Nature Journal

Notes about birds, mammals, wildflowers, insects, and more




Saturday, June 21, 2003

When I was out walking yesterday, a startled wild turkey flew up from a spot not more than 4 feet from me. Startled me, too! At first I thought it was a ruffed grouse, but soon realized that it was a turkey. While making alarm calls, it half-ran and half-flew to a more protected place. I took a quick peek for chicks or eggs. Seeing nothing and not wanting to disturb the hen further, I walked on. Then I heard the hen behind me and turned to see it fly by as though it were trying to distract me. It continued to make alarm calls until I was out of the area.


Thursday, June 19, 2003

I've been noticing the many varieties of ferns that are found in my local area. The maidenhair fern is one of my favorites. This fern grows in rich soil. It can be recognized by its dark stems and the
fan-like manner in which its fronds are arranged.


Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Have been seeing very little of the whitetail deer lately. I did see one of the does a couple of days ago. I noticed that she had completed her molt and was sporting her reddish summer coat. I suspect that the doe(s) in my immediate area have either had their fawns or will be giving birth soon. Does become more secretive both before and after the birthing time.


Sunday, June 15, 2003

The Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum) has been blooming for a few days now. The large, showy blossoms along the rim of each cluster distinguish this shrub from the Maple-leaved Viburnum. Other wildflowers that are blooming
are the Yellow Hawkweed, Orange Hawkweed, Blue-eyed Grass, Red Clover, Common Speedwell, Oxeye Daisy, Common Cinquefoil, and Red Raspberry.


Friday, June 13, 2003

The phoebe has become much more vocal lately. I've read that this tends to happen when they start their second brood and the male becomes more territorial in response to that. The female begins remaking the nest within three or four days after the first brood fledges and she starts laying eggs soon after that. The male is left with the task of feeding the young fledglings from the first brood.


Wednesday, June 11, 2003

The warblers have quieted down a little, but I heard the hermit thrush singing in the deep woods today. And saw an indigo bunting in a more open area. Last year, there was a phoebe that
liked to flycatch from a certain branch on a tree near the house. I noticed today that it has returned to its familiar perch. I think I'm correct in assuming that this is the same phoebe that I saw last year.


Monday, June 9, 2003

The Eastern Tent Caterpillars began leaving their tent-like webs about 10 days ago and are now roaming far and wide. Some people confuse this caterpillar with the Gypsy Moth Caterpillar. The Gypsy Moth Caterpillar is usually seen about a month later than the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. The latter has a white stripe down its back while the former does not.


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