Apple Eating Groundhog

Groundhogs are being seen with more frequency at the Bird Feeder Exhibit in Catch the Wind and along the grassy edges of the paved path around the Explore the Wild/Catch the Wind Loop. I saw one at the Bird Feeder Exhibit eating an apple (Granny Smith, I think).Read more

3 Bald Eagles!

A female Wood Duck was in the Wetlands on the 21st of September. Traditionally, the third week in September sees a push of migrating hawks through the region when the winds are from the north. More often than not, the winds were from the north during the third and fourth weeks in September. Unfortunately for those of us who like to watch hawks and also reside in the piedmont, most migrating hawks move along the ridges in the western partRead more

Sleepy Skink and a Very Small Toad

A Ground Skink’s presence is most often betrayed by a rustle in the leaves as the unseen lizard scurries away, leaving the passerby scratching his or her head wondering what made the noise. The skink in the photo on the left was basking in the sun. It must have been enjoying itself too much to give way to the big bipedal intruder clomping down the path, me. As you can see, I was able to get a photo of itRead more

Late September Insects

Despite a general decrease in dragonfly activity, several dragonflies are still being seen in small numbers including Common Green Darner, Black Saddlebags and Wandering Glider. All three of these dragonfly species are known to move with the seasons. With the winds out of the north, mostly northeast for a good part of the period, I’m inclined to think that the individuals that are being seen are indeed migrants. Not on the move but still fairly common are Blue Dashers. SoRead more

Mistflower and Horsemint

Mistflower has been blooming for several weeks. One specimen is on the right side of the path between the main entrances to Explore the Wild and Catch the Wind. Horsemint has also been showing off its purple-spotted, yellow flowers for some time. It’s perhaps easiest to spot on the right side of the path as you leave Catch the Wind on the back side of the Loop.Read more

Wood Ducks Drop in for Visit

A pair of Wood Ducks graced the Wetlands with their presence during the period. They were on the far side of the water near the willows. As I’ve said before, you never know what’s going to come swimming out of the willows. I’ve caught an occasional glimpse of at least one Wood Duck during the summer months, but haven’t seen a male and female together until the first week in September. Green Herons are a daily sight in the Wetlands.Read more

Tiny Frogs and Basking Turtles

I continue to see a few small, newly morphed Cricket Frogs and many young Green Treefrogs along the north side of the Wetlands. If you stop and look at the tall vegetation on the right side of the path as you walk towards the Lemur House from the Wolf Overlook, you will most surely see Green Treefrogs, but you have to look! The one pictured at left was at that very location (a big yawn for such a tiny frog).Read more

Late Season Insects

I discovered a treehopper on Common Ragweed near the Wetlands Overlook next to the Lemur House. The only name I could find for it is the binomial or scientific name Entylia carinata, but since carinata means “keeled,” a good common name might be Keeled Treehopper. The “keel” in the name apparently refers to the projections on the head and back of the insect. These treehoppers are looked after by ants, apparently for the honeydew produced by the hoppers. There wereRead more