The original plan for today was to hike the Baker Trail and Moreau Overlook Trail in Moreau State Park. But when Hudson and I arrived at the trailhead, the parking lot was absolutely packed—not just with cars, but with people. While the lot and trails are large enough to accommodate a crowd, I was really hoping for a quieter morning. So… on to Plan B.
The only problem? I didn’t actually have a Plan B.
Recently, while driving to the Kalabus Perry Trails for a mountain bike ride, I noticed a sign for Bog Meadow Brook Nature Preserve. I decided today was as good a day as any to check it out. As it turned out, this was the peaceful nature walk I had been hoping for when we visited Dean Farm last week.
The preserve features a pleasant trail that stretches about two miles out and two miles back, passing through several distinct habitats. The trail follows the path of an old railway, and in a few places you can still see the original railroad ties. It begins in an open meadow, transitions into a beautiful bog, and then continues into the woods.
Hudson and I made it a little over a mile before turning around. The reason? Mosquitoes… and black flies. As soon as we entered the wooded section, they descended in full force, and I was completely unprepared for the onslaught. In the end, though, I didn’t mind cutting the hike short because it gave us extra time to linger around the bog, which was absolutely teeming with my feathered friends.
I spent quite a while watching a Great Blue Heron demonstrate the impressive variety of neck positions it uses while hunting for lunch—successfully, twice. We also spotted Green Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds, White-breasted Nuthatches, American Goldfinches, Canada Geese, Mallards, Mourning Doves, Gray Catbirds, and American Robins.
The highlight of the morning, however, was adding three new species to my life list: a Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwings, and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Merlin Bird ID suggested that the gnatcatcher would be an unlikely sighting in this area, but after recording its call—which only matched Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—and spending several minutes observing it through my binoculars, I’m fairly confident in the identification.
Overall, it was a beautiful walk and exactly the kind of peaceful morning I had been looking for. Next time, I’ll remember the bug spray so Hudson and I can finish exploring the rest of the trail.
Trip Stats
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Elevation Gain/Loss: +0/-0
- Weather: Sunny and warm
- GPS System: OnXBackcountry
A Look In My Journals…
Happy Hiking!
