Jerry Barrack and I saw this shorebird flying over Lake Appert Last week.

What is it?

As you may know, my wife have a "natural" front yard -- native plants, no grass, no pesticides -- and the Snapping Turtles just love to lay their eggs here every May.

We are talking more than a dozen turtles over several days, laying dozens of eggs. Not for everyone, but it works for us (me more than Patty, since it is her garden they are digging up.

If you see one laying eggs in our frontyard, you are welcome to stop and watch from a distance. They seem oblivious.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, in honor of National Snapping Turtle Week, I'll post my two favorite front yard Snapping Turtle videos...

Fyke's annual Garret Mountain Walk is Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Meet at the three-tiered parking lot.  Bluebird pic was taken at Garret two years ago.

The Record's ace environmental writer James O'Neill reports that the bat die-off in New Jersey may have leveled off. If you can help count bats this year, the article provides contact info.

The link is here.

I am saddened to report that Pat Brotherton, a long-time friend, Fyke member and all-around wonderful person, died yesterday after a long illness.

From producing the Fyke Nature Association newsletter to volunteering in the Butterfly Garden to helping lead field trips to serving on the Fyke Board, Pat loved the Celery Farm and  was one of its core supporters for several decades.

We have lost an anchor.

Our deepest condolences go out to her husband John and their entire family.