Groundhogs have been busy the past few weeks. The ripening Mulberries may have something to do with the animals’ recent activity. On several occasions I’ve seen one large individual on the path leading to the Lemur House, just as you leave Catch the Wind and where there is a large, fruitful Mulberry Tree. I also saw a very small member of the species, perhaps on one of it’s first forays into the wild, munching on some greenery along side theRead more
Posts filed in: Spring
Spotted Sandpiper Fly-by and other Comings and Goings
Top Photo: spotted sandpiper makes brief stop in wetlands. A Spotted Sandpiper was seen at the Sailboat Pond. The bird circled the pond once and then proceeded down the path toward Explore the Wild. Spotted Sandpipers prefer a muddy shoreline on which to forage for invertebrates. We don’t often see shorebirds at the Museum. If they stop in, they usually don’t stay long. A young Red-tailed Hawk, leisurely soaring over the Wetlands, was met by a Red-shouldered Hawk intent onRead more
Turtle Stroll, Snakes Hunt, and Frogs Call Out
Top Photo: Yellow-bellied slider digs nest hole along path. Over the past few weeks adult turtles have been seen walking across the paved path in both Catch the Wind and Explore the Wild. Adult turtles in our area, with the exception of Eastern Box Turtles, which are terrestrial, may be on land for several reasons. They may be looking for a better food source, a mate, or they may be headed off to lay eggs. If you see a turtleRead more
Dragonflies, Two Orange Butterflies, and a Hummingbird Moth
Top Photo: Slaty skimmer (male). Three new Dragonfly species showed up during the past few weeks, bringing the total number of Dragonfly and Damselfly species seen so far this spring to fifteen. Comet Darners, Slaty Skimmers, and Black Saddlebags were spotted over the Wetlands. Comet Darners and Black Saddlebags also made appearances at the Sailboat Pond. Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies were both seen during the period. Viceroys are mimics of the Monarch, although they are a bit smaller than theRead more
Coreopsis and a Treat for the Birds
Top Photo: Cedar waxwing grapples with mulberry. Coreopsis is in bloom. You can see these yellow flowers with the fringe-tipped petals growing around the Sailboat Pond in Catch the Wind. Much to the delight of many bird species as well as some Museum guests and myself, Red Mulberries are ripe – they’re very tasty. There are a number of Red Mulberry Trees growing along the Explore the Wild and Catch the Wind Loop. One particularly prolific specimen is growing onRead more
A Night Heron, Birds on the Move
Top Photo: Green heron eyes blue dasher (dragonfly). A Black-crowned Night Heron was seen on two separate days at the beginning of the period. The bird was in immature plumage and had not yet acquired the “black crown” of its common name. It may take 3 years to acquire full adult plumage. Black-crowned Night Herons are active at night and sleep the day away, so it may still be about tucked in out of sight amongst the willows. This isRead more
The Wetlands Comes Alive
Top Photo: Green frog waits for something to happen. Cricket Frogs, Bullfrogs, and Gray Tree Frogs are calling. Occasionally, a Green Frog will pluck in with its twangy, single-note call. At least four Green Tree Frogs were seen along the path between the Lemur house and Catch the Wind. Look for them low on the vegetation along the raised banks on either side of the paved path (please stay on the path). They were calling during the first few daysRead more
Dragonflies, Butterflies and a Big-eyed beetle
Top Photo: Carolina saddlebags waits for wind-borne prey. Dragonflies continue to be the main attraction on the Wetlands insect list. Green Darners, Carolina Saddlebags, Baskettails, and Common Whitetails were out in force. Variable Dancers, Skimming Bluets, and Southern Spreadwings were the most often observed damselflies from the Wetlands Overlook. Orange Bluets were seen as well. These tiny, bright orange damselflies deserve a close look. I recommend that anyone visiting our outdoor exhibits bring along binoculars. If you see me outRead more
May Flowers
Top Photo: Blue-eyed grass. The most noteworthy flowering plants were Ox-eye Daisy, Poppy, Dame’s Rocket, Buttercup and various clovers. I also noticed Blue-eyed Grass in a few places along the path. The Black Willows in the Wetlands began dispersing their fluffy, wind-borne seeds – at times it appeared to be “snowing” willow seeds.Read more