Strasburg Railroad
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Wikipedia: The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to coastal Spain, the Azores, and areas of far southern Europe. An all-white population found in south Florida and the Florida Keys is known as the great white heron. Debate exists about whether this represents a white color morph of the great blue heron, a subspecies of it, or an entirely separate species.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America. It lives in most of the eastern and central United States; some eastern populations may be migratory. Resident populations are also in Newfoundland, Canada; breeding populations are found across southern Canada. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common in residential areas. Its coloration is predominantly blue, with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest; it has a black, U-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest. Males and females are similar in size and plumage, and plumage does not vary throughout the year. Four subspecies have been recognized.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the tiger owl (originally derived from early naturalists' description as the "winged tiger" or "tiger of the air"), or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a species of passerine bird native to North America. A medium-sized member of the New World sparrow family, this species is marked by a grey face and black and white streaking on the upper head. It breeds in brushy areas in the taiga and tundra of the northernmost parts of the continent and in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific coast. While southerly populations in the Rocky Mountains and coast are largely resident, the breeding populations of the northerly part of its range are migratory and can be found as wintering or passage visitors through most of North America south to central Mexico.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to coastal Spain, the Azores, and areas of far southern Europe. An all-white population found in south Florida and the Florida Keys is known as the great white heron. Debate exists about whether this represents a white color morph of the great blue heron, a subspecies of it, or an entirely separate species.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Without a doubt the largest event at Middle Creek is the annual arrival of migrating snow geese and other waterfowl. Always a spectacle to behold!
Wikipedia: The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 6,000-acre (24 km2) Wildlife Management Area located in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, Pennsylvania. It is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The area lakes seasonally get up to 200,000 migrating snow geese. The largest of the lakes was created by a dam built in the early 1970s, and covers 360 acres (150 ha). The Horse-Shoe Trail goes through the area just south of the main impoundment dam.
Wikipedia: The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of merganser. It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes.
Hooded mergansers are the second-smallest species of merganser, with only the smew of Europe and Asia being smaller, and it also is the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a mid-sized woodpecker found in temperate North America. Its breeding habitat is open country across southern Canada and the east-central United States. It is rated as least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Endangered species, having been down-listed from near threatened in 2018.
The red-headed woodpecker is omnivorous, eating insects, seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, and occasionally small rodents―even the eggs of other birds. About two-thirds of its diet consists of plants. Red-headed woodpeckers keep food caches. This behavior is only seen in three other species of woodpeckers: the acorn woodpecker, the downy woodpecker, and the red-bellied woodpecker. They have been known to stuff food in tree cavities, crevices, and under tree bark. This keeps them well fed throughout the year.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey that breeds throughout most of North America, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. It is one of the most common members within the genus of Buteo in North America or worldwide. The red-tailed hawk is one of three species colloquially known in the United States as the "chickenhawk", though it rarely preys on standard-sized chickens. The bird is sometimes also referred to as the red-tail for short, when the meaning is clear in context.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to eastern North America. It lives in most of the eastern and central United States; some eastern populations may be migratory. Resident populations are also in Newfoundland, Canada; breeding populations are found across southern Canada. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common in residential areas. Its coloration is predominantly blue, with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest; it has a black, U-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest. Males and females are similar in size and plumage, and plumage does not vary throughout the year. Four subspecies have been recognized.
Conservation status: Least Concern
I observed many cardinals this go around and that's a good thing!
Wikipedia: The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a bird in the genus Cardinalis; it is also known colloquially as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal (which was its name prior to 1985). It can be found in southeastern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota to Texas, New Mexico, southern Arizona, southern California, and south through Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It is also an introduced species in a few locations such as Bermuda and Hawaii. Its habitat includes woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. There are two adult plumage variations known as the tan-striped and white-striped forms. They are similar in appearance to the white-crowned sparrow, but with white throat markings and yellow lores.
Conservations status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a common species of wren that is a resident in the eastern half of the United States of America, the extreme south of Ontario, Canada, and the extreme northeast of Mexico. Severe winters restrict the northern limits of their range while favorable weather conditions lead to a northward extension of their breeding range. Their preferred habitat is in dense cover in forest, farm edges and suburban areas. This wren is the state bird of South Carolina.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to coastal Spain, the Azores, and areas of far southern Europe. An all-white population found in south Florida and the Florida Keys is known as the great white heron. Debate exists about whether this represents a white color morph of the great blue heron, a subspecies of it, or an entirely separate species.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Last flight before the sun goes down!
Wikipedia: The snow goose (Anser caerulescens) is a species of goose native to North America. Both white and dark morphs exist, the latter often known as blue goose. Its name derives from the typically white plumage. The species was previously placed in the genus Chen, but is now typically included in the "gray goose" genus Anser.
Snow geese breed north of the timberline in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern tip of Siberia, and spend winters in warm parts of North America from southwestern British Columbia through parts of the United States to Mexico. Snow goose populations increased dramatically in the 20th century.
Conservation status: Least Concern
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Run_Covered_Bridge This bridge was not among the bridges I was planning on visiting. I had asked Google to find "covered bridges near me" and I went to the area with the highest concentration of bridges. This one was not on the list, but I saw it as I drove by, and stopped for a few quick photos. The bridge no longer spans a river or creek, and apparently is on private property (adjacent to a campground). The bridge is now being used for storage, as lots of old junk was insde. HFF!
This bridge, the Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge, is the longest single span covered bridge in Lancaster County, PA. There are 29 covered bridges in the county, the most of any county in the state. See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunsecker%27s_Mill_Covered_Bridge I did visit two more covered bridges that morning, but I wasn't happy with the images I took there. Here are the two other bridges I saw: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucher%27s_Mill_Covered_Bridge and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitzer%27s_Mill_Covered_Bridge .
Wikipedia: The raccoon (Procyon lotor), sometimes called the common raccoon to distinguish it from other species, is a mammal native to North America. It is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in), and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg (11 to 57 lb). Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense underfur, which insulates it against cold weather. Three of the raccoon's most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws, its facial mask, and its ringed tail, which are themes in the mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas relating to the animal. The raccoon is noted for its intelligence, as studies show that it is able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, eating about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates.
Conservation status: Least Concern
So many covered bridges to discover in Lancaster County, PA! Most I found were still in use, as was this one.
This is the Yankee Point Marina store and restaurant. I don’t think it is fully open yet, but there are places to eat outside where you can watch all the sailboats.
Happy Window Wednesday!
I remember singing this hymn in the Methodist church when I was younger. The church in the wildwood is a little brown church in the vale. This church is red brick and white but the woods just brought back those memories. This setting is the beautiful grounds of Bethel United Methodist Church. The trees are about the only ones in the area that have any fall color. I would say someone has some pull. This church is located in Lancaster County, Virginia. Happy Sunday.
I have no idea why this lovely house is empty. It looks like it has been totally renovated with newly painted siding and a pressed tin roof. There are some lovely old lightening rods on the roof. The porch with hanging pendant lamp looks like a wonderful place to sit and watch the traffic go by. I didn’t see a ‘For Sale’ sign, so hopefully it is just between residents. It is located in Lancaster County, Virginia.
- Off for a few days -
This abandoned house in Lancaster County, Virginia doesn’t look too bad. It has a wonderful diamond shaped window above the door. A number of houses in this area are built in this style and have a decorative window like this. This house also has lightening rods on the roof.
The house could use the services of a good gardener. It also needs new windows and doors and a new paint job on the trim and the house. HWW
Lovely boathouse on the river in Lancaster County, Virginia.
I hope you all have a calm and peaceful Sunday.
This is a beautiful house on the Corrotoman River in Virginia. It has delightful river views and even a bench on the porch where you can sit to enjoy them. Maybe they will give you snacks, too. HBM
Boats still tied up at the dock, while most boats are taken out of the water for the winter. This owner must have had insider information that it would be a mild winter. It is even mild enough to have lunch at the picnic table. HBM
This is a cove off the Corrotoman River in Lancaster County, Virginia.
This little building is out in the country, so why are there bars on the windows. Is it to keep something in or something out? Twilight Zone music please!
I was thinking it might have been an old gas station at one time, but there isn’t much room for pumps. Whatever it is, it is very white! HWW
This marina is where the big boats are moored. They are mostly sailboats. I am embarrassed just boating by this place. I have a feeling people are pointing and saying, “Look at that small boat. I hope they aren’t going to tie up to this dock!”
You will notice that these boats are fully decked out with GPS, lifeboats, wind vanes, sun shades and stuff I can’t even identify.
I can’t help but think they have a lot more expense involved in upkeep though, so that is some consolation.
Happy Sunday, friends!
The structure is anchored by a three-story, 437-foot (133 m) square base. This square base houses offices most frequently visited by the public. The second floor (main floor) is home to the Nebraska Supreme Court, the Nebraska Court of Appeals, and the Nebraska Legislature.
ArchitectBertram Goodhue
Architectural style
Art Deco
Neo-Byzantine
Gothic Revival 175
Photographed at a wolf sanctuary. Not a zoo.
The sanctuary is for wolves rescued from the wild that could not be let loose due to injury or their inability to live without human assistance.
They are not caged and can run free within the many acres of the sanctuary.
Lancaster County
I was unable to find an exact date that this church was founded, but counting back from all the pastors and their length of service, I would say around 1900. The land was donated by Mr. Cornwell with the stipulation that the church be named after his son, Willie.
Sometime around 1957 an addition was added to the front of the church and the church was brick veneered. The latest improvement was in 2002 with the addition of the church fellowship hall.
This church is located in Lancaster County, Virginia.
What a beautiful old Victorian house. The colors and architecture pulled me in, but look at the porches. I love the one above the front door. The large porch spans the front and side of the house. The pretty front entrance with the faux columns is another plus.
I see it still has its lightening rods entact. I’m guessing turn of the century on the age of this house.
I am happy to see work has begun on the porch and right side of the house. It doesn’t look like it is being lived in at present. I hope this one is fully restored.
This window is in a local United Methodist Church. It is a side window and very high off the ground, thus the low vantage point. It is located in Lancaster County, Virginia.
Happy Window Wednesday!
This is New St. John’s Baptist Church in Lancaster County, Virginia.
I count 12 lightening rods that are visible in this view of the church. I am surprised that so many are needed on a church.
I took this picture with my phone, from a moving vehicle, and under duress. The driver was yelling, “You’d better take it now. Hurry! Traffic is speeding up! It is your last chance!” Who can focus under those conditions,
I couldn’t find a date when this church was built.
According to an article which mentions this church, the architecture is said to be a mixture of Gothic arches and Victorian features.
Wikipedia: The indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) is a small seed-eating bird in the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is migratory, ranging from southern Canada to northern Florida during the breeding season, and from southern Florida to northern South America during the winter. It often migrates by night, using the stars to navigate. Its habitat is farmland, brush areas, and open woodland. The indigo bunting is closely related to the lazuli bunting and interbreeds with the species where their ranges overlap.
Conservation status: Least Concern
Wikipedia: The eastern wood pewee (Contopus virens) is a small tyrant flycatcher from North, Central and South America. This bird and the western wood pewee (C. sordidulus) were formerly considered a single species. The two species are virtually identical in appearance, and can be distinguished most easily by their calls.
Their breeding habitat is deciduous, mixed woods, or pine plantations in eastern North America. They migrate to Central America, the Caribbean, and in the Andes region of northern South America. They feed on insects and other arthropods. Wood pewees wait on a perch at a middle height in a tree and fly out to catch prey in flight, sometimes hovering to pick it from vegetation.
Conservation status: Least Concern
This church was establish in 1886. It is located in Lancaster County, Virginia. You will be interested to know that in 1890 it was ordered that all spittoons be removed from the church.
Any member of the church that was morally irresponsible and succumbed to temptation, such as drinking, gambling, etc. was summoned to the church meetings where he had to ask that he be forgiven and allowed to remain a member of the congregation.
Many different materials have been used to keep this barn together - wood, tin and metal. This land is rented to a farmer for growing crops. There are no grazing animals. I would assume the barn is used for equipment storage. It was sitting on a hill off a rural backroad in Lancaster County, Virginia.
Much of Lancaster County Pennsylvania is made up of rural farms that dot the landscape with towering silos.
In my travels today, I passed several areas which had power poles exactly like these marching into the distance. Consequently, I am not exactly sure what road I was on when I took this, but I can say it is in Lancaster County, Virginia. The power company always does a nice job of keeping the easement area cleared. HTT