Great Neck–Heron Point Loop

I went with my friend and colleague Doug to revisit Great Neck Sanctuary for a few reasons, one was to scout out the area for bird , second was for me to to see what photographic opportunities there were and third was what Audubon outings that could be held on the sanctuary.
Today we walked the Heron Point Loop down to the Osprey Overlook Trail. The loop is through somewhat dense mixed deciduous and evergreen trees with a large number of low bushes, including blueberry, Huckleberry and other types. The paths are lined with pine needles. Numerous moths and butterflies were flitting around along with the ever present mosquitoes.
There were evidence of vernal pools along the path, which should be interesting to examine in the early spring.
The birds that were present the usual forest type of birds including but not exclusively black-capped chickadees, tufted titmouse, woodpeckers, blue jays and eastern towhee's.  The birds were best seen around the roads that traverse the area. Pine warblers were heard but not seen.
As I discussed in my last blog about Indian pipes there was a large number present throughout the forest. A number of different fungi were found, and I'm sorry to say I really can't identify them.
We turned over old logs and there were a number of insects beneath the logs along with a "leadback" phase of the red-backed salamander.

Slug in Mushroom

There is interesting geology in the area and apparently in the past quarrying was done. Here is a picture of marbled granite.

For me as a photographer, this area is excellent for macro photography. there were a number of small feathers that we found from birds molting . I plan to return additional macro photography equipment so that I can obtain additional pictures.