Today began Blackberry Season here in Botetourt County, Virginia. The wild raspberry crop had fizzled out a few days ago, and there's always a few days between when the raspberry plants finish bearing and the blackberries begin. I wandered over our 38 acres visiting old patches and looking for new ones and found both kinds. I ended up picking 1 1/2 quarts.
Elaine and I froze them for winter pies and cobblers. We picked three quarts of raspberries during the two weeks they were in, which doesn't sound like a lot and it isn't. Wild raspberries are never abundant on our property as blackberries and wineberries predominate. Any year when we can gather three or four quarts of raspberries is above average.
As always, time outdoors is filled with fascinating sights and sounds. I heard a white-eyed vireo at one blackberry patch, both favor young forest/edge habitat. But the most interesting thing I came across was a type of caterpillar which I could not identify. It was working its way along a blackberry vine. If someone can tell me what it is, I would be appreciative.
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