Along The Mohawk #9

For the Mohawk Valley, Central New York region. 

Along the Mohawk features local music and interviews with musicians, storytellers, restaurateurs, and manufacturers and also features Soundscapes with local naturalist Matt Perry. The show will also include a short weekly old-time radio serial, Annie and the Loomis Gang, written and produced by Sharry Whitney and performed by a cast of local voice actors. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_05 0:01

Steve Ponty Chevrolet and Herkimer, your local family-owned and operated Chevy dealer, presents Along the Mohawk.

SPEAKER_11 0:10

Come with me as we travel along the Mohawk, sharing the stories of the people and places where we belong.

SPEAKER_05 0:21

Good morning. I'm Sherry Whitney and I'm happy you are here today traveling along the Mohawk with me. On today's show, we talk about experiences we can enjoy this spring that are uniquely ours in the Mohawk Valley. People come far and wide to visit places here that we often take for granted. Whether you go with friends, your kids, or grandkids, or just head out on your own, we'll check out some of the things that are right here underfoot. Later in the show, we are thrilled to introduce our Mohawk Valley radio players actor Ann Carey, who will be portraying the deliciously dangerous Rhoda Loomis in chapter 7 of Annie and the Loomis Gang. And naturalist Matt Perry tells us about the tenacious woodpecker, the yellow-bellied sapsucker. But first, we're taking our time machine back to the 1970s.

SPEAKER_12 1:09

Attention, listeners, your Mohawk Valley time travel experiment is about to commence. Stand by as we recalibrate the decades.

SPEAKER_03 1:22

Welcome to 1978, March 21st. I'm standing outside the Utica Memorial Auditorium, and the doors have just swung open. A flood of denim jackets, long hair, and concert buzz is pouring out into the cool night air. You can still feel it, that electricity. Tonight, Black Sabbath headlined the odd. That's who most people came to see. Ozzie, the dark sound, the legend. Tickets? About seven bucks. Not bad for a night like this. But listen to what people are saying as they walk by. Man, Van Halen rocked. That was killer. They were killer. Because earlier tonight, a relatively unknown band opened the show, Van Halen. Promoters were even handing out these thin little painters' caps with the Van Halen logo on them. And people were kind of shrugging. Okay, who are they? Well, they know now. Inside, something happened. A young guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, stepped forward and launched into a blistering solo during the song called Eruption. People didn't quite know what they were hearing. Fingers flying, sounds bending, something completely new. You can still hear folks talking about it right now as they head down Genesee Street. That opening band stole the show. Some even saying Ozzie Osborne seemed a little off his game tonight, maybe under the weather, maybe something else. But Van Halen, they just made a statement in Utica, and a whole lot of people in the Mohawk Valley just became fans, without even realizing they were watching the future. All right, the crowd's thinning out, the streetlights are humming. Time to get back to the future.

SPEAKER_05 3:21

After the break, we explore fun local outings.

SPEAKER_11 3:25

Come with me as we travel along the Mohawk.

SPEAKER_03 3:34

Big Apple Music in New Hartford has served Central New York and the best musicians since 1979. Guitars, amps, drums, sound systems, digital pianos, and school instruments, and providing sales, rentals, repairs, and musical instrument private lessons. Got an instrument that needs a little love? Let Big Apple Music repair it for you. Check us out for Sound System installs and repairs. The best brands for the best bands. Shop local, shop smart, shop Big Apple Music in New Hartford. Loving people for over 46 years. Check us out on Facebook and our website.

SPEAKER_15 4:06

Since 1917, NGMs Flooring America has delivered quality floors and expert installations, stab on carpeting, laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, and more. Plus, we offer 12 months of interest-free financing for qualified buyers. Stop by our location today.

SPEAKER_03 4:22

For 18 years, Primo Pizza Route 5 and Clinton has been making fresh dough daily for the best pizza around. New York style, upside-down, and cauliflower gluten-free pizza. If you live in their delivery area like Kirkland and Hamilton College residents, lucky you, you can have it delivered to your door. If not, stop by and pick up some hot, delicious pizza and crispy wings from Primo Pizza. Call 315-381-3231 or order online at enjoypremopizza.com.

SPEAKER_18 4:48

You work hard here in the Mohawk Valley. You make a difference. You leave your mark. You deserve a financial advisor who works hard to make a difference for your future.

SPEAKER_14 4:58

Investing for retirement, college, thinking about your legacy. We have spent most of our adult lives giving you straightforward answers for your financial decisions.

SPEAKER_18 5:08

We pride ourselves on being local, prudent, and trustworthy for you. Van Meter and Van Meter, with three offices to serve your financial future.

SPEAKER_05 5:26

If you're looking for a fun outing, don't overlook our own Fort Stanwix in Rome. An informative museum, a wide open, grassy field, and friendly, knowledgeable park rangers all make for a fun and inspiring day trip, no matter what your age. I just left the Marinus Willet Center and I'm walking across the field next to the ditch. I see all the wooden spikes and a very deep moat around the fort. It's amazing when you're here up close how significant this is and how deep the trench is. I remember coming to Fort Stanwix, I think it was in third or fourth grade, I lived near Chitnango, and my mother was the chaperone. And this seemed like ancient history to me as a child. But the older I get, the more I realize how recent this is in our history and how pivotal Fort Stanwix was in the American Revolution. I'm walking over the bridge into the fort. I'm greeted by friendly park ranger Ariel Golner. I ask her to take us on an audio tour of the firing of a Revolutionary War cannon. Alrighty, we're gonna pretend that a shot was just fired. Yep. How long is this whole routine?

SPEAKER_13 6:58

If you had a really tight cannon crew, 30 seconds. You gotta have a team that understands what they're doing so that they can all come out at the end of the day. So the first thing that needs to happen is we need to get rid of the large flaming debris that is inside the cannon. So the tool that is used for that's called a worm. It looks like a giant corkscrew for a giant wine bottle. It would come with a cannon. Make sure that that corkscrew grabs all that flaming debris. And then all that flaming debris would come onto the floor.

unknown 7:33

Okay.

SPEAKER_13 7:33

So we got the big stuff. Time to get rid of the little stuff. So what is this item that you picked up? So this is a sponge rammer. So on both sides there is a tool. There is a sponge and a rammer.

SPEAKER_05 7:47

So it's called a sponge rammer.

SPEAKER_13 7:49

Yes. They were very literal with their tool names back in the 18th century. You have to dip it into a bucket of water. You get the sponge wet. So what is happening is we're putting in the sponge into the tool. And should the cannon crew be doing their job appropriately, we're creating a vacuum here in the cannon. At the back of the cannon, there is a vent hole. I need to cover this.

SPEAKER_05 8:11

With your thumb? With my thumb.

SPEAKER_13 8:13

Yes. In order to have an appropriate cannon crew, you need at least six people.

SPEAKER_05 8:16

Really? Per cannon. There's six people.

SPEAKER_13 8:18

Yes.

SPEAKER_05 8:20

Be the bombardier and I do the cover. Okay. Okay, so I'm the bombardier putting my thumb over the hole, and you are the sponge rammer.

SPEAKER_13 8:27

One, two, three. We got it. Standing way far away, there is somebody with a fancy name called the powder monkey. They are over there with a chest full of gunpowder. They cannot be anywhere close to the cannon with a chest full of gunpowder. The commander calls out whatever shot that he wants, whether it be a solid shot, a grape shot, or a canister shot. And the powder monkey will put it in a satchel on their left side because the person holding the lens stock, which is a stick with a Y-shaped metal prong on the end with rope, that is on fire. And so then the powder monkey would take the requested shot, bring it to the front of the cannon, and that person that was holding the worm tool earlier comes to their second job, which is they receive the cartridge and they put it under their chin so that any small flying flaming debris will not hit the cartridge. Then they put in that cartridge with a three-pound cannonball, and then it looks like a sock with the cannonball as together, as a unit. And then the person who has the sponge rammer, they've used the sponge end of the tool. It's time to use the ram end of the tool. So they ram the cartridge down. And so the bombardier has been standing here this whole time with their thumb on the vent hole. Now that the charge is at the bottom, it's time to use the fancy tools in his tool belt. So the Bombardier has some special accessories. It's a big white satchel that's full of tootsie rolls of gunpowder, and there is a brass, kind of long skewer. And so they would drop that into the vent hole, and you'd hear a quick, which means that the sock of gunpowder, there's a hole in it now. Now stuff gets dangerous because we have exposed gunpowder. They would go to the satchel and those tootsie roll things that we talked about earlier. And we make a joke where you need at least two teeth, one on the top, one on the bottom. I mean, you don't necessarily need them. You can gum this cartridge if you really want to. You'd take the cartridge in your teeth, and you'd rip the cartridge top off, you'd pour it on the vent hole. Now there's this beautiful pile of gunpowder. And now we're ready to fire. So this guy who has been standing over here with a burning rope waits for the commander. Their level of hearing protection wasn't so great in the 18th century. They may have beeswax plug with their fingers, but a lot of people who worked with the cannon, unfortunately, became deaf. So there was also a visual signal that went with fire. Watch the sword come down, and that was the actual cue to fire. They would take the flaming end of the linstock, they would swipe it over the vent hole, and then boom! Um, so it can be anywhere from close to instantaneous to several seconds delay. And then you do it all over again.

SPEAKER_05 11:08

Thank you. You're welcome. As I head back over the bridge, I meet a young family on their way into the fort. Where are you from?

SPEAKER_19 11:20

Connecticut. So do you know anything?

SPEAKER_05 11:21

First time in Rome. Do you know anything about Fort Sandwix?

SPEAKER_19 11:24

Well, just what we've been learning in the museum there. Oh, okay. It's very instructional.

SPEAKER_05 11:29

Oh, can you tell me about your instrument here? Why did you bring this? Is it just part of the?

SPEAKER_19 11:33

I just bought it at the store.

SPEAKER_05 11:34

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_19 11:35

I always like the Timpenny flute and it kind of represents a little bit of the whole Yankee spirit. Can I hear it? Sure.

SPEAKER_05 11:54

So, okay, so is that like traditional to what they play?

SPEAKER_19 11:57

They the soldiers would play the tin whistle coming into battle or just marching through the towns.

SPEAKER_05 12:04

So you're really getting into this?

SPEAKER_19 12:05

Yeah, a little bit.

SPEAKER_05 12:07

Great, have fun. If you want to experience real cannon fire, there are a couple events this summer at Fort Stanwyx. On Saturday, the 4th of July, there's Independence Day, the 18th century way, and on Saturday, August 15th, there's an encampment commemorating the anniversary of the Siege of Fort Stanwix. It's opening day at Vernon Downs. We follow track announcer John Horn through the maze of barns back alongside the main racetrack. Here we meet the Gale family tending to their horses. I see young Isabel helping prepare their horses for the races tonight. So what horses will we be racing today? I'll show you.

SPEAKER_09 12:48

We have Use Your Love Tonight. His nickname is Beefcake. And then we have right here Genesee Kwa. Frenchie is his nickname. Hey Frenchie! Good luck tonight. Do they know? They do because we didn't pull them out to jog them today. All we did was brush them down. So they have an idea that they're definitely going to race today. Hi beautiful. Who's your favorite?

SPEAKER_04 13:10

Um Tilly. Tilly? What do you like about her? Uh she cares baby whenever I give her a treat. Oh, you'd like that she's nippy? Yeah, but whenever she bites me, um, then I just give her a treat and then she's not even mean. Oh, that's cool. Yes, that's what I like about her. Yeah.

SPEAKER_09 13:27

Yes, you have to come in and greet her first. Oh, she's jealous of the other horses? Oh yeah.

SPEAKER_04 13:32

Oh. If mom g if mom goes and goes to another horse and just starts petting another one, she'll um she'll just be all mad.

SPEAKER_05 13:42

I talk with fourth generation harness driver Truman Gale. So your nickname's the night train? Yep. And how long have you been racing here?

SPEAKER_20 13:50

I've been racing here since 2008. I mean, family-wise, we've been here for three generations.

SPEAKER_05 13:54

So um you grew up in this?

SPEAKER_20 13:56

Yes. Yep, fourth generation. That was my great-grandfather, my grandfather, father, now me.

SPEAKER_05 14:00

How many horses do you have in tonight?

SPEAKER_20 14:02

Two racing tonight, first race, seventh race, one pacer, one trotter.

SPEAKER_05 14:05

In all of your time of racing, which horses have the greatest reputation in your family?

SPEAKER_20 14:10

Oh god, there's been a lot of them. But uh there was Ocean America, there was GD's Breton Jury, and I'm hoping to make a few of my own.

SPEAKER_05 14:17

And uh, who do you have now who's up and coming you think's gonna be a star?

SPEAKER_20 14:21

Uh we got a Philly, we bought it at Harrisburg, we took a chance, went out there. She'll be a two-year-old this year. Her name's Coconut Grove. Friendship, which would be Genay Sequois. He looked like he'd fit the mold perfectly, so I'm hoping he's in the uh uh the opener for the meet this this evening. So hopefully you can get it kicked off right for us.

SPEAKER_05 14:36

When you said you're looking at racehorses, what are you looking for?

SPEAKER_20 14:38

Just good confirmation, a good head. It's always been kind of an old wise tilt. They got a little white in their eyes, they might be a little bit crazy. And crazy to me is fast. So I don't mind not so much. Good clean legs, soundness, speed.

SPEAKER_05 14:49

And as far as personality, does that matter in a racehorse?

SPEAKER_20 14:52

Oh, naturally. I mean, they're athletes, they're gonna be uh you know, a very emotional animal. So you know you don't want one that's got its ears pinned and it's mean, clearly with the kids around. But as you can tell, personality-wise, it's always nice to have one with a lot of personality.

SPEAKER_05 15:05

So, how many kids do you have in this generation now?

SPEAKER_20 15:07

We have four.

SPEAKER_05 15:08

And do they have an interest in this?

SPEAKER_20 15:09

Uh, they seem to like it. Do they have a choice? Well, but most certainly do, but yeah, I mean, uh it's not a very hard battle to get them to come to the barn to work. I got my start, my family and I, we raced mainly Ottawa, which was Ridew Carlton Raceway, Montreal, which is Hippodrome de Moreo. But then, of course, we always did like the New York Sirestakes, the fairs, a lot of Saratoga, clearly here at Vernon. And uh my wife and I have recently purchased land and built a house in Boonville, New York. So we're we're looking forward to expanding what we've already built. I mean, I would love to have the option of using like Boonville Fairgrounds or something like that. Their track is outstanding to move the stable there and just be a little bit closer to home. But let me tell you, the 40-minute drive to Vernon doesn't bother me one bit.

SPEAKER_05 15:51

Well, welcome to the Mohawk Valley.

SPEAKER_20 15:53

Couldn't be happier to be here.

SPEAKER_05 15:55

I speak with track announcer John Horn, who seems as excited as the drivers and horses about opening day. So it's opening day here at the racetrack. Tell me what's your role here.

SPEAKER_00 16:05

Well, I'm the track announcer, and to me, this is like Christmas in April. Everybody has a fresh start. You don't know whose year it's gonna be. It's you see some fresh faces, you see some faces you see all the time. It's a great part of the year, and the the crowd is here, are so good and have been so supportive for so many years. I have been the announcer here since 2019, and I just love it here at Vernon Downs.

SPEAKER_05 16:29

So tell me the scene of where we are right now. We're back in the stables, and I don't think people realize how big this complex is. Tell me a little bit about what's happening here behind the scenes.

SPEAKER_00 16:37

We have two warm-up tracks besides the big seven eight smile track. There are barns all around here, and they'll take their horses out jogging as they have to be loose, just like regular athletes.

SPEAKER_05 16:48

How many horses are here in any given day during the season?

SPEAKER_00 16:51

This is one of the larger of all the tracks around the barn area. There's usually about 500 horses here. There's usually about 260 that race every week. Some people keep their horses here year-round, some people bring their horses here.

SPEAKER_05 17:05

Tell me a little bit about the horse families here, and we just got to meet one of them and how this is people don't see this behind-the-scenes stuff that's happening.

SPEAKER_00 17:13

Yes, and that's the thing about Vernon that is so special. This is one big family here. If somebody's having trouble with a horse, there's another family that's right there to help them. And there's a lot of families that race together, just like the Gale family. Truman just he loves having his family here, and that and that's true with all of them. And it's that's pretty common here. There's a lot of three, four, five generations that have raced here.

SPEAKER_05 17:38

People are gathering by the gate for the start of the race. I find Whitten Gale with her sister and friends waiting for the races to start. Hello, Witten. Tell me about your horse and the race today and and what the odds are for him.

SPEAKER_06 17:51

His name's Frenchie. He's has a great personality. He's very like, he's like a puppy dog pretty much. And he's just very willing to do whatever you want him to do, and I'm very excited for him to race today. Has he is this like his first race? I know it's his first race this season, so yeah. And you said his odds are pretty good. Mm-hmm. Okay. Well, good luck. Thank you.

SPEAKER_05 18:31

After the break, chapter 7 of Annie and the Loomis Gang, and Matt Perry talks about the yellow-bellied stepsucker.

SPEAKER_11 18:38

Come with me as we travel along the Mohawk.

SPEAKER_03 18:46

Big Apple Music in New Hartford has served Central New York and the best musicians since 1979. Guitars, amps, drums, sound systems, digital pianos, and school instruments. And providing sales, rentals, repairs, and musical instrument private lessons. Got an instrument that needs a little love? Let Big Apple Music repair it for you. Check us out for Sound System installs and repairs. The best brands for the best bands. Shop local, shop smart, shop Big Apple Music in New Hartford. Loving people for over 46 years. Check us out on Facebook and our website.

SPEAKER_15 19:19

Since 1917, NGM Exploring America has delivered quality floors and expert installations, save on carpeting, laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, and more. Plus, we offer 12 months of interest-free financing for qualified buyers. Stop by our location today.

SPEAKER_18 19:34

You work hard here in the Mohawk Valley. You make a difference. You leave your mark. You deserve a financial advisor who works hard to make a difference for your future.

SPEAKER_14 19:43

Investing for retirement, college, thinking about your legacy. We have spent most of our adult lives giving you straightforward answers for your financial decisions.

SPEAKER_18 19:54

We pride ourselves on being local, prudent, and trustworthy for you, Van Meter and Van Meter, with three offices to serve your financial future.

SPEAKER_16 20:05

Previously on Annie and the Loomis Gang, Annie meets Washington Loomis, who tells her that he has filed a claim against the farm and he plans to take it from her. Chapter 7. Rhoda Loomis.

SPEAKER_08 20:20

Oh Ganya, Wash filed a claim against the land.

SPEAKER_01 20:24

Sit, Annie.

SPEAKER_08 20:26

What if he's right? What if I truly owe him? I can't lose Uncle Shay's land.

SPEAKER_01 20:31

Debt is a story men write.

SPEAKER_08 20:33

I don't want to lose what he built. What do I do?

SPEAKER_01 20:36

Do the work in front of you. The rest will show itself.

SPEAKER_05 20:40

Thank you, Ganya. I'll see it through. Annie takes a deep breath, returns to the house, and stashes the money in her uncle's strong box. Then to the barn to saddle Hunter.

SPEAKER_07 20:51

Okay, Hunter, easy now. I'm riding to town as the new teacher. Properly. Side saddle. Whoa! Don't argue with me. Oh, Hunter, come now. Fine, I'll ride astride. Come now, Hunter. Giddy up!

SPEAKER_05 21:07

Annie rides up the Sangerfield Road, the three miles to Waterville. As she rides into the village, she passes people and carriages. A well-dressed woman in deep maroon rides past Annie, her skirt neatly smoothed over her side saddle, her posture upright and precise. Her eyes move over Annie, and judgment settles in her gaze. Annie tips her head in polite greeting. She ties Hunter outside Bissell's general store. She enters to find a group of men gathered around store owner William J. Bissell, who is reading the Waterville Times.

SPEAKER_21 21:41

Samuel T. Whitaker. Henry J. McAllister. Charles E. Dunham. Good morning, miss. May I help you?

SPEAKER_08 21:53

Pardon, are those casualties you're reading?

SPEAKER_21 21:55

Yes, sadly. Is there a soldier you're concerned for?

SPEAKER_08 22:00

Yes, my brother Benjamin S. O'Connor. He enlisted in Little Falls the spring of 61, Company B, 34th New York.

SPEAKER_21 22:07

One of the first regiments, brave men. Our own young clerk, Herman Clark, enlisted early this month. O'Connor, you must be our new teacher. I hear you have a team of workhorses for sale.

SPEAKER_08 22:20

I sold the team this morning to George Loomis.

SPEAKER_21 22:23

Loomis, you say? That's a new one. Wash paying for a horse? If you have any trouble with your neighbors, our new constable Philkins can help you. How can I help you today?

SPEAKER_08 22:35

I'm here in search of a tea kettle.

SPEAKER_21 22:37

Wish I could help you, but I'm sure my friend Jim at Salisbury's can help just up the way.

SPEAKER_05 22:43

Much obliged. Annie hurries across the street to the post office. The village is beginning to stir with midday activity as she makes her way to J.M. Salisbury. When she reaches the shop's entrance, she once again crosses paths with a mysterious woman she passed on horseback.

SPEAKER_22 23:00

You must be Miss O'Connor. The new teacher, I believe. Yes, ma'am, though I'm surprised you already know my name. In a small town, Miss O'Connor, one does not remain unknown for long. So it seems. You arrive boldly for a newcomer, riding a stallion such as that into town. He is my horse. So I observe. A creature of that presence tends to stir the mares. And one must expect similar attention when a man of standing enters a room. My sons encounter much the same. I suppose. Though attraction is common, standards are not. I find the local girls seldom rise to mine. Still, Miss O'Connor, I admire a woman who manages her own affairs. As a teacher, however, you might consider entering town by carriage. It would be more in keeping with your position. After you.

SPEAKER_05 23:51

The woman gestures toward the door and follows Annie inside.

SPEAKER_02 23:56

Good day, ladies. Mrs. Loomis, a pleasure as always.

SPEAKER_05 24:00

The name washes over Annie, and she lets out a quiet laugh before she can stop herself. Ha!

SPEAKER_08 24:07

Father warned me to stay out of trouble. Here I am meeting the entire Loomis family.

SPEAKER_05 24:12

Rhoda eyes Annie, noting the breach in decorum.

SPEAKER_02 24:15

How can I help you, miss? I'm looking for a tea kettle. You've come to the right place. We have several over here.

SPEAKER_05 24:22

He gestures to the nearby display.

SPEAKER_02 24:24

This one is our finest, heavy copper. Very well made. Copper? This is from Revere. The best quality we carry.

SPEAKER_05 24:32

Annie admires the warm reddish glow, aware of Rhoda's eyes watching her. The plain tin kettles are marked 50 cents. The Revere made $3. I'll take the copper one, please.

SPEAKER_02 24:45

Fine choice, miss. I'll go wrap this up for you.

SPEAKER_05 24:48

Thank you. Aware that she is being watched, Annie turns and finds Rhoda standing by the display of fine silver, but her unwavering eyes are on Annie.

SPEAKER_22 24:58

A fine choice. One should not settle for the ordinary. I shall call upon you at your home for tea. It would be pleasant to speak somewhere quieter. I find this village lacking in conversation of substance. I'm certain the school will keep me occupied in the coming weeks. Then tell me, as our new teacher, do you believe a child must drift where fortune carries him? Or does he shape his own future? After all, we can make our lives sublime.

SPEAKER_08 25:29

I find Mr. Longfellow's writing most valuable for the moral lessons they teach. That success is meaningful only when it's earned with integrity.

SPEAKER_05 25:38

A glint catches Annie's eyes and she looks down as a fine silver knife is slipped into Rhoda's bag. Her gaze snaps upward and meets Rhoda's unwavering stare, calm, commanding, and self-assured. A faint curve forming at the corner of Rhoda's mouth.

SPEAKER_16 25:59

Next week, Chapter 8, Whispers of the Swamp.

SPEAKER_17 26:11

This is Mohawk Valley Soundscape. By mid-April, the yellow-bellied sapsucker returns to the northern woods. A member of the woodpecker clan, it is no ordinary woodpecker. While most of its relatives chisel into dead wood for insects, the sapsucker turns to living trees, drilling neat rows of small wells and returning to harvest the rising sap. Not all trees are equal in its estimation. In the Mohawk Valley, it favors mountain ash, basswood, hemlock, and sugar maple, though it commonly samples the sap from other species as well. These sap wells do not serve the sapsucker alone. In early spring, when flowers are scarce, they become vital resources. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators gather, and even the early arriving hummingbirds may pause to drink. The bird itself is striking. The adult male sapsucker bears a bright red crown and throat, set against a black and white body with a pale yellow wash along the belly and a bold white wing stripe. Like other woodpeckers, it drums to announce its presence, but its rhythm is distinctive. Rather than a steady roll, it is irregular, like a message tapped in Morse code. Its voice ranges from a soft squeak, like a pet's squeak toy, to a sharper call, like the insistent screeching cry of a distant hawk. As soon as they return, the males begin to sort themselves out, facing off and darting between tree trunks in lively chases. For the observer, this is the best time of year to find them. When they are most animated, charged with urgency, and with the great expectations of spring.

SPEAKER_05 28:19

Thank you for tuning in. We have many more adventures ahead, so hope to see you again next time along the Mohawk. Come with me as we travel.