2021, 10 October Bonus Reader’s Issue

Little Tool—Big Results

Little Tool—Big Results

I have a simple tool in my camera bag that can be used to increase color saturation, reduce blowouts, cut through reflections and haze, and make blue skies richer. It is quite economical to own, yet...

Storing the Bounty

Storing the Bounty

Photo © Olga Volodina/Dreamstime.com I am a strong proponent of extending the growing season whenever possible, and utilizing row covers, tunnels, and greenhouses to keep up the flow of fresh foods...

Cygnus

Cygnus

Cygnus, the Swan, is one of the best-known constellations of late summer and fall. This constellation lies high overhead after dark at mid-northern latitudes during October, although it has already...

Bobcat Bonanza!

Bobcat Bonanza!

Elusive, secretive, camouflaged. This perfectly describes the bobcat, one of North America’s smallest wildcats. My first glimpse of a bobcat was from my deer stand one chilly October evening, ten...

Exploring Nature, October 2021

Exploring Nature, October 2021

Photo ©Kevin Shank The Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains will likely be ablaze in peak fall foliage color the second or third weekend.October is the peak migration time for hawks,...

Parable of an Apple Tree

Parable of an Apple Tree

What was it that caught my eye, that sun-dappled summer day? What was it that caused me to pause and marvel at the apple tree before me? Was it lush boughs, or clusters of scarlet fruit? No, it was...

Launching Caterpaults

Launching Caterpaults

Once upon a time, in the middle of September, I decided I wanted to launch caterpillars on rockets. I have been interested in caterpillars and in rockets for as long as I can remember.I first tried...

A Hen’s “Mousey” Morsel

A Hen’s “Mousey” Morsel

One evening as I started my chores, I suddenly heard a persistent, high-pitched “SQUEAK…SQUEAK.” Was it a mouse? Photo © Nimkittikul/Dreamstime.com I quickly peered in the direction of the sound....

Quack, Coo, Cluck

Quack, Coo, Cluck

Blue-winged Teal ©Shaphan Shank Can you do this quiz without checking in your bird guide? Try it! What duck often holds its tail stiffly upright?A. Wood Duck. #6.B. Ruddy Duck. #3.C. Common...