On Saturday, February 21, I noticed a duck (a Mutt Duck, Mallard x Domestic Duck that’s often seen in the Wetlands) sitting hunched down on the small island out in front of the Wetlands Overlook. There are two of these Mutt Ducks in the Wetlands. They’re very similar in appearance with dark brown bodies and [...] Read the rest of this entry »
Archive for February, 2009
February’s Bold Turtles and a Peep from the Frogs
February 28th, 2009With the return of more seasonal temperatures during the latter half of February the only reptiles or amphibians in evidence were the occasional Painted or Yellow-bellied Turtle out basking in the Wetlands and Spring Peepers which sporadically break out in song wherever there is water (image at left). The peeper activity should pick up in [...] Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
A Lone Butterfly
February 28th, 2009I saw one butterfly during the second half of February. I was unable to get a good look at the rapidly flying butterfly; it appeared to be an anglewing. Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
First Flowers of “Spring”
February 28th, 2009A single Common Blue Violet was blooming on the north edge of the Wetlands and a few Daffodils were open elsewhere along the path during the last week of February. Red Maples are in bloom. Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
Mystery Tracks on Ice
February 15th, 2009On the morning of February 7th, I noticed a set of tracks leading across the ice in front of the boardwalk as it descends into the Wetlands. The tracks were muddy and a bit distorted and enlarged due to the melting ice. Throughout the day the temperatures climbed from the 30s to the 70s. The [...] Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
The Urge to Nest, Martins on the Way
February 15th, 2009A Canada Goose was observed moving nesting material around on the small island in front of the Wetlands Overlook. The bird was apparently just going through the motions spurred on by the warm weather. The goose momentarily shuffled a few pieces of grass and leaves about on the island, then swam off to feed. Thinking [...] Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
Wetlands Slowly Awakens
February 15th, 2009One Painted Turtle and 2 Yellow-bellied Turtles were out basking on the 7th of February; many more joined them later in the period. I thought I heard a Gray Treefrog calling early in this period and positively heard Spring Peepers and at least one Upland Chorus Frog sing out as things heated up. At least [...] Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
Exploratory Outing
February 15th, 2009The warm weather which arrived on the 7th of February brought out two butterflies that winter as adults tucked away under tree bark or in small cavities in trees: a well-worn American Snout and an equally worn Questionmark. A very fresh Sleepy Orange was also seen and had apparently emerged from a chrysalis not long [...] Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
Early Bloomers
February 15th, 2009Two plants currently in bloom are Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) and Alder. Mahonia is a Chinese shrub with thick, superficially, holly-like leaves and can been found at the Wetlands Overlook near the Lemur House. Mahonia, with its small yellow-green flowers, typically blooms in winter. The alder is on the north side of the Wetlands. It’s [...] Read the rest of this entry »
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.
There are no comments on this journal entry. Start the conversation.