Top Photo: Hermit thrush inspects sumac seeds for possible consumption.

While walking the outdoor loop through Explore the Wild and Catch the Wind, it’d be worth your while to keep an eye out for what’s around you.

Winter residents, hermit thrushes eat fruit, seeds, and invertebrates when available.

Some trees retain the seeds they produced during the growing season until well into the winter, even within the same species. Most white ash trees typically disperse their seeds in fall. Some are still heavy with seeds in February.

It’s not unusual for red maple to be in full bloom during the last few weeks in February. Several maples in Catch the Wind are doing just that.

Hazel alder is in bloom in Explore the Wild. It grows in the northwest corner of the wetlands.

And, while walking through Explore the Wild, don’t forget to stop in at the Red Wolf Enclosure, one of the rarest mammals on the planet.

Enjoy your walk!