Monthly Archives: May 2008

Groundhogs Sample Spring’s Offerings

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 [...] Read more...

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Spotted Sandpiper Fly-by and other Comings and Goings

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 [...] Read more...

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Turtle Stroll, Snakes Hunt, and Frogs Call Out

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, [...] Read more...

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Dragonflies, Two Orange Butterflies, and a Hummingbird Moth

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 [...] Read more...

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Coreopsis and a Treat for the Birds

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 [...] Read more...

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A Night Heron, Birds on the Move

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 [...] Read more...

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The Wetlands Comes Alive

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 [...] Read more...

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Dragonflies, Butterflies and a Big-eyed beetle

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 [...] Read more...

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May Flowers

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...

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Greg Dodge's Portrait
  • Greg Dodge is a professional naturalist as well as a writer, videographer and producer of natural history DVDs. His images have been used in various TV productions, museum displays, and corporate videos. Above all, he has a fascination and passion for all things natural.
  • Stop by and say hello Tuesday thru Saturday in Explore the Wild, Catch the Wind, or on the Dino Trail.