Adams County, Ohio - Nature & Outdoor Notebook

9th Annual Adams County Amish Bird Symposium coming March 3rd

2011-12-29T15:19:00.001-05:00

If you are a nature buff, you'll likely enjoy the popular Adams County Amish Bird Symposium on March 3rd. Experts will give talks on Passenger Pigeons, bird coloration, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Kimberly Kaufman will give a talk on
"How To Be a Better Birder - Even if You're Already an Expert!" The event includes lunch and a field trip to Adams Lake State Park to view winter water birds. This event is very popular and always fills up, so be sure to register early to make sure you have a spot. More information is available by visiting the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau website.

More Bears in Adams County

2011-10-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

A black bear was recently confirmed in Adams County by the Division of Wildlife. Apparently the bear had an appetite for pears. Check out the link below for the facts.

http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=134141&SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&S=1

Tom Cross

Peregrines in Adams County

2011-06-30T08:42:00.001-04:00

Adams County now has two nesting pairs of falcons with a successful nest at each DP&L power plant. In early May four chicks hatched at the DP&L Stuart plant, a month later another three chicks hatched the Killen plant located near Ohio Brush Creek. The three chicks at the Killen plant represent the inaugural class of what is hoped to be a long string of successful nesting. Previous attempts have been unsuccessful but a recent move of the nest box to a more secluded location at the plant appears to have done the trick.

The female identified from a leg band is a Pennsylvania native that was hatched in 2009 at the Pittsburg Cathedral Tower of Learning. The male has so far eluded identification. The new chicks, two females and a male, were banded and given a brief medical checkup before being delivered back to the nest box. The nest box, a simple platform measuring about 2' x 2' sits in a window high atop a coal handling structure at the plant. The biologist took blood samples and attached leg bands before returning the noisy trio to the nest.

Locally other notable bird sightings would include two juvenile bald eagles seen recently at the Manchester Islands, a mature bald eagle was spotted at a private pond near Peebles last week and on May 28 a mature bald eagle visited Wrightsville.

Tom Cross

Exec. Director

Adams County TVB

What species -tree frog?

2011-06-15T10:13:00.001-04:00

My wife came across this little fellow yesterday while working in the flower bed. I've never seen one so small. We have a lot of tree frogs around the place and some spring peepers- can anyone identify? He sure was lively.

Tom Cross

Tourism Director

Adams County

Coyotes in Adams County

2011-01-13T10:59:00.003-05:00

Dusk falls and the family gathers in the dining room to enjoy diner together after a long day of work and school. The children's stories are suddenly interupted by the unmistakable yodel of a wild animal outside: a coyote. As the family falls silent to listen, more yips and yelps join the first, until a chorus of eerie voices fills the night air.

These days, this scene is nearly as likely to unfold in the heart of a Chicago suburb as it is in the rural countryside of Adams County. Coyotes are increasing in numbers throughout their range, which includes every one of the United States except Hawaii. A new book, written by local author Carol Cartaino, separates fact from fiction concerning this often-maligned creature.
On Thursday, March 10th, 2011, at 7:00pm, Eulett Center will host Ms. Cartaino for an evening of discussion about the coyote and her findings doing research for her book, "Myths and Truths about Coyotes - What You Need to Know About America's Most Misunderstood Predator". This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Chris Bedel at 937-544-2880, Ext. 11.

Going Batty

2010-04-30T13:57:00.004-04:00

This little bat was found clinging to a window screen inside Eulett Center this morning. When we captured him and offered some water, he drank and drank. In return, he kindly held still so that Chris could snap a few photographs. He is likely a Northern Long-eared Bat, also known as the Northern Myotis, Myotis septentrionalis.

Hope you are not missing it, Spring is here!

2010-04-23T12:47:00.005-04:00

Yes Spring is here big time. Everyone thinks its starting early and it may be. We have all the expected plants blooming and a few we didn't expect. The Ladies slippers, Pink open, Yellow starting and White out of the ground. Just saw these yesterday, Indian Paintbrush on the right, Blue-eyed Grass center and Birdsfoot Violet on the left. Get out there and enjoy it.

Bog suckers and timber doodles

2010-03-17T14:00:00.004-04:00

One bird that can’t be overlooked and is here now and just starting to display around the preserve is the American Woodcock. This “mysterious hermit of the alders”, ”timber doodle” or “bog sucker” winters in southern US and comes back early March to get to its breeding grounds here. It then begins one of the strangest breeding displays in the bird-world. Shortly after evening sets it stakes out a flat area of open ground marches around in circles with a pitifully small tail spread and long bill towards the ground resting on his chest calling “peent” “peent” “peent” over and over again almost all night. This march is only interrupted every now and then by a valiant flight circling around and around the parade grounds, circling higher and higher up into the air 200 to 300 feet high. While doing this the wind whistles through the specially modified outer three feathers of his wings and sounds as if he is twittering constantly. Then he begins to dive back down calling “chicharee, chicharee, chicaree” zig-zagging then finally to the ground right where he started or directly onto the back of a receptive female. Then back to “peent, peent, peent”. If you are careful you can run over to the place he takes off while he is flying and wait there without moving and many times he will land again, right at your feet.

The two photos of American Woodcocks are by Richard McCarty the one on the left is an adult on the nest and the one on the right is just a young one.

More Signs of Spring

2010-03-12T11:07:00.002-05:00

Enjoy these photos, taken just this morning, of more signs of spring around the county. Wood frogs are singing, (along with spring peepers), spotted sallamanders are breeding, and spiders are weaving.

Spring is Sprung

2010-03-09T08:16:00.003-05:00

Skunk Cabbage? Check
American Woodcock? Check
Red-winged Blackbird? Check
Grackles? Check
Eastern Phoebe? Check

Other signs of spring: Northern Mockingbirds are displaying for mates; Red-tailed Hawks have been observed carrying sticks for nests; Jefferson's salamanders have laid eggs in at least one vernal pool on the Preserve; Carolina Wrens are investigating nest boxes and advertising by singing; Oh, and the temperature today will be 60 degrees! Hooray!

Enjoy the sunshine, everyone.

Screech Owl

2010-02-24T10:18:00.001-05:00

I turned the porch light on late last night and I saw this visitor guarding our front steps. I snapped a couple of pic's through the door window but he flew off as soon as I cracked open the front door. No wonder the cat doesn't sleep on the porch anymore.

This morning I saw a perplexed groundhog out and about in the neighbors yard. He probably never saw snow before.

Tom Cross

Mephitis mephitis

2010-02-17T15:33:00.004-05:00

With the deep snow and chilly temperatures, wild animals are relying on shear tenacity to survive the final months of winter. Birds like Tufted Titmice, Chickadees, Blue Jays, Nuthatches, Juncos, and Goldfinches welcome the free seed put out on the office deck, as do the squirrels and mice. We received a little unexpected guest today in the form of a striped skunk. He waddled up to the building and has been digging through the snow below the bird feeders, trying to scrounge what little sustenance he can from the discarded seeds. Striped skunks were once thought to be members of the weasel family, however, a recent report in the Journal of Mammalogy by Dragoo and Honeycutt (1997) suggests placing striped skunks in their own family ("Systematics of Mustelid-like Carnivores". Journal of Mammalogy 78 (2): 426–443). They begin emerging from winter dens at this time of year to track down mates (you might notice an increase in skunk roadkill over the next few weeks). Skunk kits are born from mid-May to mid-June and stay with Mom for up to a year. Though it has a bad reputation for spraying would-be predators (or your family dog) with foul-smelling liquid, this is not the striped skunk's first choice of defense. When approached by an assailant, skunks will first try to run away. With such short, stubby legs, however, running is not likely to be effective. Turning towards the attacker with arched back and stomping feet is Plan B. Only if the intruder still does not take the hint will the skunk resort to spraying. This makes sense, considering it takes up to 10 days for the skunk to replenish its supply of stink.

Photos courtesy of Pete Whan, Mark Zloba, and Jessie Huxmann.

2010-01-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

We have received a few beautiful visitors this winter. Here is a picture of one. All in all we have seen three indivduals. Richard says three, two adults and one juvenal. We are hopeful that they will stick around and build a nest on Ohio Brush Creek. We are worried that we haven't seen them since the creek started flooding. It was raising last week but stopped and then hit the dams and now it is backing up. I drove over the Brush Creek bridge this morning and the water was running upstream. We see this often in the spring but a little odd in the winter. So I slow down to watch the water running the wrong way just a few feet below the bridge, and a beautiful hooded merganser floats by. Never a dull day in Adams County!

Things are Gettin' Squirrely

2010-01-19T09:55:00.004-05:00

Four Eastern Gray Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, are foraging for seeds below our bird feeder at Eulett Center today. Their presence confirms reports of a very healthy local squirrel population this year. The genus name "Sciurus" is derived from two Greek words, "skia", meaning shadow, and "oura", meaning tail. The name means "sitting in the shadow of his tail", in reference of a common squirrel pose. In our area, Eastern Gray Squirrels breed twice a year, from December to February and again from May to June. Gestation lasts 44 days. The first litter is born sometime around February or March; the second around June or July. There are normally two to six young in each litter, but this number can be as high as 8. The young are weaned at 7 weeks and leave the nest after 10 weeks. At about 6 months old, the squirrels are ready to reproduce. Gray squirrels have been known to live up to 20 years in captivity, but in the wild they usually only live about a year, though some live up to 12 years, if they can avoid predators, disease, acidents, and starvation. In addition to the Gray Squirrel, the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) are other squirrels that live in Adams County. Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) and woodchucks (Marmota monax) are also members of the squirrel family which inhabit our area.

It's Freezing Out There!

2010-01-12T14:56:00.003-05:00

The Ohio River is mighty, and hasn't frozen since the Blizzard of 1977-78. With the below-zero temperatures throughout the past week, however, ice has indeed been forming along the banks. Huge flocks of Canada geese riding downstream on ice flows have been observed by locals along the river. With sunshine and 45° temperatures beginning Thursday, the ice will surely retreat again.

Bald Eagle

2009-12-31T09:16:00.002-05:00

An adult Bald Eagle was seen along Ohio Brush Creek on Wednesday, December 30 2009. The winter months often offer good opportunity for seeing eagles in Adams county.

Photo was taken by Mark Zloba.

Christmas Bird Count Tomorrow

2009-12-18T09:40:00.004-05:00

Each year, right around Christmas-time, small groups of hearty souls set their alarm clocks for a pre-dawn awakening, don winter apparel, and set off in cars and on foot to participate in the Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is one of the most successful, and longest-running citizen science monitoring programs ever. Ohio has been involved with the CBC since its inception in 1900.

A little history (from Ohio Audubon Society's website):

The CBC was first instituted by Frank M. Chapman, an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and an officer in the relatively new Audubon Society. At the turn of the century the depletion of bird populations through unregulated recreational hunting, and over-harvesting for the fashion industry of the time were major concerns for many people throughout the U.S. In an attempt to create greater awareness for the plight of bird populations, and develop an alternative activity to hunting Chapman created the Christmas Bird Count. Christmas was chosen for Chapman’s Bird Count because that date had traditionally been used for a hunting-related activity where hunters split up into different competitive teams and went out into the field to shoot as many birds as they possibly could. The winning team was the one that had shot the most birds.

The first Christmas Bird Count had 27 volunteer participants who counted birds in 25 distinct count circles across 13 different states and two Canadian provinces. They collectively counted 18,500 individual birds and 90 total species. Today there are nearly 50,000 volunteer CBC observers throughout the world, including groups that participate right here in Adams County.

To get involved in a Christmas Bird Count near you, click here.

Photo by Jeff Ratliff

Sandhill Crane Flyway

2009-12-17T11:46:00.005-05:00

For at least a week, flocks of Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis, have been flying over Adams County on their way south for the winter. Cranes are North America's tallest bird. Sandhill cranes stand 3-5 feet tall. There are currently six recognized sub-species of Sandhill Crane. Sandhill cranes are grey with red foreheads, but adult birds often preen mud into their feathers, giving them an orangish-brown look. They probably do this to camouflage themselves while sitting on nests, which are located on the ground. Cranes fly in a "V" pattern, similar to Canada Geese. To distinguish between the two, look for the tell-tale long legs of the cranes. Image by J. Schmidt - NPS Photo.

Christmas Gifts for Nature Lovers

2009-12-15T12:23:00.003-05:00

When your little one (or spouse) would rather explore the back forty than sit on the couch playing video games, you might want to consider some of these great outdoor gifts for Christmas:

Field guides - Fantastic for anyone with an interest in nature, field guides are now available for birds, wildflowers, trees, reptiles, amphibians, fish, butterflies, mammals, and many, many other topics. When buying a field guide, the most important considerations are 1) the level of expertise of the user and 2) the geographical range of the guide (a guide to the birds of the southwestern United States will not be much help here in Adams County).
Water bottle - Consider a metal water bottle instead of plastic, (plastic bottles can leach a substance called bisphenol-A (BPA), which is suspected of messing with our hormones.
Pocket knife - Out on the trail, far from your house or car, a little knife can come in mighty handy sometimes.
Binoculars - Consider a pair that is water-resistant and durable, like Nikon's Monarch ATB model, which sell for around $270.00.
First aid kit - Don't bother with a "space blanket", waterproof matches, or band aides. Soak some cotton balls with Vaseline, store them in a film canister, buy a "metal match" and put it in the kit. Use the metal match to ignite the cotton balls, which will burn several minutes while you add tinder for a fire. For shelter, throw in some neon orange contractor-grade trash bags (just crawl inside to stay dry and trap body heat if you're stuck outdoors overnight - the orange color helps others find you more easily, too). Include a whistle and you're set.
Travel pack - Toting field guides, a water bottle, pocket knife, binoculars, and a first aid kit is made much easier with a comfortable pack that fits snugly around your waist or on your back.

Enjoy the outdoors in 2010!

Leucistic Red-tailed Hawk in Adams County

2009-12-11T15:32:00.003-05:00

At approximately 3:00pm today, Richard McCarty spotted a white bird soaring overhead while driving west toward West Union on St. Rt. 125 near Vaugn Ridge Rd. He called in to his colleagues at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve office and there were soon four pairs eyes straining behind cameras, binoculars, and a spotting scope to get a better look at the unusual bird. After fifteen minutes in the freezing wind, we decided the bird was an abnormally-colored Red-tailed Hawk. It was white with yellow beak and legs, and had some darker feathers on its wings, as well as a few reddish feathers in its tail. According to Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology website, in rare cases, a bird does not produce melanin at a normal level or in a normal pattern. The resulting color patterns are referred to as being albino (white), partially albino or leucistic. The color patterns can be the result of injury, poor nutrition or a genetic imbalance.

Dredging the Ohio

2009-12-08T09:15:00.004-05:00

The U.S. Corps of Engineers is considering granting permission to a private company, Nugent Sand of Louisville, KY, to dredge sand from the Ohio River near Portsmouth, Ohio. "So what?" you ask. The problem with this is three-fold: first, taking away sand from the river will almost certainly result in erosion on the bank, threatening the property of folks living close to the waters' edge. Second, filtering sand from the river bed will stir up thousands of tons of muck, which will be allowed to wash downstream, wrecking havoc on ecosystems below the dredge site. And third, pulling up sediment will disturb existing benthic (bottom-dwelling) creatures, especially freshwater mussels. Mussels have had a rough time of it since European settlement in the Ohio River Valley. They have been exploited for their shells (used to make buttons before plastics were supplemented around WWII), suffocated in silt, and displaced by rising water levels when the Ohio was dammed.

To have your say in the outcome of the decision whether or not to allow dredging for profit near Portsmouth, you can attend a public meeting at the West Portsmouth High School at 6pm on Thursday, December 10.

Is it a stick?

2009-11-13T15:42:00.002-05:00

Meet the thread-legged assassin bug. It is not a stick (though it mimics one), nor is it a stick insect. This slender predator uses its mantis-like forelegs to capture unsuspecting prey. This photo was taken by John Howard at the new Shoemaker State Nature Preserve in Adams County on Wednesday, November 11.

Shoemaker State Nature Preserve

2009-11-12T09:53:00.008-05:00

A group of us celebrated Veteran's Day this year by exploring the newly formed Shoemaker State Nature Preserve here in Adams County. Shoemaker Preserve is 22 acres in size and is located near the Plum Run Quarry along Pine Gap Road, Peebles. During our 1.5 mile hike, we saw natural arches, dolomite cliffs, and sparkling Plum Run, a tributary of Scioto Brush Creek.

The following description was taken from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website: "Shoemaker State Nature Preserve was a gift to the state in 2007 by Joyce Shoemaker in memory of her husband, Alvie Shoemaker. A portion of the land had been in Mrs. Shoemaker's family for more than 100 years. The 22-acre site protects several significant natural features including seven state-listed plants. The rarities found at this Adams County preserve include heart-leaved plantain (Plantago cordata), a state endangered species only known from three other sites in Ohio. Not only botanically significant, the site is geologically significant as well. It features two natural arches, dolomite cliffs and slump blocks harboring several species of ferns and other plants found in calcareous cliff communities.The preserve also protects both banks of Cedar Fork for nearly a half mile. Cedar Fork is a tributary of Scioto Brush Creek which is considered one of Ohio's most pristine waterways."

Photos, from top to bottom: Walking Fern, Asplenium rhizophyllum, Elliott's Beard-grass, Andropogon elliottii, Cricket Frog, genus Acris, British Soldier Lichen, genus Cladonia. All photos were taken by John Howard.

Meet Your Neighbor

2009-10-20T16:08:00.002-04:00

This is a Southern Two-lined Salamander, Eurycea cirrigera, and she probably lives in a stream near you. At a maximum length of about 3.5 inches, the Two-lined Salamander is a small salamander. This salamander gets its name from the two dark lines running along its sides from behind the eyes to the tip of the tail. The general coloration is usually a shade of yellow or yellowish brown.

'Tis the Season

2009-05-19T16:03:00.003-04:00

Birds all over the country are well on their way to producung this year's crop of young-uns. This female Summer Tanager was photographed incubating eggs in the Wilderness Preserve, part of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve system. Summer Tanagers, Piranga rubra, specialize in eating bees and wasps, both in the summer and on its wintering grounds in Central and South America. Tanagers catch bees in flight and then kill them by beating them against branches. In order to prevent getting stung, the birds remove the stinger by rubbing it on a branch. Smart bird!

2009-05-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

This last weekend was Flora-Quest, an annual event for folks from all over the state and in spite of threat of rain we ventured forth and all had a great time. The flowers were in great numbers and quite beautiful. One of the show stoppers was the Little White Ladies Slipper (on the far left) which is a threatened species so quite rare. The tiny Bishops Cap which you have to have a lens to view (we used our binoculars backwards), where worth the time to stop and look closely. An incredible 96 species of birds were seen also. There is not enough room to list all the flora seen by all the groups but it was amazing. Spotted mandarin, many species of violets, up to 5 species of orchids, the list goes on. Flora-Quest will happen again next year so mark your calendars.

spring birds

2009-04-29T16:49:00.002-04:00

On Friday, April 24, it seemed that all the migrant birds had finally arrived. Highlights since friday include worm-eating warbler, great crested flycatcher, prothonotory warbler, black throated green warbler, rose breasted grosbeak, and yellow warbler among others. We have the opportunity to see some beautiful birds, in our back yards, woods and even roadside here in Adams County. Take some time to look and listen at whats around you. If you are not familiar with some of the birds, search the internet for pictures and descriptions of what folks report here on the blog.
Its also a great time to look at the butterflies around your yard and garden. Some of the early spring species won't be here long. As spring flowers, such as Eastern Redbud, begin to fade away for the year, so do the species that nectar on them.

bird arrivals

2009-04-20T14:59:00.002-04:00

On friday, we heard prairie warblers at a couple of spots in the Edge preserve. While they have been reported elsewhere, these were the first that I had heard this spring. Chris Bedel reported hearing an oven bird last week. A walk in the rain this morning revealed that few more of the migrant bird species have arrived! A singing hooded warbler, black and white warbler, and yellow throated vireo were the "new" birds for this spring. Oven birds were abundant.

2009-04-16T11:42:00.002-04:00

Many of the bird migrants have arrived, may apples and morels have made it up through the leaf litter. It was reported on a list serve that Whip-poor-will had been heard calling near Peebles on Wednesday. An early morning stop along West Fork road produced Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. All signs that spring is here and will rapidly transistion into summer. Get out and enjoy while it lasts!

While you are out there, pay attention to whats happening with the birds in your area. In a short time you can learn a lot about who has territory in the area, who is nesting or who has recently fleged young already. All great information to record as part of The Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas. The Atlas effort could use your help. Additionaly, I would like to know when, and where, folks are hearing calling Whip-poor-wills AND Chuck-will's-widow. Especially the Chucks. Send us an e-mail with dates and locations of calling birds or let us know here on the Adams County notebook.

2009-04-04T16:14:00.003-04:00

this ravine salamander is only the second one i have ever seen. today, a volunteer from procter & gamble helping to clean up lynx prairie after the winter storms turned over a small log to find this elusive species. i don't know much about it's habits, perhaps another voice can share what they know.

anglewing and serviceberry

2009-04-01T16:41:00.004-04:00

got a snap of my first anglewing - i'm thinking , rather than ?

also the serviceberry looked wonderful against the blue sky at Lynx cemetery. an appropriate place for it to live for social and ecological reasons. it was called "service" berry because it blooms when the ground thaws and you can bury the loved ones who passed away during winter and since many cementeries are on the tops of hills, they are also on ohio shale, the acidic layer of soil the species requires! lucy

Zebra Swallowtails

2009-03-31T14:20:00.002-04:00

Zebra Swallowtail butterflies have been seen at various locations on March 30 and 31. Several other species of butterflies were in flight today....Mourning Cloak, Cabbage White, Spring Azure, Eastern Comma / Question Mark. Expect to see the Falcate Orangetip soon.

Still looking for the Louisana Waterthrush - I expect that they are here but have not yet confirmed that. Steve Willson reported singing Henslows sparrows on Saturday, March 28.

Woodcock Watch

2009-03-23T20:47:00.005-04:00

Each spring brings about the extraordinary courtship displays of the American woodcock, a shorebird that inhabits the wet woodland and brushy areas of Ohio. March begins these acrobatic flyers courtship rituals that consist of tight spirals reaching over 300 feet into the sky and a zig-zag descent, resembling a falling leaf. Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve is home to these splendid sky dancers who are giving display to those that wish to observe.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves will be conducting a free educational program on the American woodcock at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve on Wednesday, March 25 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to participate as professional naturalists offer a presentation on the amazing life history of the American woodcock and the opportunity for first hand observation of the courtship rituals of these birds.

The program is free, suitable for all ages, and will be held at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve, 209 Hawk Hill Road, West Union, Ohio. GPS coordinates are N38°50.422’ W083°34.427’. For more information about the program, call 937-544-9750. To learn more about Ohio’s state nature preserve system visit www.ohiodnr.com/dnap.

Micro-Botany Expedition

2009-03-23T15:27:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, March 21, 2009, five of us, Janet Creamer, John Howard, Jeff Huxmann, Cheryl Harner, and Jessica Huxmann, got together for a micro-botany trip through the Preserve. We located several species of Draba, including the endangered Draba cuneifolia, (upper left), stone crop (Sedum), as well as some of the spring wildflowers reported by Lucy Miller, Randy Lakes, and Rich McCarty.

couple of flowers blooming

2009-03-12T19:16:00.003-04:00

on a midday trip around the edge preserve today, helen black, ann geise and i saw snow trillium, skunk cabbage, hepatica, and rue anemone blooming. celadine poppy and cut tooth wort were setting bud.

Oh, its sprung all right!

2009-03-11T11:38:00.011-04:00

This morning Lucy left early to go to a meeting in Dayton (about 6:00 am). About 7:00 she called me back to say to be careful driving down our road (Brush Creek Rd.) it is alive with critters! She reported over 30 brown snakes (upper right), a toad (upper left), spotted salamanders (center) and unknown numbers of red efts (lower right) crossing the road. I soon left and found that she was in fact correct. I had to drive 5 to 10 miles an hour to avoid them all! Now this is a seasonal thing that we look out for and it happens a bit when it rains but this was exceptional. The brown snakes seem to be synchronized so they move all at once but normally we see them in the fall, when they are going up the hills so it is unusual to see them heading down. The salamanders we start seeing them in December when they are laying their eggs in frozen or near frozen ponds. The toad was a little early as we have heard the peepers in great numbers these last few nights and would expect the toads shortly after that. Now the red efts, who knows what they were doing? They are actually young red spotted newts (lower left), they rise from eggs in the ponds as land dwelling creatures and they then go out on an American version of the Australian "walk about" for about 2 or 3 years. After that they grown slimy skin, gills and a flat tail and crawl back into the water to remain to breed and die. An interesting little bugger.

So watch out in the early mornings don't just be looking for deer (though not a bad idea also), the toads may be spotted with other lives, for goodness snakes. Remember the newt you save may be an eft!

Pete

signs of spring

2009-03-10T14:10:00.003-04:00

A Great Blue Heron rookery along Ohio Brush Creek has several occupied nests! Birds appear both sitting and standing on nests on this 70 degree day. This is potentially an early record for GBH breeding activity in Ohio and confirms that we should begin to pay attention to the spring arrivals - both plant and animal. It was reported on Thursday, March 5 that the Snow Trilliums were in full bloom.

The often unseen

2009-03-03T13:47:00.004-05:00

As I made my way to work this morning I saw a dozen Common Mergansers on Ohio Brush Creek along Waggoner Riffle Road. They are beautiful birds and we do not often see them. My last sighting of Common Mergansers was over five years ago near the mouth of Ohio Brush Creek at the Ohio River. The bold black and white color was easy to see against the green of the water.

There is another, often unseen occurence that could be easy to see if looked for now. As part of the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II effort to gather data about Ohio's breeding birds, I would encourage all to look for large nests that may be used by hawk or owl species. While we all see Red Tailed Hawks, and other hawk species, regularly in our area, how often have we seen one on the nest? How commonly, or uncommonly, do Red Tailed Hawks nest in our part of the state? Great Horned and Barred Owls will also be taking advantage of large stick nests in late winter / early spring. We can gather valuable information on raptor nesting even in the cold days of winter. It is a great time to scan the forests for large stick nests.

Once a nest has been located, try and determine if it being used. One obvious way to determine if a nest is active is to look at / into it to see if a bird is sitting in it. Often you can look onto/into a nest with a spotting scope or binoculars from some distance away. If the nest is visible from home or work, pay attention to how often birds are near it. Are birds carrying nest material to the nest? Are birds paired up near the nest? If you discover a nest and determine that it is being used by one of our hawk or owl species, please let us know. With directions from you about the location of the nest, we can report the activity in the Atlas effort and improve our knowledge base of Ohio's breeding birds.

First Blooms of Spring!

2009-03-01T16:28:00.004-05:00

Well, Here we are the first week of March and while walking around, I spotted my first blooms of Spring. Technically these flowers: Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) and Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are not true natives. They are both native to Europe and Asia Minor and have been brought over to the United States where they have been naturalized. Some of the true natives that you should be seeing now or shortly include the Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), and Harbinger of Spring (Erigenia bulbosa). Snow Trilliums (Trillium nivale) have been seen poking out of the ground, but not quite blooming yet. Spring, even though the windchill is around 0°, is really not far off!!!!!

The Sap Is A Flowin'

2009-02-27T08:32:00.016-05:00

It is the time of year when the days are starting to warm up and the nights are still chilly. Everyone is experiencing some sense of cabin fever and they want to get out and start moving again. It is the same for Maple trees. After their long cold winter, they need to get their "juices" flowing again and when that happens, everyone knows it is maple syrup time! It is actually not very difficult to do, just a little time consuming, but in my opinion, it is well worth it. However let me warn you it can be very addicting. A couple of friends of mine who started tapping trees this year are already planning on having a bigger operation next year!

For more information on how to tap the trees, collect the sap, and make the syrup, I would suggest contacting your local county Ohio State University extension office or reading http://ohioline.osu.edu/for-fact/0036.html

Enjoy!!!!!

A New Perspective?????

2009-02-21T22:02:00.007-05:00

As I sit here and reflect on the work that I (and others) have done over the past few weeks as a result of the ice and snow and wind storms that have hit Adams County. Anticipation comes to mind. An anticipation of what might happen as a result of these series of storms. Let me explain.

As I am writing this I am looking at a series of brush piles that I have cut and placed along the edge of my drive. Will the tangle of branches and sticks provide enough cover for the rabbit to hide and possibly nest this coming spring? Or will the tangles help keep the wrens, sparrows, and towhees away from the eyes of the neighborhood Great Horned Owl and the various hawks that fly overhead.

What about the old oak whose top was blown over in the storms. Would the snag one day be home to the Eastern Gray and Fox squirrels that I spot performing their tightrope routines in the limbs up above? Or is it big enough for an owl or maybe a raccoon to use as a daybed or even nest in? Would these storms spell the beginning of the demise of that tree? Would I see insects start to make their home there, burrowing deep in the exposed weathered wood? And would the woodpeckers soon follow endlessly pounding to find that needed nourishment? If that all happens, I know it won’t be long before other cavity nesters start moving in: the Flying Squirrels, the Eastern Screech Owl, the Opossum, and the Little Brown Bats. Would Wood Ducks, Carolina Chickadees or White-footed Mice nest in these new cavities? Is it possible that one day a Prothonotary Warbler find the cavities and sing it’s sweet song at the edge of the nearby creek?

What about the trees that were uprooted by these storms. Now they just lie like random matchsticks thrown in the air and strewn across the forest floor. How long would it be before the massive roots are invaded by a skunk trying to dig a den to have it’s kits? Maybe it will be the Red Fox whose tracks I see disappearing on the trail ahead. Would a Ruffed Grouse use a log to drum and attract it’s mate? Or would an Wild Turkey hen scratch it’s nest along a log using it’s cover to hide it familiar silhouette from the wandering Coyotes. How long would it be before the trunk is covered in mosses and fungi attracting numerous other insects and the predators that follow them? Would the salamanders and skinks that I spot scurrying along the ground and up the tree trunks hide beneath the bark which is covered by mosses and lichens?

What about the trees that fell into the pond and the lakes? Would the branches that are underwater protect the sunfish and bass fry that will hide in there? Will the numerous snapping and painted turtles pull themselves out of the water and sun themselves on the trunk on the first warm days of Spring? Would these same trunks be a fishing spot for the Great Blue and Green herons that frequent the shoreline? Would the eagles and osprey that migrate through in the Spring and Fall one day use the branches reaching out of the water as a resting place while scanning the waters for the ripple which could be their next meal? Would the Wood Ducks and Teal utilize the cover of the branches as a shield from the watchful eye of the Gray Foxes that run through here frequently? Would the Canada Geese place their nest along the root ball or the muskrat use the trunk to hide the entry to it’s den buried deep within the bank?

And then there are the open spots on the forest floor from the falling of the trees. Are these clearings now big enough for the Woodcock to perform his aerial display in the waning light of dusk and dawn? Would the seeds that have lie dormant for many years now feel the warmth of the sun and the nourishment of the rain suddenly spring forth from the leaf litter? Would trillium and hepatica suddenly appear where I have never noticed them before? Would Morel Mushrooms shoot up next to the Beech tree over there after all of these years of fruitlessly searching for them? What kind of jewels that have been hidden by these trees will now be exposed? What kind of flora will I now need help identifying because i have never seen it before?
I will admit that when I first saw the aftermath of the storms that came through the area, I was heartbroken at the destruction. But now that I look at it and really think about it, maybe these storms were a blessing in disguise. I guess it is just a matter of time and perspective!

Is Spring on it's Way??????

2009-02-17T08:12:00.003-05:00

While working on my place over the past weekend, I noticed a few signs of spring. Although the calender says the 2ND week of February, Mother Nature is broadcasting other signs. Red-Winged Blackbirds have started showing up. There have been reports of Woodcocks beginning their Spring Display Ritual around the state. Driving around the county i saw several groups of Wild Turkeys were males were strutting and displaying for the females in the group. Canada Geese are starting to pair up and stake their claim on the lakes around the area.

Around the flower front, I have seen Daffodils and Snowdrops pushing their green spears through the semi-frozen ground. Within a couple of weeks they will be blooming unless another hard cold spell delays them a little longer. The shrubs and the trees are starting to get buds and the grasses are starting to show just a touch of green at the base.

According to notes from previous years all of this seems a little earlier than normal. Only time will tell. But I am guessing Mother Nature knows what is best!

Check your Feeders

2009-02-10T10:39:00.003-05:00

With the recent string of ice and snow that has come upon our area, it is a great time to watch your feeders for some of the more interesting migrants that might appear. Some of the commonly seen migrants include Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Pine Siskins, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. As mentioned in some of the earlier blogs, there have been numerous reports around the state of White-winged Crossbills, Red Crossbills, Common Redpolls, and even Snowy Owls. There are even some birds that normally migrate south that have been seen around the area. Just last week on Wheat Ridge Road, at one feeder along with the usual visitors there was a Common Redpoll and a Lincoln's Sparrow. As Jessica wrote in her blog a couple of weeks ago, just keep the feeders cleaned and filled and see what shows up and start a yard bird list. You might be surprised at the results!

Cute Redheads

2009-02-04T19:15:00.004-05:00

Two Redhead ducks, Aythya americana, spent the day diving near our dock in Wrightsville today. They were joined for a time by six Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris. A goose, either a Greater White-fronted or a domestic Greylag goose, has been hanging out near the dock for two days as well. A Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus, landed in a tree long enough to have these pictures taken.

River Ramblers

2009-02-02T14:37:00.003-05:00

Icy weather, power outages, and phone disconnections caused many of us to hunker down last week. The upshot was that we were able to bird-watch from our living room (we live near the Ohio River). Here are some pictures of the highlights.

Winter Bird Feeding

2009-01-27T13:47:00.003-05:00

Birds sure have it tough in winter. Think about it: bone-chilling temperatures, no insects, frozen water sources, snow-covered vegetation... not to mention stark white backgrounds against which predators easily spot their tweety meals. Because of these hardships, many people choose to feed birds during the winter months. Bird feeding stations provide energy and nourishment to many species of Adams County birds. Our simple sunflower, suet and cracked corn feeding station drew fifteen species today. They were:

Mourning Dove

Carolina Wren

Grackle

Blue Jay

Cardinal

Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-winged Blackbird

House Finch

English Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Goldfinch

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Eastern Towhee

Setting up a feeding station is easy. The trick is keeping the station stocked with appropriate foods throughout the cold months. Birds require good-quality feeds, such as sunflower and thistle seeds and suet. Feeding birds items like bread and popcorn fill their bellies while doing little to nourish their bodies. The birds feel full, but they may actually become weakened due to the lack of sustenance contained in these foods.

Cleanliness is the next most important consideration for a feeding station. Any large group of animals - or people - that congregates in one area day after day are capable of passing viruses to each other. It is important to clean feeders with a dilute bleach solution every few weeks (a quarter cup of bleach per 2 gallons water). Also rake away hulls and other leftovers on the ground to avoid trapping diseases near the feeder.

Above all, enjoy your feathered visitors!

Adams County Amish Bird Symposium

2009-01-27T11:55:00.003-05:00

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! On Saturday, March 7th, 2009, bird lovers from all over southern Ohio will flock to Adams County for the Sixth Annual Amish Bird Symposium. Join Cincinnati Museum Center, The Nature Conservancy, and the Adams County Amish Community for a day-long celebration of birds that features speakers, vendors, and activities. This year, presentations will be given on everything from farming with grassland birds in Ohio to studying birds on the West Indies' island of Dominica. Registration to this unique symposium has already begun, so call Cincinnati Museum Center today at 1-800-733-2077 (press zero for the operator) to sign up. Cost is $20.00 per person. Children 12 and under free. Includes drinks, an Amish-made lunch, and Miller's Bakery doughnuts and coffee. Hope to see you there.

Finally pine siskins!

2009-01-27T11:53:00.003-05:00

Well from all the chatter about them on the bird listservs about all the pine siskins being see all over the state we finally got some. I had 15 at my feeder yesterday and maybe more today. Now we are just waiting for the redpolls and crossbills. Who knows? This may be the disadvantage of living soo far south. We have to wait for the northern guys. Beautiful snow today, hope we don't get the freezing rain they predicted.

Photo: Bill Hull

The Nesting Season Begins

2009-01-27T10:41:00.009-05:00

Here we are in the middle of Winter with snow and ice all around. Most people would never think about hiking and exploring the woods to see what is new. That is more of a Spring, Summer, or Fall activity, yet now is the good time to observe the cycle of life that begins again.

Head out into your nearest woods and look into the fork of a tree for a big nest that you would think would be abandoned at this time of year. Or maybe try to find a big cavity or possibly a snag of a broken off tree. Take binoculars and look at it very closely. There just might be a Great Horned Owl or Barred Owl in it. Don't just assume that nothing is in the nest because it is covered with snow or ice. I have been staring at a nest covered in snow thinking that it is unoccupied when all of the sudden I realized that that are two dark eyes staring right back at me from the snow.

Late January is the beginning of nesting time for Great Horned Owls with Barred Owls following shortly after then. Now is one of the best times to observe both of these species. First while the owls are on the nest incubating the eggs and then during the fledging period that follows.

Great Horned Owls typically have a clutch size of 1-4 eggs with an incubation period of 26-35 days. Once hatched the owlets will be fully fledged about 5 -7 weeks later.

Barred Owls on the other hand typically have a clutch size of 2-3 eggs. Their incubation period is 28 -33 days with fledging coming about 6- 7 weeks later.

Great Horned Owls seem to prefer sites with a mix of mature deciduous and coniferous trees that are adjacent to waterways and open zones suitable for their hunting. The trees provide the owls with high, concealed day-time roosts and also potential nesting sites. The great horned owl does not, however, build its own nest. Instead, it typically appropriates a suitably sized nest from other owls, crows, hawks, herons, or eagles

Barred Owls prefer deep moist forests, wooded swamps, and woodlands near waterways. The habitat is sometimes characterized as heavy mature woods with nearby open country for foraging. These can vary from upland woods to lowland swamps usually near creeks, lakes or river valleys. The area should include densely foliated trees for daytime roosts, conifers or deciduous trees with year-round leaves for winter roosts, and the presence of large trees with suitable cavities for nesting. It prefers to use cavities for it's nest.

Always remember never get too close to the nest or the cavity or stay for a lengthy period of time. Like all nesting birds you do not want to make them too nervous and overstay your welcome. The best advice is to watch for a while, take note of the location and date, and return a few more times throughout the nesting and fledging period.

So if cabin fever is starting to affect you, don't fight it. Maybe that is just Mother Nature's way of telling you it is time to go out and explore!

Cold Weather sightings

2009-01-15T14:54:00.002-05:00

It is officially cold in Adams County on this fifteenth day of January. Most of us have made plans to work indoors as temperatures were in the single digits on our way to work this morning. Even as cold as it is, there are things outdoors that are worth stepping out to see. There were multiple rafts of ducks on Ohio Brush creek this morning. Species included American Black Ducks (29), Hooded Mergansers (16) and Mallards (+/-12). Pete reported a large flock of Purple Finches (150+) working the pavement on Brush Creek road. The birds stayed put for a couple of hours at that location. Unusual to see a flock of Purple Finches that large that staying together at a site for that long. Most surprising, a juvenile Golden Eagle was spotted above Ohio Brush Creek along Waggoner Riffle Road today. The bird was slowly soaring south and might hang out near the Killen station along the Ohio River.

Pay attention to your feeders as this cold weather may bring in some unusual birds. A Common Redpoll was seen at a feeder in Pike county this morning along with several Pine Siskins. Most unusual, a male Baltimore Oriole has been seen several times in the Columbus, Ohio area. Pay attention during this cold weather and share the cool or unusual stuff that you see out there.

2008-12-04T09:03:00.002-05:00

Hey Folks - We have been negligent in our postings! This season is just getting to be interesting. There seems to be a hiatus between fall and winter when things are just leaving and nothing is showing up yet from the north. We hear about the crowds of siskins coming down (none seen at my feeders yet!) and the redpolls, white-winged and red crossbills heading this way (again not at my feeders). However, in the last two weeks I have seen two merlins in West Union (chasing pigeons) and have heard that some of our field staff saw one heading over the creek towards my house (must be eating those siskins, crossbills and redpolls!). Regardless, the winter finches, sparrows, hawks and owls should be on their way. Good birding!

Pete

winter birds

2008-11-21T11:45:00.002-05:00

Today's weather offers wind chills in the teens and probably does not bring bird watching to the top of the list of activities you have planned. But the cold finally arriving here might provide the opportunity to see a few birds that you might not normally see. If you have not yet cleaned your feeders and put them out, now would be a great time to get started. Reports from the listserves hint that we might have pine siskins in good numbers this year. Look for them along with the goldfinches at your feeder. Many species of waterfowl continue to migrate through. We have seen both "hoodies" and "woodies" on Ohio Brush Creek in the last two weeks. A single American Widgeon was present south of the 125 bridge this morning. Its also time to watch for Eagles that might be passing through. Typically, along the Ohio River and Ohio Brush creek we have sightings of eagles during the winter months. Winter offers the hope of Northern Harriers and possible short eared owls over the overgrown fields in the county. The sparrows that we might expect to see include white crowned sparrows, white throated sparrows, tree sparrows and fox sparrows among the song, field and swamp sparrows that reside here. There are other sparrow posibilities out the so be sure and take a close look at those sparrows. If you have the opportunity, remember to sign up and participate in the Christmas bird count that will occur in December in Adams or Scioto county. Keep your binoculars close and share those unusual bird sightings.

Cicad's & crayfish

2008-05-27T09:12:00.000-04:00

I was fishing on Ohio Brush Creek a couple of days over the long weekend, and I observed three things (beside the bass biting pretty good), the crayfish are finally starting to emerge from under the rocks, the smallmouth are spawning late (at least in the main branch), and the cicadas are coming out of the ground. The ground around the area I was fishing was full of small holes from the emerging cicadas.

A Good Day's Birding

2008-05-22T09:03:00.003-04:00

On May 10th as part of the celebration of International Migratory Bird Day a group of us went birding in Adams County. Over a course of about an 8 hours we ended up seeing 96 different species (98 if you count the Whip o will and Chucks Will Widow he heard the night before). Birds that were seen included: 12 types of waterfowl and shorebirds ,19 types of warblers, 5 types of hawks and accipiters and 8 types of sparrows. There were numerous migrants that were just passing through

All of the birding was done along the Appalachian Discovery Birding Trail http://www.appalachiandiscovery.com/Birding_Trail.htm

We started out along State Route 41, birded the Wheat Ridge fields, headed down to Adams Lake State Park and ten went down the river and birded along it. I would recommend the trip to anyone who wants to experience the diversity of the county.

They're Heeeere

2008-05-19T06:29:00.005-04:00

While out walking along the Ohio River yesterday, I came across this ADULT periodical cicada. This means that the other million-or-so of his fellow insects are not far behind. Soon the air will be filled with the buzz of their calls, and the ground beneath our feet will crunch as we tread over their cast-off skins and bodies.

Here are few interesting cicada facts to pass along:

Cicadas are NOT locusts; in fact, locusts are more closely related to grasshoppers than to cicadas. The cicada is a member of the leafhopper family of insects.

Only male cicadas sing.

The sound male cicadas create comes from their abdomens, and scientists still aren't 100% sure how such a loud sound (120+ decibels) can come from such a small creature. The noise of even one male cicada singing is enough to hurt the human ear at close range. It is even more painful to the sensitive ears of birds and other wildlife (which is why singing is a good predator defense strategy for the cicada). Cicadas have ears, too, so they must protect their version of an eardrum by creasing it as they sing, which keeps it from vibrating and injuring the ear.

Female cicadas mate then lay their fertilized eggs on the branches of trees. They do this by piercing the bark with a special egg-laying device called an ovipositor. The ovipositor can cause damage to trees by exposing them to disease, which is why we should cover our most vulnerable ornamental and fruit trees with netting BEFORE the cicadas arrive. In Maysville, trees in the downtown area have been protected with green netting (not to be crass, but the locals are calling the netting "tree condoms").

Once the eggs are laid, they will develop for about 6 weeks before dropping from the trees to the ground. They will then burrow into the soil and remain there for until they emerge to change into adults years later, sucking juices from plant roots for nourishment.

There are many "broods" of periodical cicadas. Broods emerge in different areas at different times. Some broods emerge every 13 years, while others emerge every 17 years. Some brood ranges overlap. In Cincinnati, for example, Brood X emerged in 2004, and this year's brood (Brood XIV) will emerge there as well. To add to the confusion, more than one species of cicada can make up a brood. Brood XIV is made up of Magicada septendecim (85%), M. septendecula (13%), and M. cassini (5%).

For more information on Brood XIV, please visit the University of Michigan's Cicada web site by clicking HERE. In the meantime, enjoy this rare natural phenomenon, and keep an eye out for rare white-eyed cicadas!

Smallmouth fishing on Brush Creek

2008-05-09T06:58:00.000-04:00

On a rainy Thursday evening, (May 8), I took my flyrod and waders and did a little smallmouth fishing on Ohio Brush Creek. I probably caught nearly a dozen ranging in all sizes from 5 to 15 inches. All were caught on olive, brown, or black, bead-head wooly buggers. Most fish were taken from the tail end of pools. Water was very clear with about 3' of visibility. I think I'll give the West Branch a try tonight or Saturday afternoon.

Black Vultures

2008-05-01T11:11:00.003-04:00

The local West Union newspaper, The People's Defender, recently published an article about black vultures, Coragyps atratus, that was less than flattering to the species. Though black vultures are known to prey on weak or newborn animals, including calves and lambs, their greater role in the scheme of nature far outwieghs this negative character trait.

Vultures are scavengers. Their main niche is that of "clean-up crew". Consider the countless hapless creatures who lose their lives to our poor response time along the roads of America. If we imagine the reek of all of those decaying bodies lying in the humid Ohio River valley, we can finally appreciate the service vultures provide by clearing away that carnage. C.J. Maynard is quoted in "Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey" (Bent, 1961) as saying, "[Black Vultures] will seldom eat fresh meat but prefer to wait until decomposition has set in before beginning their feast... when the odor from the decaying mass became insufferable to human nostrils, they would eat to repletion."

Black vultures also possess traits normally attributed to better-loved species. Black vultures are extremely attentive parents. Both male and female help incubate the speckled eggs, which are laid on the ground in old buildings or in caves. The adults keep their young "gorged with food continually, the distended stomachs being plainly visible" (Bent, 1961). After fourteen weeks, the young vultures are finally able to fly. Until then, their best defense is to feign death if approached by a possible predator. If harrassed, vultures will regurgitate half-digested food. Considering the state of such food when it was eaten, the shock of its reappearance would certainly be enough to frighten away most creatures.

Black vultures are fascinating birds undeserving of their grotesque reputation. Hopefully, others will be able to forgive this bird its flaws and accept it for the natural - and helpful - janitor it is.

- Jessie Huxmann

First Box turtles 4/23/08

2008-04-23T10:55:00.001-04:00

While turkey hunting I came upon three box turtles this morning. I actually saw one drinking water from a hillside seep. I never saw a box turtle drink before and these were the first box turtles I have observed this year. I suspect they have just come out of hibernation.

Barn Owls in Adams County?

2008-04-21T21:23:00.001-04:00

On Monday evening I received a phone call from a local farmer who had observed a barn owl in his barn this afternoon while getting out hay. Possible nesting? I'll check it out later this week. Stay tuned.

Wild Turkeys

2008-04-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

Today's was opening day of Ohio wild turkey season which will continue until May 18. This morning I probably heard about a dozen gobblers, two of which were directly in front of me. I obliviously sat down right under a small roosting flock because as daylight appeared, three hens were sitting on limbs high above me.

Shortly after daylight the two gobblers flew down and started walking an old logging road right toward me. They were big, long bearded gobblers too. The hens flew down in three different directions around me and started clucking. The gobblers responded by gobbling and strutting their way right toward me. A hen that was with the gobblers walked within 20 yards of me but the ol' gobblers hung up on a knob about 75 yards away and strutted and gobbled but did not follow the hen. Another hen appeared from out of nowhere in the woods and walked right up to the gobblers and led them off away from me. Imagine that!

### end

Flora and fauna abound!

2008-04-21T08:52:00.005-04:00

As Tom has mentioned in his latest blog, the fish are swimming, the spring wildflowers are blooming, and the birds are migrating through. I experienced all of these spending time in Adams County this weekend.

Walking through the woods and driving various roads this weekend, I saw various blooming wildflowers. Everything from late blooming Hepaticas to early blooming Grandiflora Trillium. Other flowers that were blooming included Bloodroot, Wild Ginger, Bellworts, Virginia Bluebells, Blue-Eyed Marys (pictured above), Spring Beauty, Springcress, Sensille Trillium, Dutchman's Breeches, Wild Blue Phlox, Pennywort, Rue Anemone, and Cutleaf Toothwort. there were a lot of other plants who are just beginning to "spring" forth from the ground and others whose buds are starting to show. The Redbud trees are almost at their prime color right now!

As for the birds, I saw or heard this weekend they ranged from the early nesters to the migrants. They included Bald Eagles, Osprey, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Ovenbird, Prothonotory Warblers,Bluebirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Eastern Phoebes, Red-Tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered hawks, Great Egrets (pictured above), Green Herons, Great-Blue Herons, Kingfishers, and Wild Turkeys. (By the way the youth turkey season started this past weekend with the adult season starting today continuing through May 18th. I am sure Tom will have more to say on that subject shortly.) There were plenty of other birds that I saw or heard that I haven't listed here. What I would suggest is to take a walk in the woods, taking your time to look, listen, and observe. You might be amazed at what you will see.

White Bass on Brush Creek

2008-04-20T10:08:00.001-04:00

The white bass are running on Ohio Brush Creek. Saturday, April 19, several anglers were taking advantage of the nice day and catches of white bass were reported by all. I took 5 white bass that afternoon and a small KY spotted bass, the biggest white bass a whopping 16-1/2 -Fish Ohio size female that hammered a chartreuse Mepps spinner. The best fishing was from the SR 125 bridge downstream to the Beasley Fork bridge. If you found a pool with fish, the action was good. Fish seemed to be holding in the current. I expect the fishing to hold up for at least another two weeks, probably longer. Next week should be prime. The stream is in beautiful shape, While I was fishing I watched two wild turkeys fly over. Wildflowers are also blooming along the stream. It was great day to be out.

canada goose nesting above cedar falls

2008-04-16T16:40:00.004-04:00

two weeks ago i saw a pair of geese acting oddly about 200 ft upstream from cedar falls. a few days ago returned to find one on a nest hovering above the falls.

Spring Ephemerals Pollination

2008-04-12T22:29:00.005-04:00

Usually the weather in the early spring is still too cold for most flying insects, and because of this, ants and small insects pollinate some of the Spring Ephemerals and disseminate their seeds. Certain species - such as bloodroots, trilliums, trout lilys, and violets - produce seeds that are coated by elaiosomes, which contain attractive oils and maybe sugars. Ants will take these elaiosome coated seeds into their colonies to feed their larvae. However they end up eating the coating and leaving the seed somewhere in their nest. This action not only protects the seeds from other insects , rodents or birds that would feed on them, but are they usually are left in areas that help promote germination. The ants have a great food source and the plant's seeds are hidden, planted, and germinated to bloom another year. This symbiotic relationship is called "Myrmecochory".

For Dutchman Breeches and Squirrel Corn, pollination usually takes place by bees. Bumblebees will force apart to sip the nectar with their long tongues. However most of the time, their cousins the honeybee will just bore a hole in the side of the flower to accomplish the same action.

As Rich has said with the weather turning warmer each day, there is more and more going on out in the woods. Take the time to explore and you will be amazed at what you see and learn!

spring things

2008-04-11T09:05:00.002-04:00

The last few days temperatures have really felt like spring. Spring happens fast and offers more color and variety in a limited number of days than any other time of the year. There are many great reasons to go outside and catch up on whats happening out there. Some of which include, singing prairie warblers, northern parulas, ovenbirds, yellow throated warblers, brown thrashers, chipping sparrows and yellow rumped warblers. An osprey that has been seen a couple of times near the office on Waggoner Riffle road. Tiger Swallowtail and falcate orange tip butterflies appeared this week. Spring flowers such as bloodroot won't last much longer, so if you plan to enjoy spring you should get out there. Migrating birds, emerging butterflies and spring flowers provide an opportunity to see the unexpected. What more should a person hope for?

Spring Ephemerals

2008-04-09T09:00:00.010-04:00

Walking around the woods this past weekend, I couldn't help but notice that the Spring ephemerals are starting to show up and bloom. An ephemeral is a plant which grows stems and leaves, blooms, is pollinated, goes to seed, and dies back to it's roots, rhizomes, or bulb very quickly. Sometimes this happens in the matter of days, but mostly it is over in a matter of weeks. This happens every Spring all around the deciduous forests of Adams County. Being ephemeral gives these plants the time to grow and reproduce utilizing the strength of the sunlight and the large amount of rain that falls at this time of year. As the leaves start showing up on the trees, the ephemerals will start dying back until next year. The leaves on the trees help protect these plants from the heat and evaporation of the summer sun. And come Autumn when the deciduous trees' leaves fall, the leaves protect and nuture the ephemerals through the Winter until the cycle starts over again.

Some of the commonly seen ephemerals around Adams county include: Trillium (of which there are 5 species in Adams County), Spring Beauty, Twinleaf, Trout Lily(there are two species found in Adams County, one, the White Trout Lily , is pictured) Cut-Leaved Toothwort, Dutchman’s Breeches, Virginia Bluebell (also pictured), May Apple, Bloodroot, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Wild Ginger, and False Rue Anemone.

The Continuing of the Nesting Season

2008-03-31T23:55:00.004-04:00

As Lucy and Pete have posted earlier this month, more and more birds are beginning to start their mating and nesting rituals. Just this past week while taking a short walk through the woods, I saw quite a few birds either nesting or exhibiting their mating rituals. I saw Wood Ducks and Pine Warblers pairing off, and Eastern Bluebirds and Canada Geese on their nests. There were Eastern Phoebes and Woodcocks singing trying to attract their mates. Each week more and more species are beginning to appear. It not only is beginning to feel like Spring, but the morning chorus of birds is making it sound like Spring also.

2008-03-27T16:41:00.002-04:00

though i am sure i heard the deliberate check note of the louisana waterthrush at cedar falls on march 15th, some of my office mates doubted my identification skills! so my first visual confirmation of the return this highly anticipated (by me anyway) migrant was yesterday, the 26th at Tiffin Cliffs.

An Early (and cold) Black Rat Snake

2008-03-25T07:53:00.003-04:00

While walking through the woods last Sunday looking for Spring ephemerals, I came upon a very cold and slow moving Black Rat Snake.

Black Rat Snakes are extremely beneficial in the control of rodents, although birds and eggs are also part of their diet. This one probably just emerged from hibernating in one of the rock crevices that was nearby. They are also known to hibernate in cavities of trees (they are excellent climbers) and old buildings. They are constrictors which means they wrap their body around their prey until it suffocates. Usually when encountered they will "freeze" and if disturbed will hiss, rattle it's tail and bite (although it is not venomous). They have also been known to release a bad odor from scent glands if handled. Unfortunately because of it's tendency to rattle it's tail, it is also killed quite frequently.

The one pictured here was about 3.5 feet long. They can get as long as 8 feet. As they get older and larger, they will lose the pattern that you see here and will become darker and darker.

Since they start to breed in Spring, this might make sense why this one was venturing out. Although as I continued on and looked back at it gleeming in the afternoon sun, the cry of a Red-Tailed Hawk sounded overhead. I never stayed around to see if the snake survived another day.

A Northwoods Crier

2008-03-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

Having lived in Wisconsin for over 30 years, I became used to a
certain set of creatures inhabiting my neighboring natural areas. I
then descended on Adams County about a year ago, and with this move
came a whole new set of plants and animals with which I'm now slowly
being familiarized. It's hard to absorb all this new information, so
it was a treat to hear the haunting cry of a Common Loon echoing from
the foggy darkness out on the Ohio River. The Loon is one creature
I've seen and heard many times out on the lakes of the Northwoods.
And the Loon I heard tonight is probably headed there, or even
farther North.

One thing I have yet to decipher is whether the cry of this Loon was
to relay its coordinates to an incoming mate, or if this was a cry of
bewilderment - at how fast it was floating down the river. With heavy
rains today, and more predicted tomorrow, the Ohio River is swelling
with runoff. Loons nest within a few feet of lake water levels. While
the Ohio River would make miserable nesting habitat for loons because
of water levels that rise and fall 18 feet regularly, the Ohio River
is a regular Loon stop-over during migration. The Loon I heard
sounded off at about 9:15 PM and was between Brush Creek and Manchester.

Vernal pool monitoring

2008-03-18T10:52:00.004-04:00

I put out some traps last week to help capture and count salamander larva for a state-wide recruitment study. A herpetologist for the state is trying to see how many vernal pools are successfully hosting reproducing salamanders. The vernal pool I monitor hosts spotted, marbled and Jefferson salamanders. The 10 traps I put in the pool on Thursday night (3/13/2008) had a total of 64 larva swim into them and one adult Red-spotted newt. The majority of the larva were marbled salamanders. They hatch early (December-ish) and are already an inch or so long. There were a few smaller larva caught, which are most likely Jefferson salamander larva. They don't lay eggs until January or February. In April, I will put the traps out again, and typically get greater number of larva. Included should be spotted salamander larva which lay eggs later than the Jeffersons. By May, the pool will have dried up and the larva will all have gone through their larval stage, growing legs, and move underground in the forest. Included is a picture of Jefferson salamander eggs, and a marbled salamander larva taken by Lucy Miller.

Nuptials of spring

2008-03-17T12:34:00.004-04:00

Sunday the 16th my wife Lucy was on the phone. She waved at me pointing up to the sky. I ran over and there was a redtailed hawk carrying nesting material for a nest near our home on Brush Creek Rd. If you look at these photos (while they are a long way off and blown up) you can see that he is carrying a large hunk of material, in fact it looks like a folding chair! Perhaps it is for his den, not the actual nest. Well, regardless, they will be on eggs soon, or at least she will. He may be leaning back smoking a cigar thinking hawkish thoughts..

Pete

mourning cloak

2008-03-13T15:54:00.002-04:00

Saw the first mourning cloak butterfly of the spring today. Also heard wood frogs calling. looks, feels, and sounds of spring.

American Pipits?

2008-03-11T13:51:00.003-04:00

Went back and got a picture of the bird for all those who asked "What's a pipit anyway??"

Pete

American Pipits sighted in Adams County

2008-03-11T09:36:00.002-04:00

Mark Zloba's eye was caught by a number of small oddly shaped brown birds as he drove to work this morning. We ran back to see them with binoculars and there were about 45 American Pipits. It seems a strange time of the year to be here. Usually way down south. He found them on the corner of 125 and Waggoner Riffle Rd.

Pete

Woodcocks and Peepers

2008-03-07T13:53:00.002-05:00

Adams County typically has the earliest reports of displaying American woodcocks in the state. This year I believe a few reports came out of counties farther north that Adams before Rich McCarty's report last week. But the warm temperatures last weekend (March 2nd) and last night (March 6 2008) brought A. woodcocks out this week in force. In Ohio Brush Creek valley I could hear at least 4 different "peents" going on and a couple flight sounds. Accompanying the woodcock sounds were dozens of spring peepers. Hopefully the woodcocks got the weekend forecast and have not mated yet. I would not want to sit on eggs on the ground while 10 inches of snow build up around me. Although they do have long beaks, maybe they can catch a few breaths out the top.

snow trillium up

2008-03-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

snow trillium was up, about 1 1/2 inches, on south facing dolomite rocks on the west side of ohio brush creek at the edge of appalachia today.

Neat mammal sited

2008-03-06T14:13:00.002-05:00

Whille driving to West Union from our office on Waggoner Riffle today I saw two crows leering down on the road in front of me. I looked over and just caught the tail and hindquarters of a mink as it jumped off the road into a drain. Had I been a little later I might have caught an interesting bout. My money's on the mink.

Help spread the word!

2008-03-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

Do you know any birders, hunters, or salamander buffs? They may enjoy
reading this new Adams County, Ohio Nature & Outdoor Notebook. Please
ask them to bookmark http://adamscountyohionature.blogspot.com/ so
they can return to this page and learn the latest natural happenings
in Adams County!

Pine warbler

2008-03-05T10:14:00.001-05:00

First pine warbler of the season hanging out near our feeder on Waggoner Riffle road.

spring arrivals

2008-03-04T09:15:00.002-05:00

I had an eastern phoebe in a wooded area in Green township on monday (I am told that one arrived near our office on Waggoner Riffle road as well) and I had a woodcock displaying at dusk last night near my house. With the warm temps and lots of rain overnight, I would expect that the ambystomid salamanders were out in numbers.

skunk cabbage

2008-03-03T12:20:00.002-05:00

Skunk cabbage is up at Shivener Prairie and we have seen a couple of butterflies in flight today, Spring is near!

Spring Peepers in February!

2008-02-09T01:03:00.000-05:00

For very brief periods on February 5th and 6th Spring Peepers have been heard in Adams County. It appears like they sing for a few seconds..... stop, and realize that it's too early to get into mating season, and so they go back into torpor. Saturated land has made for many wet holes, and should this wetness continue, it should make for great spring nights of frog-listening.