Toads Aplenty

Back in March and April I photographed American toads mating and laying eggs in our Wetlands. On April 11, I photo’d the small, black tadpoles that hatched from the eggs swimming in the shallow water of the swamp to the west of the Main Wetlands Overlook. Again, this time on May 20, I took shots of the tadpoles as they were about to become toads. They still had their tails, but also their legs. They would soon be ready toRead more

Nest Box Update 5.31.17

We are currently hosting two house wren pairs. One is located at the Cow Pasture nest box (6 eggs), the other lives at the site of the old Bungee Jump (5 nestlings). The nest box at the Cow Pasture contains 6 house wren eggs. There were 6 eggs in the nest last week. And, I didn’t see an adult fly from the box this week. Incubation should be in progress. Have the birds abandoned the nest for some reason? TheRead more
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Red Wolf Pups

You’ve no doubt heard that on April 28 our female red wolf gave birth to pups. We now have four new additions to our red wolf enclosure. The pups are becoming more agile, and bold, as each day passes. The entire family was briefly out in front of their den when the photos presented here were taken on a damp and rainy 23 May. Enjoy!Read more

Bluebird Update 5.16.17

We now have three empty nests waiting for occupancy, and three nest boxes which are being used by house wrens. There’s a total of nine eggs in the occupied nests. The Cow Pasture nest box is host to house wrens. There are three eggs in the nest. The Explore the Wild nest box is empty. It has been cleaned and is ready for use. The nest box which is located at the site of the old Bungee Jump has sixRead more
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Spring Happenings

Before and after your visit to the Red Wolf Enclosure to see the wolf pups out in Explore the Wild, be sure to keep a keen lookout for some of our local wild fauna here at the Museum. The garden in front of the Butterfly House, the sides of the paths around our outdoor loop, and the Wetlands are host to many a diverse creature waiting for your discovery. Currently, insects, frogs, and birds are stealing the show. Beetles, dragonflies,Read more

Bluebird Update 5.9.17

We’ve had 9 birds fledge since last week, one bird died before fledging, and house wrens seem to be taking over the nest boxes. House wrens have built nests in three of the six nest boxes. The other nest boxes currently contain empty chickadee nests. We’ve only had 2 bluebird nests so far this season, one was destroyed by a house wren, the other fledged three birds. The nest box at the Cow pasture now contains a house wren nest,Read more

Wood Ducks

I’ve seen wood ducks in our wetlands perhaps a dozen times, although they’re probably here more often then they’re seen. Wood ducks are secretive birds and tend to stay hidden among the willows of our wetlands during the Museum’s open hours. On Thursday of last week I heard a wood duck call from the far side of the wetlands. Wood ducks don’t quack, but make various kinds of squeaky, whistling sounds. It’s often the only sign that there’s a woodRead more