The natural world observed and explained.
Nature
This is the fifth and final species profile in the turtle series, here's the first entry that discusses things common to all the turtles at the park with links to the other profiles. I've only seen one eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) at Nixon Park,
Nature
This is the second species profile in the turtle series, here's the first entry that discusses things common to all the turtles at the park with links to the other profiles. Pond sliders, Trachemys scripta, and subspecies the Red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans are frequently seen basking on
Nature
This is the first species profile in the turtle series, here's the first entry that discusses things common to all the turtles at the park with links to the other profiles. Most of the Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) I've spotted at the park were floating
Nature
Turtles? Beyond the tale of Yertle and the race with the hare I did not know all that much. Studying the turtles I've observed in the park opened a fascinating world. This introduction covering things common to all the turtles will be followed by individual entries about each
Nature
Before long the soft filaments of back willow (Salix nigra) seeds will be drifting through the park. Black willows are so common we are likely to pass them by, but they are a vital part of the park ecosystem. They grow in floodplains, stream banks, swamps, marshes, sloughs, and ponds
Birds
Tyrant flycatchers are so called because they are, well, tyrannical, jealously guarding their territory from interlopers. Possessing keen eyesight for spotting insects and judging distances, flat, wide bills perfect for catching prey, and whisker-like bristles around their mouths likely aiding rapid course corrections, flycatchers are formidable hunters. Flycatchers have their
Nature
A seasonably warm week with plenty of sun, and enough rain to break the back of the drought.
Birds
A quick disclaimer - these photos are from the past couple of years, I've seen the Sanpdpiper this spring several times but have yet to get a good picture. Sandpipers are usually associated with the shore, but the Spotted Sandpiper is a frequent sight around the ponds and
Nature
The purplish pink buds of Eastern Redbud trees have been putting on their annual show this past month or so. I came across what looked like a redbud growing near one of the picnic pavilions at the park, but was confused because it had white flowers. I've learned
Nature
The Red Clay Creek has carved a gently rolling landscape out of the remains of ancient mountains.
Birds
Our Green Herons (Butorides virescens) have returned. They are roughly the size of a crow. At rest they are hunched and stocky, when extended their surprisingly long neck dramatically changes their silhouette. Green Herons are not very green at all. In the right light their crest, back, wings and tail
Flowers
There's so much to see in April! Here's some of the observations from this week.