Virginia Bluebells Emerging

March 25, 2026

Just emerging. So small you need to know where to look to find them. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica). Soon to be blooming with bright yellow Wood Poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum), both being native to the Eastern and Midwest United States, in rich, moist, deciduous woodlands. You will often find them growing side by side in floodplain forests, along streams, and in ravines.

A yummy sight of spring.

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The Show Is Just Beginning

March 23, 2026

Early spring. Such an elegant look is unfolding in the woods up here. A wash of pink is just beginning to take over the leafless landscape. Blooms of Redbud (Cercis canadensis) are just beginning to open. As spring develops, so will the pink wash, being joined by Flowering Dogwood blooms (Cornus florida).

A work of art in the woods.

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Woodpeckers And Concussions

March 22, 2026

A Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), pounding on a tree quite a distance away, yet making as much noise as a jackhammer. Hammering on a tree at up to 20 times per second. That makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

Woodpeckers hammer on trees in search of food, to create a nesting hole, or to lure a mate. They’re well equipped for this action. They have small brains which are snuggly packed into their skulls which protects the brain from being bashed around. Also they have specialized skull structures, very strong neck muscles, and a long tongue (one third of their body length) that wraps around the brain, acting like a seatbelt to ease the impact forces.

Impressive.

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Yellow Spotted Salamander

March 21, 2026

This afternoon’s potato planting brought about quite a surprise, a Yellow Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). A Salamander that is not often seen since they generally are under logs, in leaf litter, or in underground burrows created by other animals. They are usually near a vernal pool, which they migrate to once a year in early spring for mating.

These Spotted Salamanders eat Centipedes and Millipedes, Spiders, Snails, Slugs, Earthworms, and various Insects. They have a high mortality rate as larvae, but once they reach their adult stage they can live 20 to 30 years in the wild.

Hmm, wonder where it went to.

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First Black Ratsnake Of Spring

March 20, 2026

Today, the first day of astronomical spring and what shows up? An Eastern Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis). Also known to me as, Squiggles. Not a specific Black Rat Snake, but any that I see automatically gets that name. Certainly not what I would have expected to see on this day.

This species of snake is described in some places as “large”. That I disagree with. They are “long” snakes, yes, but not large. They are non-venomous, constrictors, native to New England south through Georgia and west to the Appalachian Mountains. Growing to 3 to 6 feet long, they are exceptional climbers and swimmers. A good snake to have around since they eat rodents.

Glad to have you here Squiggles.

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Still Around

March 19, 2026

A Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus). They leave their winter home for their breeding grounds further north, in late March or early April. I did a blog post a couple days ago with a photo that I figured might be the last image of a Hermit Thrush for the season. Apparently not, but maybe this one?

This Thrush has been attracted to a great source of food that attracts many birds. Gobbling up calories for its journey. The berries (drupes)of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) ripen in mid to late summer, and if not eaten by wildlife, can last the winter and on into spring. A perfect spot to get ready for the trip.

I’ll be looking forward to seeing a Hermit Thrush or two next autumn.

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Needle Ice

March 18, 2026

Early yesterday morning, and again this morning, just waiting to be discovered, Needle Ice, covering a large area beneath the trimmed stumps of Beautyberry. Those stumps just waiting for a signal to begin leafing out.

Needle Ice happens when ground temperatures are above 32°F and air temperatures are below 32°F, capillary action brings moisture up into the cold air and these strands of ice occur. They sometimes lift pieces of soil or pebbles up. Generally they are one to two inches tall. And beautiful.

Nature is amazing.

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Green For St Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2026

Last month loads of bright yellow flowers were telling me they are winter hardy plants that bloom their hearts out. Now today, their leaves are looking up to gather energy from the sun for photosynthesis.

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) native to Europe and Asia Minor, growing from a bulb, blooming at about the same time as Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis). This plant enjoys a location that provides sun in early spring with shade later provided by deciduous trees. Though this plant enjoys spreading, it is an extremely slow process, and I would not call it invasive.

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A Calm Moment In A Turbulent Day

March 16, 2026

Another day of strange weather. I captured this picture of a female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) during a calm moment, no rain, no wind, no tornadoes, thank goodness.

She looks stunning in her subtle shades.

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