get on to planning more adventures, so I’ll sign off and wish you all some happy trails till we meet here again.
May your path be filled with splendid, rewarding surprises till then!
Hello Dr. Phil,
You’re fortunate to have such a great photographer hangin’ with you! I really enjoy what you’re putting out. Please keep those of us who aren’t as fortunate as you Arkansas trekkers, abreast of your goings on.
I certainly have to agree! Nothing better to have along on hikes than intrepid trekkers who are good at photography and who are also great friends. I’m very fortunate in that regard. Thanks for giving my site a view! Perhaps we’ll meet someday on the trail.
Phil