Well, Spring officially arrived at 12:14 this morning, but the unbelievable string of record-setting temperatures have helped to move along the first date of sighting/experiencing the following events around the nature center.
Red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, phoebes, a woodcock, song sparrows, American tree sparrows, and great blue herons have returned. Juncos are gathering – a flock of several hundred were spotted along the western edge of the main property and seem to be getting ready to head north.
The ice is off of the ponds. A muskrat was spotted on the Farm Pond, and Canada geese and mallards are staking territories. Lots of squawking and chasing have been seen. A painted turtle was sunning itself on a log in the Prairie Pond.
The chorus frogs are singing.
The silver maples have flowered and the box elders have leafed out.
Earthworms, woodticks, gnats, bees, and darkling beetles are active.
A pair of great horned owls may be nesting near the large white pine just past the pump station for Dodge’s well.
A second saw-whet owl has been spotted in the pines near our resident saw-whet. This one is smaller so it may be a male and they may be pairing up.
Near the Photoblind trail, in a dead pine snag, a pair of pileated woodpeckers has been busy, possibly excavating a nesting cavity.
The male turkeys are strutting their stuff, but the females seem less than impressed.
Thanks to everyone for their observations.
Enjoy the season!
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