Top Photo: Saucer magnolia bursting open.

A week ago and the saucer magnolia flower buds were obvious but not yet open. Then, they all seemed to burst open at once.

Squirrels are eagerly gathering up food and consuming it on the spot. The black walnut pictured here is just one of the many choices available, having been cached in the fall and relocated when other food is scarce.

While standing on the Main Wetlands Overlook I spied a small piece of lichen moving along the boardwalk’s railing. Of course, lichen can’t walk, this was a green lacewing larva covered with lichen as camouflage (also known as lichen bug).

Lichen bugs are voracious predators of aphids and other small insects. They’re armed with deadly pincers. Besides camouflaging themselves with lichen they may also use leftover parts of the prey they consume, or other debris found along the way.

Red buckeye (below) has already burst open. These photos were from the week before. Interesting how the buds show the folded up, unfurling leaves within.

With the warm sunny days of the past week and more, bales of aquatic turtles have been out basking, I counted over 35 on three of their favorite perches. There were single baskers throughout the wetland. Seemingly, everywhere you looked there was a basking turtle.

One of our turtle basking platforms floated off its station and had to be moved back into position and securely anchored. Christian and Dakota (Exhibits) were up to the task.

While out in the wetlands, I asked the two worthy Exhibits Techs if they wouldn’t mind cleaning out the previous year’s nest material in our wood duck and tree swallow nest boxes. Again, they were only too happy to do the job.

Red shouldered hawks are deeply involved with courtship and mating. Not known for being quiet, they are especially loud during breeding season. The males hunt for frogs, snakes, and other tasty prey items to offer their mates before copulation.

The hawk pictured here is patiently perch-hunting for an offering.

And that’s about all I have for you. It’s too nice to sit around inside. It’s time to go out and enjoy the spring.

Ranger Greg