Groundhogs are being seen with more frequency at the Bird Feeder Exhibit in Catch the Wind and along the grassy edges of the paved path around the Explore the Wild/Catch the Wind Loop. I saw one at the Bird Feeder Exhibit eating an apple (Granny Smith, I think). Read the rest of this entry »
Archive for September, 2008
3 Bald Eagles!
September 30th, 2008A female Wood Duck was in the Wetlands on the 21st of September. Traditionally, the third week in September sees a push of migrating hawks through the region when the winds are from the north. More often than not, the winds were from the north during the third and fourth weeks in September. Unfortunately for [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Sleepy Skink and a Very Small Toad
September 30th, 2008A Ground Skink’s presence is most often betrayed by a rustle in the leaves as the unseen lizard scurries away, leaving the passerby scratching his or her head wondering what made the noise. The skink in the photo on the left was basking in the sun. It must have been enjoying itself too much to [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Late September Insects
September 30th, 2008Despite a general decrease in dragonfly activity, several dragonflies are still being seen in small numbers including Common Green Darner, Black Saddlebags and Wandering Glider. All three of these dragonfly species are known to move with the seasons. With the winds out of the north, mostly northeast for a good part of the period, I’m [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Mistflower and Horsemint
September 30th, 2008Mistflower has been blooming for several weeks. One specimen is on the right side of the path between the main entrances to Explore the Wild and Catch the Wind. Horsemint has also been showing off its purple-spotted, yellow flowers for some time. It’s perhaps easiest to spot on the right side of the path as [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Fattening Up for the Deep Sleep
September 15th, 2008Groundhogs have been frequenting the Bird Feeder Area. Two of these large rodents have been seen at the feeders on several occasions thoughout the period. Read the rest of this entry »
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Wood Ducks Drop in for Visit
September 15th, 2008A pair of Wood Ducks graced the Wetlands with their presence during the period. They were on the far side of the water near the willows. As I’ve said before, you never know what’s going to come swimming out of the willows. I’ve caught an occasional glimpse of at least one Wood Duck during the [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Tiny Frogs and Basking Turtles
September 15th, 2008I continue to see a few small, newly morphed Cricket Frogs and many young Green Treefrogs along the north side of the Wetlands. If you stop and look at the tall vegetation on the right side of the path as you walk towards the Lemur House from the Wolf Overlook, you will most surely see [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Late Season Insects
September 15th, 2008I discovered a treehopper on Common Ragweed near the Wetlands Overlook next to the Lemur House. The only name I could find for it is the binomial or scientific name Entylia carinata, but since carinata means “keeled,” a good common name might be Keeled Treehopper. The “keel” in the name apparently refers to the projections [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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Fall Fruit, Nuts, and Flowers
September 15th, 2008Many plants and trees are beginning to show the signs of seasonal change. In the Wetlands the hues have shifted from the deep greens of summer to the much lighter hues of early fall. Willows and Sycamores have committed to the change. The Dogwoods are close behind; their fruit will soon be bright red. Poke [...] Read the rest of this entry »
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