Recent visit to my favorite place in Mohonk mountains felt exceptionaly special when it come to nature and animals. There are times when I feel the forest is just a dead forest. This time it felt just like everything came back to life.
Mohonk Preserve is actually home to more than 1,400 plant and animal species, including the endangered peregrine falcon; native flowers like orchids, trillium and jack-in-the-pulpit. Large and small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians all find shelter and food here. Bald eagles and many species of hawks also pass through the preserve on their migrations each spring and fall.
It was early in the morning when we arived. I love to visit this place early just because it feels like we are the only humans being there. While walking on the trail, we noticed so many little orange creatures all over. We really had to be careful not to step on them.
These little cute creature are called The Eastern (red-spotted) newt and is native salamander of New York State and eastern North America that can live for 12-15 years!
This little fella climbed to my hand. However, it does secretes poisonous toxins, and the eft's bright coloration serves as a warning to predators. If they feel threatened, they are not afraid to use their weapon. They actually help reduce mosquito populations by feeding on their larvae.
My hand didnt seem to threaten him. I guess he could sense it. Animals mostly do sense a good energy. Since I’m an animal lover, he must have felt it.
This guy was watching us for about 10 minutes. For whatever reason he was at some point very close to us. It felt like he wanted to tell us something.
It’s a crow!
This deer really surprised me. I didn’t expect for her to let me get so close to her. She was very curious. It felt like she knew we are not there to harm her.
She eventually ran away!
Just when the deer ran away I noticed this guy. Last year I saw him at the exact same place with his mother. He was just a little baby, now he is fully grown up. Few second later I saw his mom as well.
Later this morning, a pair of enormous black vultures flew over the cliff just a few feet away from me.
At the Mohonk Mountain House we noticed this pond with huge fish in it. It’s called Koi pond and the fish is Japanese Carp.
They were not afraid at all.
This could be North American millipede (Apheloria virginiensis). It is reported to secrete cyanide compounds as a defense. It is recommended that one wash hands after handling this organism as the toxic compounds it secretes are poisonous and can cause extreme irritation if rubbed in the eyes. Thank god I was smart enough not to touch it.
Not sure what king of millipede this one is.
Few more animals we met that day.
Little spider man.
Mountain Fly!
Fish in the lake.
Believe it or not, it’s allowed to fish in this lake. As long as you have a license for fishing in this resort. We just fed them, but they were literally like a piranha.
And of course our favorite stop.
That’s about it!
The end!
I hope you enjoyed it!
No animal was harmed!