Had a pleasant ride this evening, doing his regular Blackwater loop. There was nothing unusual. Even the eagles were where expected. Others who might want to see them should stand at N 38.443069, W -76.126757 and look for a large dead tree to the West.

Was pleased to discover chicken mushrooms. The chicken mushroom is easy to recognize, with no poisonous look-alikes. It is always found on wood and if the tree is standing, it is above ground level. Yes it tastes like chicken and mildly lemony. These were very young and tender, oozing juice when picked.

Laetiporus sulphureus: The Chicken of the Woods

Went faster when I remembered "kick, scrape, kick, scrape" and quit mashing the pedals. A recent guided bird walk sharpened my eye for smaller birds. This evening's ride included a bluebird, carolina wren and a redheaded woodpecker as well as the usual egrets, herons, osprey and eagles. Right, the usual eagles. It's like living in DC and seeing the Capitol; it happens every day, but it's still cool. The soundtrack was Booker T and The MGs with friends, Lone Star Roadhouse, NYC 16Jan92—quite the party band.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Drive
N 38.443069, W -76.126757

Rode for the first time in nearly a week—wind and weather. The 15 mile loop included Blackwater's wildlife drive. It was turtles day; they were everywhere. The soundtrack was The Celibate Rifles, Forum Enger, Enger, Germany 04Jul88. Could it be the Rifles that scared off the herons each time I approached?