Returning this week (4/17-4/24) from points south were Chimney Swift, Gray Catbird, Wood Thrush, House Wren and White-eyed Vireo, all locally nesting birds.
The female Belted Kingfisher has once again made herself scarce, presumably sitting on eggs. I briefly saw the male on Friday, 23 April.
Black Locust is in bloom as is Old Man’s Beard (not the guy on the left, but the tree, Fringetree). The former can be seen on the opposite side of the water from the Wetlands Overlook and from Flying Birds (bird feeders).
Fringetree grows along the path as you leave Catch the Wind heading towards the Lemur House and across from the Red Wolf Exhibit.
Red Clover and Buttercup are in bloom and while some of the flowers are open, most of the daisies in Catch the Wind are still waiting for that to happen. In just a few days Catch the Wind will be white with daisies (I know it’s tempting to pick the flowers, but please leave them for all to appreciate).
Lotus peaks in June. It’ll be well into May before this watery plant sets forth its first flowers.
Mahonia is showing the fruits of its winter blooms.
This is just the beginning, so come on out to see for yourself what birds are singing and what’s blooming in Catch the Wind and Explore the Wild. I’ll be there, for sure.
I identified and photographed Downy Arrowwood blooming on my family’s property in Chat. Co. on Apr. 4, ’10. Don’t know how I overlooked the beautiful specimen before!
Check out these photos of Downy Arrowwood by Will Cook .
Arrowwood’s one of my favorites.
Thanks.
Have you seen any fox cubs yet?
A fox was seen by one of the Animal Keepers a week or so back. I believe it was an adult.
I, personally, have not seen any activity, but will let you know if and when I spot a young fox in the area.
Thanks.