There are still turtles to be seen basking on the rocks and logs of the Wetlands. Likewise, Bullfrogs may still be seen in the Wetlands, but I wouldn’t count on seeing them for much longer. However, their tadpoles are becoming more obvious as they both grow larger and the algae dies back in the water making for a clearer view of what lies below the water’s surface.Read more
Posts tagged: #Bullfrog
Black Light Insect Hunt
It was still light as I arrived at the Museum of Life and Science’s Third Annual Black Light Insect Hunt. Many Chimney Swifts along with a few bats were flying low over the Wetlands, hawking insects. As the light faded, more and more bats joined the swirling mass. Soon, the swifts disappeared leaving the night skies to the bats, and to the insects of the night. Mercury vapor and black lights were set up in front of white sheets inRead more
Tree-climbing Turtle, Snakes vs. Frogs
In a previous Journal entry (Explore the Wild Journal, July 1-15) I mentioned having seen a Stinkpot, or Eastern Musk Turtle, in the Wetlands. I also mentioned that they’ve been known to climb trees, as high as 6 feet up. On August 3rd I saw one in a Willow about 50 feet off the Wetlands Overlook (image below). However, this little turtle was only about 3 feet above the water’s surface. I saw a young Snapping Turtle (4-5 inches fromRead more
Yellow-bellies and Bullfrogs grow, others Lay Low
Top Photo: Bullfrog. Young turtles continue to be seen from both the boardwalk and the Wetlands Overlook. No longer the silver dollar-sized individuals of a few months ago, the turtles appear to be growing quickly on the abundant food in the Wetlands. When not basking out on a log, these little Yellow-bellied Turtles are either eating or looking for food. I’ve not seen as many Painted Turtles as previously, and Snapping Turtles seem to be laying low. Bullfrogs are becomingRead 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
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