What Feather

At the tail end of this past winter, I noticed a feather floating in the water just off the boardwalk. It was black with white triangular notches on the inner vane. The feather looked to be about 4 inches long, maybe a bit smaller. By its shape, I could tell that it was either an inner primary or secondary feather (wing feather) of a medium sized bird. This feather both puzzled and troubled me. The feather puzzled me because IRead more

Ode #40

Up until May 27th of this year I had seen 39 species of odes (odonata – dragonflies and damselflies) here at the Museum. There are now 40 species on the list. Common sanddragons (Progomphus obscurus) are not rare. In fact, as the name implies, they are quite common, although they’re probably more common on the coastal plain than here on the piedmont. These dragons prefer sandy bottomed streams and rivers. Sandy bottomed streams are more prevelant east and south ofRead more

Bluebird Update 5.31.16

Last week, I had predicted that there would be a completed nest and at least two eggs in the nest at the Amphimeadow. I also stated that I tend to be wrong in my predictions. The trend continues. There has been no further nest material added to the nest at the Amphimeadow, and of course, there are no eggs in the nest. Although there are three empty nest boxes, there has been activity in two of the boxes. One nestRead more

A Couple More Snakes

Here are photos of two snakes that are common to our area, one venomous the other non-venomous. I’ve discussed the difference between these two species in this blog on several occasions but this is simply a series of photos of the two, a copperhead and a northern water snake. Notice how variable northern water snakes are (below). Know what you’re looking at and watch your step as you go along.Read more

Bluebird Update 5.24.16

Things have been slow on the Museum of Life and Science Bluebird Trail. Four of the nest boxes have seen no activity and two of them minimal industry. One house wren and one bluebird have been the only interested parties concerning the nest boxes. The Cow Pasture nest remains empty as does the nest box next to the Bungee Jump (Take Off!). The Sailboat Pond nest has had no activity in the past four weeks. The Amphimeadow nest box hasRead more
5 Comments

Two Snakes

It can sometimes (often) be confusing as to what species of snake you’re looking at when you come across one on a trek along your favorite hiking trail, your backyard, or here at the Museum. I’ve often stated on this blog the clear difference between copperheads and other non-venomous snakes here at the Museum. But there are two species which even confuse me at times. The black rat snake and black racer are both common snakes here at the Museum.Read more

Bluebird Update 5.17.16

We currently have four nest boxes which have nest material within (pine straw, grass, twigs, etc.). One is the work of a bluebird, the other three house wrens. Only one of the house wren nests appear to be active. Two others are not complete after having been started weeks ago. Two of the nest boxes have no material in them at all, they are empty. The Cow Pasture nest box is empty. It has so far fledged five bluebirds. TheRead more

Three Birds

On Tuesday May 3, I spotted a blue jay-size bird in a large tree overhanging the path near Catch the Wind. It was backlit, no color visible. I could tell by the way the bird moved that it was anything but a bluejay. It was motionless except for slow movements of its head. It methodically moved its head up and down, left to right, and from side to side. It was inspecting the leaves and branches for prey, caterpillars. This,Read more

Bluebird Update 5.10.16

The fifteen bluebird nestlings which had occupied the Cow Pasture, Woodland, and Butterfly House nest boxes have all fledged. We now have only one active nest. One nest box which showed promise hasn’t been touched in two weeks. The house wren nest which had been started at the Sailboat Pond doesn’t appear to be active. There has been no activity for weeks. The only active nest is in the Woodland nest box. A house wren flew from the nest boxRead more