"Come Away!" Walking Stick #3 (2023)

Stick # 3 (2023)

Walkabout Talk About Stick Project

Released in May, 2023

Location:  Black Rock Santuary - Phoenixville, PA

Link for Directions:

“Come Away” to See Tree Swallows, Sycamores, and the Meadows (Starting Location: Black Rock Sanctuary in Phoenixville, PA

If you are in need of a “slice of heaven” hike the field trail at Black Rock Sanctuary. It’s serene, it’s full of color in every season. It’s a great nature spot. American sycamore trees  line the ridge of this trail…Look up! They are the tall trees with white bark (especially near their tops) that line the ridge of this trail standing like giants.  If you are running along the trail during summer or  fall months just reach your hand out to the tall meadow grasses – they’ll give you the “high five” and the lift you need to run another lap! About three quarters of the way through you’ll start noticing bluebird boxes.  One day my son and I were surprised to see a mother bird circling her box. She was a bit agitated that we were running by and even chased us a little. It was kind of fun! – she’ swoop down and at the last moment retreat up high!  We knew she was not a bluebird and with her long swallow tail we were not surprised to find that tree swallows do commonly over take  bluebird boxes. We learned the way to tell if a tree swallow has moved in is to inspect the box (once the chicks have left). If the original grassy nest has been lined with feathers a tree swallow has moved on in.  I named this stick “Come Away” because of a lovely animated movie called the “Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde. It’s about the amazing bond between a swallow and a gilded statue of the Happy Prince. Watch the movie for yourself…if only for the gorgeous watercolor animation. And please, “come away” on this trail with this tree swallow stick – I can’t wait to hear about the artful things you find on your journey here or whereever you hike with this stick !

Please consider sharing your special “Walkabout” story/artwork/poem/musing/photo with the project by emailing me at jchylack@joliechylackstudio.com