Learn About | Greg Dodge Journal: May 1-15, 2008

Greg Dodge and his Explore the Wild Journal

Greg Dodge Journal, May 1-15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flowering plants

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.

 

Insects and Butterflies

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 look. I recommend that anyone visiting our outdoor exhibits bring along binoculars. If you see me out there I'll help point out the various damselflies (or any other insect, bird, reptile...) for you to have a look at.

Many Museum guests were indeed able to get close looks at some of those dragonflies and damselflies seen over the Wetlands, as well as various butterfly species. On several days outoors I brought along a butterfly net and was able to first capture, place in a small clear plastic vial, and then show to guests a variety of insects. I later released the insects. I was able to catch a Common Buckeye, Eastern-tailed Blue, American Lady, Juniper Hairstreak, Pearl Crescent, and a few other species of butterfly along with two damselfly and two dragonfly species.

Guests were also treated to an up-close look at an Eyed Elater. Eyed Elaters are large click beetles, salt and pepper in color, which have large "false" eyes on their pronotum (the area just to the rear of the head). If a click beetle is placed on its back, it will first "arch" its back and then suddenly straighten itself out, sending the beetle airborne and producing an audible click in the process.

Frogs
Cricket Frogs, Bull Frogs, 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 days of May and should still be there or close by. They're tough to find. Good luck.

 

Snakes

Northern Water Snakes are regularly seen coiled up on a branch overhanging the Wetlands, resting on the banks, or patrolling for frogs along shore. A pair was seen by many guests as at least one of them (the snakes) attempted to mate. The female seemed uninterested.

 

Turtles

Many young (silver dollar-sized) Yellow-bellied and Painted Turtles have been seen basking near the shoreline of the Wetlands. The Yellow-bellied Turtles are green in color while the Painted Turtles have a darker, almost black, shell.

Along with Yellow-bellied and Painted Turtles, large Snapping Turtles have been observed basking out on logs and rocks in the Wetlands.

 

Birds

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 away, so it may still be about tucked in out of sight amongst the willows. This is an unusual sighting for the Wetlands.

More typically, a Green Heron and a Great Blue Heron tried their luck at catching a meal from the Wetlands. Tadpoles and fish are what they're after, although a passing dragonfly, small snake or a frog also fit the bill.

A Spotted Sandpiper was seen briefly at the start of the month, no doubt just stopping by on its way north.

The Red-shouldered Hawks that frequent the area often hunt for frogs and snakes while perched among the willows of the Wetlands, although they sometimes perch in clear view out on one of the snags in the middle of the wetlands. Often very loud birds while soaring overhead, when perch-hunting they usually remain silent. So, you have to keep a sharp eye out for them. The hawks apparently do well in their hunting endeavors. I've seen a Red-shouldered Hawk carry away a careless frog on more than a few occasions.

Red-winged Blackbirds, Gray Catbirds, and Common Yellowthroats are singing around the Wetlands and a Wood Thrush continues to sing from the woods above the Wetlands, just as you enter Catch the Wind.


A Great Crested Flycatcher was heard and seen for the first time this season at several locations and a Yellow-breasted Chat was both heard and seen behind the bird feeder area in Catch the Wind.

An Eastern Kingbird was seen perched on a willow in the Wetlands during the latter part of the period. It didn't stick around.

While standing on the boardwalk watching Eastern Phoebes catch flying insects (the Phoebes nest under the boardwalk), I noticed a Ruby-throated Hummingbird carrying fibers (the cottony seed "fluff" from the willow trees) up into the trees above the boardwalk. The bird's flight led to a small branch in a White Oak tree where the bird added the soft, fluffy fibers to its nearly completed nest.

Fortunately, I happened to have my video camera with me. A few lucky Museum guests were able to get a glimpse of the bird sitting on the nest by looking through my camera viewfinder. We'll keep tabs on that one for any future developments.

Two Northern Rough-winged Swallows were seen over Catch the Wind and the Wetlands. I suspect they're nesting nearby. They nest in burrows in banks or cliffs but also drainpipes and holes and cracks in walls. One place to see them with some regularity is in the rear of a strip mall. Drive behind a large strip mall and you'll likely see Rough-winged Swallows hawking insects around the shipping/receiving areas behind the mall. There are many holes, projecting pipes and little nooks for the swallows to nest in on the walls of the buildings. I've even seen them make nests in the trailers or containers which are usually parked behind the malls. I'm anxious to see if they'll nest in one of the many holes and cracks on the old rock quarry wall at the back of the Black Bear enclosure.

Thanks to those who have pointed out their sightings to me or who have shared their experiences with me out in Explore the Wild/Catch the Wind.

As always, if you see me out on the path, stop and ask me if there is anything new going on, or let me know what you've seen.

Have a good one,

Greg

 

 

 

 

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