Human sign on hickory nuts

I left my mark and secured my stash, like all the other animals.
Shagbark and pignut hickory nuts are great wild edibles, and there's
still time to get a few for yourself:
http://ouroneacrefarm.com/hickory-nuts-foraging-pignut-shagbark-hickory-nuts/

-Janet

Hickory nuts: Which rodent(s)?

As I am not able to upload more than 1 or 2 photos per post on this blog, I'm posting just a portion of the story here, and directing you to my personal blog, where I've posted the entire thing with additional photos. I would love to hear your thoughts about which animal 1. created the pile of husks, 2. left the shells that have holes on both sides, and 3. left small shell fragments. Please see entire post here:
http://ouroneacrefarm.com/hickory-nuts-rodent-sign/
...and leave your thoughts in the comment section of that post.
Thanks!
Janet

Colorful Critters

Found this box turtle yesterday at the edge of some nearby woods. Not a very good picture, but it was pretty cool to come across one for the first time in years. (I didn't wait around for it to emerge from its shell; my little dog was way too interested.)  The beetle is a mystery. The colors and back pattern are striking. It's definitely in the category of small beetles (only 1/4 inch or so), but I had no luck determining its type.
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Foraging for hazelnuts

There's still time to harvest wild hazelnuts, but not much. They should be picked when the nuts are beginning to turn brown, but the husks (or, more properly, the involucres) are still green. The cluster on the left is ripe enough for picking. The cluster on the right is riper, and some of the nuts have already fallen out. Don't wait that long - go searching now.

For details on how to identify and where to find wild hazelnuts, see my most recent wild edible post here: http://ouroneacrefarm.com/hazelnuts/

Janet