Don – Page 5 – Discover-Nature

DewDew Dew-Dah

How’s the weather outside today? Are you feeling a little warmer than you would like? Have you seen the weather forecast, and do you really know what all those numbers mean?

The simplest is temperature which is a measurement of the heat content of the air. The two popular scales are Celsius and Fahrenheit. Both have two defined points: the freezing point of fresh water at sea level is 0°C / 32°F, and the boiling point of fresh water at sea level is 100°C / 212°F. Note that the Fahrenheit scale, created in 1724 based on experiments carried out at that time by Polish physicist Danielle Gabriel Fahrenheit, is commonly used today in only four countries including Belize, Myanamar, Liberia and the United States, and only for non-scientific applications.

Another popular number shown on most weather predictions is either heat index or wind chill. If the apparent temperature, the “it-feels-like” number, is higher than the actual temperature, it is shown as heat index; if it is lower, it is shown as wind chill. The heat index is derived from temperature and relative humidity and indicates heat gained between the human body and the atmosphere. The wind chill is derived from temperature and wind speed and indicates heat lost between the human body and the atmosphere.

The human body removes heat by perspiring and letting drier air wick heat away. When the relative humidity is high enough that perspiration does not evaporate, then there is no cooling effect. The human body begins to absorb heat from the atmosphere and is in danger of suffering a heat related illness. As heat or relative humidity rises, the combination becomes more dangerous. The National Weather Service has published the heat index shown here:

The wind chill index is derived from temperature and wind speed, and indicates heat lost between the human body and the atmosphere. Wind chill formulas vary greatly worldwide, but since 2001, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. have agreed on a standardized formula that uses the following assumptions: the wind is striking a bare face on a person walking 3mph into a 3mph headwind at an actual temperature of 10°C / 50°F or lower. As the actual temperature falls or the wind speed rises, the wind chill falls and the danger of a cold related illness increases. The National Weather Service has published the wind chill index shown here:

When reading a weather report, humidity and relative humidity are two terms often used interchangeably. However, humidity, properly called absolute humidity and expressed in grams, is the amount of water vapor, by weight, in a cubic meter of air. This measurement is rarely used outside of scientific experiments. Another term is dew point temperature, a number that is considered by most meteorologists to be a better indicator of moisture in the air than relative humidity.

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount of water vapor that air can hold at a given temperature. As the temperature rises but the water content remains the same, relative humidity drops because warmer air can hold more water vapor than cooler air. This means that if the air temperature is 80°F at noon and 84°F at 2:00 pm, but the water vapor content is constant, relative humidity will be lower at 2:00 pm even though the air is not any drier. And what we “feel” is the actual amount of moisture, i.e. the absolute humidity, in the air. So, while the relative humidity is dropping, it does not “feel” more comfortable.

The dew point temperature is also an indicator of how much water vapor is in the air, as well as how it “feels” to us. Dew point is calculated by the use of a hygrometer, a polished metal mirror that is cooled until water vapor in the air starts to condense on the surface. The temperature when condensation first starts is the dew point temperature.

When the outside air temperature cools down to where it is the same as the dew point, water condenses to form fog at surface levels, clouds at levels aloft, or a film of dew on surfaces. The larger the spread between temperature and dew point, the more comfortable we feel because as the temperature rises and the dew point remains constant or falls, the air becomes drier.

Humidity can make you feel uncomfortable whether you are in shade or sun, whether it is windy or calm, or whether you are acclimated to heat or not. As the dew point gets higher and closer to the actual temperature, we start to feel that humidity; we start to feel ‘sticky’. Remember, a person gets cool by perspiring, and no matter what the actual temperature, we can only get cool when perspiration can evaporate which only happens when air is not already saturated. A dew point greater than 65 is uncomfortable to most people. Dew point temperatures above 70 indicate unstable air conditions that may lead to severe weather.

All of this and more is included in the science of biometeorology; the study of weather and its effects on the human body. I will look at additional aspects of this science in later columns. To locate these numbers, take a look at your favorite weather website, or try one of the following:

www.weather.com The Weather Channel Today, Hourly, 10-day Temp, clouds, wind speed & direction, chance of precip, heat index, windchill, humidity, UV index

www.accuweather.com Accuweather Hourly, Daily, Radar, Air Quality Temp, clouds, wind speed & direction, Humidity, UV, DP

www.wunderground.com Weather Underground Hourly, Daily, Historical Temp, clouds, wind speed & direction, chance of precip, heat index, windchill, humidity, DP, pressure

www.weather.gov National Weather Service / NOAA Current, Daily Forecast, History Temp, clouds, wind speed & direction, humidity, pressure, DP

www.weatherbug.com Weatherbug Current, Hourly, 10-day Temp, clouds, wind speed & direction, heat index, windchill, humidity, DP

https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/ Snoqualmie Current Weather My favorite ski area 🙂

Summer Pollinator Bloom

It has been a couple of months since I shared a visit in our pollinator garden, and we were in the middle of a warm and wet spring which turned into a hot, dry summer. Now, it is mid-summer and a new set of flowers are in bloom and being heavily visited by a variety of pollinators including bees, wasps, ants and butterflies.

Grey Headed Coneflower, Ratabida pinnata, by DonArnold

Pale Purple Coneflower, Echinacea pallida, by DonArnold

Purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, by DonArnold

The coneflowers, members of the Aster family, are an easily recognized group of flowers. Grey-headed coneflower, Ratabida pinnata, grows a tall stalk, up to 4′, with a grey/green head of seeds surrounded by bright yellow, drooping rays. From the base of the flower moving upwards, seeds turn brown as they mature and are a favorite food for goldfinch. This species is also known for attracting many beneficial insects such as chalcid wasps, syrphid flies and minute pirate bugs, that keep harmful insects including caterpillars, sawfly larvae and various beetles under control. Purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, is a nectar source for monarch, red admiral and swallowtail butterflies. Considered a rare species in northern Illinois, it can grow up to 5′ tall. Flower heads are 2.5″-5″ in diameter composed of up to 20 purple petals surrounding an orange-brown array of disk flowers. A similar species is the pale purple coneflower, Echinacea pallida. Flowers are on single stems up to 3′ tall with pale purple petals that are skinnier and droopier than the purple coneflower. The center of the flower head is a dark brown array of disk flowers. More commonly found than purple coneflower, this plant is visited by a much greater variety of butterflies including American Lady, Red Admiral, Great Spangled Fritillary and Baltimore Checkerspot.

Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, by DonArnold

The black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, is another member of the Aster family. Flowers are on single stalks growing to 3.5′ tall and are 2″-3″ wide with a dark brown, button-like central disk surrounded by 8-20 yellow, ray flowers. Historically, a tea was made from the leaves for treatment of common cold symptoms, and flower petals made be used to make yellow dyes. The plant is a food source for almost four dozen bee species in our area, providing both pollen and nectar. In addition, many species of wasps, beetles, true bugs and butterflies also feed on this plant.

Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis, by DonArnold

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Buttonbush, by DonArnold

Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis, a shrub commonly found in wet areas, hosts more than two dozen bird species in addition to bees, true bugs and butterflies. This shrub can grow from 3′ to more than 12′ tall, and likes moist to permanently wet soils. Flower heads appear as bristly balls on stalks attached to the main stem at the junction of leaf stalks. Each flower structure is about 1″ in diameter containing a nut-like fruit that stays on the shrub through most of the winter, providing a great food source for non-migrating native birds.

Common Ironweed, Vernonia fasciculata, by DonArnold

Common ironweed, Vernonia fasciculata, grows up to 6′ high and offers both nectar and pollen for insects. Flower heads form a dense cluster at the top of each stalk and are composed of 15-25 brightly colored purple disk flowers. Bees are able to see in the ultra-violet ranges, and the outer surface of the flowers reflect ultra-violet light, while the inner surfaces absorb it. This contrast makes the flower easy to locate for bees. Seeds are fluffy, brown and wind-dispersed. This plant is a host species for American Painted Lady butterflies and several additional butterflies that regularly visit for nectar including Easter Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch and Pearl Crescent.

Cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis, by DonArnold

The Cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis, provides a colorful contrast to some of the other plants at this time of year. An uncommon species, possibly due to its intolerance of areas with road salt, it can be found growing wild in woodlands, typically along stream beds. It is regularly visited by the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. The flowers are a brilliant red arranged in a long column from the top of the stem downward. These species will make a wonderful addition to any pollinator or perennial garden.

Woodpeckers

My backyard is filled with birds at this time of year, and some of the most distinctive ones flash through the trees and across the feeders with black and white wing bars and some bright red highlights. These are woodpeckers, in the family Picidae (pis-a-dee). Seven members of this family are found in DuPage County: downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens; hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus; red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus; pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus; Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus; red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus; and yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius.

Dryobates pubescens, Downy Woodpecker by Phil Myers

Dryobates villosus, Hairy Woodpecker by Phil Myers

Woodpeckers naturally live in areas with large tracts of woods. However, several of these species have adapted to living among human dwellings and backyard bird feeders. Primarily insect eaters, these birds can find food by foraging under tree bark and listening for insect movement, then chiseling away the bark to get to the prey. Sapsuckers drill out rows of holes across the bark and feed on the sap of the tree, as well as any insects drawn to the sap. Flickers, and pileated woodpeckers in particular, are known for the large quantities of ants they consume. Nuts, fruits and seeds supplement their diets. Some woodpeckers, including red-headed, downy and hairy may store food. The most commonly stored items are acorns, and storage sites are aggressively defended.

Melanerpes carolinus, Red-bellied woodpecker by Phil Myers

All woodpeckers are cavity nesters. Nests are thermal regulated to some extent by facing the opening to the nest to the south or east in cooler climates, and the north or west in warmer areas. Nests tend to be found in soft wood trees that are wide enough to support a cavity for both adults and young without coming near the sap layer just under the bark, so nests remain tidy. Cavities are never made above a branch, presumably so that rain water cannot run into the opening. Woodpeckers do not reuse old cavities, but these cavities are used by many other species in following years including squirrels, snakes and other bird species.

Sphyracipus varius, Yellow-bellied sapsucker by Phil Myers

Woodpeckers form long-term pair bonds except for sapsuckers who bond for one season. There is one brood a year and both males and females care for the young. Eggs are laid on a bed of new wood chips, and incubation lasts 11-14 days. With a clutch size of between 4 and 6 eggs, young will take 24-30 days to fledge. Woodpeckers will establish their own territories by the start of their second year. Species do not migrate but may wander a couple hundred miles north or south in search of food and suitable nest sites.

Colaptes auratus, Northern Flicker by Phil Myers

One of the few bird species that do not sing, woodpeckers have simple calls that may sound like a rattle or a whirring noise. Drumming is also widely used for marking territory, attracting mates and communication. Both males and females drum. Drumming is performed preferably on hard surfaces so sound carries a good distance. This may include hard-wood trees as well as barrels, downspouts and sides of houses. Drumming can be easily distinguished from the sound made when drilling for food by its very fast tempo.

Dryocopus pileatus, Pileated Woodpecker by Phil Myers

Bills, heads and bodies are all uniquely adapted to support drumming and wood chiseling. Tails are very stiff and the two central feathers are pointed, reinforced with central ridges and have inward curved barbs with strong muscles to hold the bird upright and steady against a tree trunk. Feet have four toes, two pointing forward and two backward to provide a solid platform for an upright stance. Bills are stout, straight and chisel shaped to break wood apart. Species that aggressively excavate tree trunks include downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers. These birds have extra feathers covering their nose to filter out sawdust and eyelids that close right before each strike of the bill.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, Red-headed woodpecker by Phil Myers

As a group, woodpeckers have stable populations. They may be locally declining in areas where there is heavy pesticide use on ant species, one of the staple food items for several species, particularly flickers in the Eastern U.S. Competition from starlings for cavity sites may affect small populations. Some birds are dependent on large woodland tracts, but evidence for the woodpecker populations in our area indicate that none are in danger.

Nocturnal Animals

I like to get outside every day, but with these really hot days oftentimes I go for a walk late in the evening as things start to cool off. It is quieter and pleasant – but not too quiet. There are still lots of sights and sounds of nature at night. What are all of these animals that are out well into the night? And why are they not active during the day? And how do they see in order to do anything?

All animals use their senses to find food and shelter and avoid predators. Nocturnal (active at night) animals have heightened senses or special adaptations that help them survive in the dark. Sight is the sense that humans rely on the most, but it is not as useful when there is very little light available. Structures in the eye called cones allow animals to see color. Other structures called rods are used to gather light. The more rods in the eye, the better an animal can see overall, and especially at night. Some nocturnal animals such as raccoons, bobcats, owls and rabbits have many more rods than daytime animals allowing them to see much clearer in the dark. And many of those same animals have very large pupils that let in more light.

Large eye pupils on Eastern Screech Owl,*Megascops asio* by Greg Hume

Owls, opossum, deer and fox have much better hearing than most other animals. Hearing adaptations include having larger ears, many of which are cup-shaped in order to gather more and fainter sound waves. A hertz (hz) is a unit of measure for soundwaves. We can hear between 20hz and 20,000hz, whereas a mouse can hear from 1,000hz to 100,000hz. This means the mouse can detect an insect moving under the leaves from several yards away. Another adaptation of many nocturnal species is asymmetrical ears. They can hear from each ear independently, allowing them to triangulate where the sound is originating. Triangulation can help identify the direction the sound is coming from – right, left, up or down, as well as how far away the point of origin is.

Echolocation, a specialized version of a hearing adaptation is used by bats in our area. The bat produces a high-pitched sound wave that is returned to the bat’s ears after it has bounced off another object. Bats use echolocation to determine an object’s size, shape, distance and whether the object is moving or stationary. If the object is moving, the bat can also determine the direction. A bat can emit calls at a slow rate of 15-20 per second up to 200 per second when closing in on prey.

Coyote, Yosemite 2009 by Yathin S Krishnappa

Smell is another sense used for hunting. Fox, raccoon, coyote, mink and skunk all have enhanced nasal passages and brain centers for detecting and identifying odors. They have enhanced abilities to detect fainter odors and to be able to identify their origin to a finer degree. Nighttime air is often still and moist, allowing scent molecules to linger longer, enabling an animal to better locate food as well as detect predators.

Two views of Wellington, New Zealand, taken same night by Science Learning Hub–Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao, University of Waikato, http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz

All of these differences make life easier at night for nocturnal species. There are fewer predators, and it is easier to hide in order to avoid becoming a meal. But there is also less competition with other predators to find food, and enhanced senses to create unique hunting strategies. Light pollution can be a huge negative influence on true nocturnal species. Constant night light sources affect species dependent on day-night triggers for behavioral patterns. Migration patterns may be disrupted; insects are attracted to light/heat sources only to be trapped and/or killed; reproductive cycles can be altered. In the green frog, an Illinois native, males will call less and move around more making it much harder for females to find and mate with them.

You can learn more by spending some time enjoying the nighttime yourself. Use your senses to detect what is active in your own backyard after dark. Try observing with and without a flashlight or your porch light. Give other species time to get comfortable with you being outside by spending 5-7 minutes sitting quietly before moving around. Use a cell phone to record what you are hearing, and write down your observations and experience as soon as you can after returning indoors. Consider repeating this activity on a rainy night or a winter night, and keep a journal of your experiences to learn and better understand the habitats where you live.

Backyard Activities

During the summer, I take a walk around the yard every day to observe the dozens of insects in the garden. It is fun to identify the species and watch the activities they are engaged in and learn how they keep my backyard healthy and looking so wonderful. Here are some of the insects I recently observed.

Cabbage White Butterfly, *Pieris rapae* by Ypna

Bees, wasps, and flies often visit ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint, Nepeta faassenii, a purplish, low-spreading perennial that flourishes in bright sunny locations. I most often see honey bees, Apis mellifera, and cabbage white butterflies, Pieris rapae, visit the catmint. Both insect species are taking nectar for food from the catmint. They don’t stay long in any one place, and flit constantly from one flower stalk to another, taking small sips and moving on.

Another hotspot for insects is in the vegetable garden. We have tomatoes, peppers, beets, carrots, parsley and dill, Anethum graveolens, an annual herb in the celery family used as a spice for flavoring food. Dill is also a host plant for the Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly, Papilio polyxenes. After the eggs hatch, the earlier stage caterpillar is black overall, with sharp orange spikes covering the body and a white “saddle” in the middle. As the caterpillar matures, it will lose the spikes, turn light green with yellow spots and whitish stripes, then enter the chrysalis stage and eventually emerge as an adult butterfly.

Another winged insect you may see, the Crane Fly, a member of the Tipulidae family, has a bright orange body and glowing green eyes. These insects can be found in moist woodlands or around bodies of water including a creek or pond running through your backyard. They lay their eggs in water or moist environments, and the larvae live in the top layers of soil. The larvae help to break down organic material in soils while the adults are an important food source for spiders, fish, small amphibians and birds. The typical lifespan for an adult is only 1-2 weeks.

Monarch, *Danaus plexippus* by Captain Tucker

Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, are starting to appear daily. The monarch is the State Insect of Illinois, and it is found throughout the state in all habitats except deep forest. Up to three generations are born each summer, and the last generation in late summer / early autumn is migratory, flying to overwintering sites mainly in the high altitude regions of Mexico. Monarchs are dependent upon the many species of plants in the milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae. Eggs are laid on leaves and the caterpillars feed exclusively on species of milkweed. In recent years, we have seen a decline in the number of milkweed plants everywhere in Illinois, but you can help monarchs by planting them in your own yards and encouraging local business and government to do the same.

*Popilla japonica*, Japanese Beetle by DonArnold

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, can be found on many plants in the garden. It is an invasive species that does very little harm in its native country, but is a pest of over 300 species of roses, grapes, linden trees and numerous other plants. The adults eat everything between the veins of the leaves, then the plants can no longer create their own food. Japanese beetles display iridescent copper-colored wings folded over their backs behind a dark green head. Several insects and parasitoids have been brought into the U.S. to control these beetles, with limited success. Traps have also been developed, but data suggests that these merely entice the beetle to a host plant.

Green bottle fly, *Lucilia sericata* by DonArnold

The common green bottle fly, Lucilia sericata, also known as a blow fly, is a member of the fly family, Calliphoridae, comprising over 1200 known species. Members of this family occur worldwide in almost every location that includes humans. Adult flies feed on carbohydrate-rich nectar in the garden, as well as any decaying meat or garbage. Dumpsters and garbage containers accessible from outside may attract flies in huge numbers. Eggs are laid on carrion and larvae feed on the carrion. The time period from egg to adult can be between 2 and 4 weeks, and a female may lay 10-15 clutches of 200 eggs each in her lifetime. The best control for these insects is to keep refuse covered at all times.

Bullfrogs

Croak! Croak! Croooooak! I live on a pond, and for the last week has it has belonged to the bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana. The bullfrog is the largest species of frog in North America, and the ones in my pond are no exception. Bullfrogs are green, yellow-green or brown with dark splotches on the back and dark leg bands. The tympanum, or eardrum is immediately behind their eye. On male bullfrogs, the tympanum is larger than the eye, and their throats are pale turning to dark yellow when breeding; on female bullfrogs, the tympanum is the same size as the eye and their throats are whitish.

Their preferred habitat is still, permanent bodies of water, with plenty of submerged and emergent vegetation. Bullfrogs hibernate over the winter in the mud at the bottom of these permanent pools. They like warmer water and generally will not emerge in spring until water temperatures are in the 15^C (60^F) range.

Bullfrog in submerged vegetation, by DonArnold

Breeding, mating & calling activities start in late May and extend well into July. Bullfrogs are normally active from early evening all through the nighttime hours, and may extend activities into the daytime. They are most active on warm nights. Males sit in the shallows or along the banks and create a low-pitched brrr-rum call to find a mate. Males are territorial establishing an area roughly 5′ to 20′ in diameter that they actively defend from encroachment by other males. Within the same pond, several males may have bordering territories, and neighbors will also aggressively object to a new frog attempting to take over an existing territory. Larger males will establish themselves in the choicest sites hoping to lure females to an area good for egg-laying.

Bullfrogs – The Confrontation, by DonArnold

The female deposits from 5,000 to 20,000 eggs in a thin-mucus covered, floating mass that may be from a foot to three feet in diameter. Eggs will hatch in three to six days into tadpoles. Tadpoles spend from one to two years living in the pond, feeding on algae or decaying material until metamorphosing into froglets in their second or third summer. Bullfrogs become sexually mature in two to four years, and their lifespan is six to eight years.

Bullfrogs will eat nearly anything they can swallow including fish, snakes, turtles, other frogs, birds and small mammals, but the majority of their diet consists of invertebrates including dragonflies, beetles, insects, spiders, snails and crayfish. Bullfrogs are also prey for fish, snakes, turtles, herons, otters, racoons and mink. They are extensively hunted by man for the food industry, especially frog legs. If threatened, they are equally comfortable on land and water and may flee to either habitat. When caught, they emit a loud wailing scream that often times startles the predator and allows the bullfrog to escape.

In recent years, the pond behind my house has been naturalized with native vegetation. The bullfrog population as well as many other species have responded very favorably to these efforts. However, in many other areas, habitat loss, water pollution and pesticide runoff have all been factors in the declining populations of bullfrogs and other amphibians. Removal of shoreline vegetation for real estate or recreational development has damaged a number of breeding sites. You can help by supporting efforts to keep local ponds, lakes and other wetland sites natural and undisturbed.

Male bullfrog in breeding colors, by DonArnold

Fireflies

Nights in your backyard at this time of year are filled with spectacular light displays created by lightning bugs, otherwise known as fireflies. There are over 170 different species in the U.S., and fireflies can be found in every state except Hawaii, and on every continent except Antarctica. The flashes are a form of communication, mainly for trying to attract a mate.

Lighning bug trails by JStuby, Indiana County, PA

Not all fireflies in the U.S. are ‘flashers’. Some species are active only during the day and do not emit any light; several species are known as glowworms and emit a steady, glowing light. Here in the Midwest and farther east, most species are ‘flashers’. Flashing is a form of communication used in seeking and finding a mate. The light is a byproduct from a bio-chemical reaction of oxygen with the enzyme luciferan plus ATP and manganese. Different species will emit different colors of light from green to yellow to orange. Colors can also be influenced by what time of day it is and how well they will show up against the background colors of the habitat. Firefly enzymes have been widely studied by medical research facilities where doctors have been able to inject the enzymes into a test specimen and duplicate the light emission to provide imaging of internal cell structures. This procedure, known as bioluminescence imaging, is at the forefront of emerging technologies for studies of viral infection.

Black Firefly, *Lucidota atra*, by Kitchener, Ontario 2018

Fireflies are part of the beetle family and as in all species in this family, they undergo complete metamorphosis including four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Fireflies lay eggs in late summer in rotting logs, moist soil or deep mulch. Larvae hatch in three to four weeks, and they are voracious predators of soft bodied invertebrates including snails, slugs, spiders, and earthworms. Larvae live from one to two years, overwintering underground or deep in rotting wood. They molt often during this stage of eating and growing. Larvae pupate in late spring either in an underground burrow or in some species, by attachment to a tree branch where they hang upside-down. In two to several weeks, depending on the species, a biochemical transformation will take place changing the larva into an adult. After adults emerge, their only function is to reproduce. Adults generally do not eat, but may sip nectar or maple sap as a secondary source of moisture. They live only a few weeks finding a mate and laying eggs before they die.

Fireflies can be found in a wide variety of habitats including rivers, valleys, ponds, fields, marshes, forests, cities and urban areas. There has been very little scientific study of firefly population characteristics, and we are just starting to accumulate this data. Therefore, little is known as to whether they are declining, but there is anecdotal data to suggest that there were many more fireflies thirty to fifty years ago. It is known that 3/4 of all species are active only at night. Species in our area can be affected by habitat loss, herbicide use, and artificial night light which can obscure firefly communication and adversely affect breeding success rates.

United States of America at night, NASA image, 2012

It is fun and entertaining to be out on a quiet evening and enjoy the light displays being put on by these small insects. You can help keep their populations strong in several ways. Retention of leaf litter and logs, especially rotting wood, in forested or other areas will provide spaces for egg laying and larvae to live. Consider reducing outdoor lighting at night including garage and walkway lights and buildings with all night lighting. The use of motion detectors on timed circuits so lights are only on for a limited amount of time will greatly cut down on the amount of light present at night. We hope you get out to see these wonderful gems, but remember if you are out looking for fireflies that flashlights, cell phones and camera flash units are all forms of artificial light that are best avoided to enhance your outdoor viewing experience.

Snake Monitoring

Some days I spend hours grabbing snakes! As a snake monitor, I am one of several stewards in this area leading groups that monitor snakes. Our goals are to learn what species live here, their population size, and what areas they inhabit. We are using this data, as well as other related information, to assist in making habitat management decisions.

Wildlife monitoring activities for any species are designed based on prior knowledge of when and where a species may be found and what kinds of activities we might observe. For snakes, we identify possible sites based on several factors: being away from human activities, having access to food, water, and shelter for overnight and bad weather. We set out numerous snake boards. A snake board is a piece of rubber, wood or metal approximately two square feet in size and heavy enough that it will not be moved by wind or animals. A line of these are laid out in the observation area, about one every 8-10 yards. I use three boards at each of my dozen or so sites, but there can be 1 to many used.

*Storeria dekayi*, Midland Brown Snake by Janice Sommer, 2018

Snakes are ectotherms, meaning they must obtain heat from their surroundings. Snakes require heat to perform any action including moving, hunting and digestion. Snake boards are generally placed in sunny areas. This creates a spot where a snake can spend a few safe and sheltered hours absorbing heat that will allow them to hunt, eat and digest a meal. When they are warm enough, they will leave the board area, complete their hunting or other movements. They usually spend the night under rocks or logs in a close-by and safe place and return again the next day.

Monitors usually work in pairs. When we visit a site, we will record date, time, and weather conditions. One monitor lifts the board and both monitors capture any snakes that are present, placing them into a soft, cloth bag. As each snake is removed from the bag, we record the species, weight, length and any identifying marks.

Several pictures are taken of each one, and then they are released. They usually disappear quickly into the underbrush, but may not go far and may return to the board after we are gone. Observations are made at least weekly, and are varied by time of day or weather conditions in order to have data across a wide spectrum of factors.

We have a wide variety of questions, and we are always adding more to the list. Identifying what data to collect to provide answers, helps determine and refine our procedures. Questions range from statistical to curious such as what snakes do we find in DuPage County, where do they live, what do they eat, can they swim, what restoration activities affect them and how, what management practices need to take them into consideration. Collected data is used by scientists, teachers and stewards as we learn more about our own environment and how to manage its health.

Cicadas In Song

We are hearing a lot of buzzing in our backyards right now. The sound is coming from one of the loudest insects found anywhere in the world, cicadas. Cicadas are members of the family Cicadidae, and are they close relatives of leafhoppers. Sometimes misnamed as locusts, cicadas are non-jumping insects not at all related to either locusts nor grasshoppers. There are over 150 species of cicadas in the U.S., with about 12 occurring here in northeastern Illinois. The cicadas we see and hear are all adults; some are species that we see every year, and some are species known as “periodic species” that only appear every thirteen or seventeen years.

Species seen each year usually live underground for two to four years with some portion of the population emerging every year as adults. Periodic species will live either 13 or 17 years underground and all of the population will emerge together in one year. After emergence, adults go through one final molt to climb out of their old skin, pump blood into their wings and then let the wings dry and harden.

During this time, we may see hundreds of empty skins hanging from plants only to fall off and decompose. Adults will then mate, lay eggs, and die. Eggs are placed in holes or slots cut into tree limbs by the adult female. They hatch after a few weeks, and the young crawl to the edge of the branch and drop off into the soil below. They burrow their way underground and attach themselves to tree roots, where they will live until adulthood by sucking on tree sap. A large population of individual cicadas living in a specific location is called a brood. Twelve different broods of 17-year cicada species and three broods of 13-year cicada species have been identified throughout the eastern half of the United States. In addition to a unique location, each brood emerges in a different year.

Each species of cicada has its own distinct song, but all cicadas create their sound from a unique pair of organs called tymbals. They are located on either side of the abdomen and consist of a membrane stretched across ribs. As muscles contract, each rib buckles against the membrane with a snap. A special air sac located in the same area amplifies the sound. A cicada can perform this action several hundred times per second, and the resulting sound is a loud buzzing that can be heard for long distances.

Periodical cicada mating by James L. Occi, Westfield, NJ

Cicadas are daytime singers and each species sings in a particular portion of each day. In most species, only the males sing, and they start with a calling song, trying to attract a female. When an interested female comes close, she will signal her presence with a snap of her wings. Once the male hears her, he will change his song to a courtship tune that attracts her further and has her snapping her wings more vigorously. This helps to guide the male to her and after locating her he will sing a third tune, a mating song.

I encourage you to listen for the different songs sung by the male throughout the courtship proceedings as well as different songs from the three to four species currently active in this area.

Bee-ginning B’s

Bees are some of our most prolific pollinator species. In fact, there are over 4,000 species of bees in North America. Some of these can be observed in your own backyard. Bees have four wings, two long antennae, a thick-set body, eyes on the sides of their heads, and hair on the belly and rear legs for collecting pollen. Not all of the flying insects we see among the flowers are bees; some are wasps. They can be distinguished from bees by their skinny bodies with narrow waists, with no hair on their body or legs. Others are flies; they have two wings, short antennae, no pollen-collecting hairs on bodies or legs and eyes that are situated on top of their heads.

Bees typically live for only one year, although some species in our area, including honeybees and bumblebees may live longer. A majority of their lifetime is spent inside a hive or nest growing from an egg to a larva to a pupa to an adult. The bees that we observe in our gardens are the adult stage which typically lasts for several weeks.

Most bee species in North America are solitary: the females live alone, building their own nest, laying eggs, and providing food for their offspring’s development over the winter. The adults do not survive to see their offspring born. Other species, including honeybees and bumblebees, are social species. These bees live together in one nest and share all nest maintenance and parenting duties. In social colonies, especially those that are human managed, adult bees may live quite a bit longer.

*Panurginae* family Bumblebee with full pollen sacs by DonArnold

All bees collect pollen from flowers, and they have developed several unique adaptations for this process. Stiff hairs or hairs tipped with hooks on all parts of the body will collect the pollen when it is brushed against as the bee visits each flower. The bee will move the pollen into the hairs along the lower abdomen and hind legs for transport back to the nest. Bees also eat nectar from the flowers. Adults eat a lot of nectar and a little pollen, but they bring some of both back to the nest. A food packet consisting of a little nectar and a lot of pollen is placed with each egg to feed the developing offspring.

Brown-belted Bumblebee, *Bombus griseocollis* by Becky Donaldson

When a bee carrying pollen visits a flower looking for nectar and pollen, the bee must push past the stigma and through the anthers to get to the nectar found at the base of most flowers. The bee will collect more pollen from the anthers. But the stigma has sticky surfaces that will pull some of the pollen off the bee as it passes, and this will be used by the flower in its reproductive cycle.

Many fruits and vegetables we enjoy, as well as several beverages, all come from plants pollinated by bees. More than 70% of flowering plants are insect pollinated, and bees comprise a majority of those insects. Bees are struggling, though, and populations are in decline. Reasons include habitat fragmentation, an increased use of pesticides, and new diseases in bee populations. A majority of bees nest underground, and these habitats are becoming harder to find as we develop and pave over more places. Bees require many large groupings of flowers, a habitat also being lost to development. The latest farming practices often leave a monoculture of only one crop covering immense areas. Supporting backyard gardens and community development of both flower and food gardens will help to replace some of this lost habitat.

Pollinator Garden

Our pollinator garden is filling in rapidly with the warmer temperatures and ample amounts of rain we are experiencing. Many species in our area, including bees, wasps, flies, ants and hummingbirds are pollinators providing plant species with the essential service of moving pollen from one flower to another for fertilization. Many popular native species are found in our garden; let’s take a look at a few of the ones now in bloom.

Golden Alexanders, *Zizia aurea* by DonArnold

Mining Bee on Golden Alexander, © Heather Holm, 2015.

Golden Alexanders, Zizia aurea, is found in a variety of natural environments from open woodlands to prairies to fens. This member of the parsley family is visited by Pearl Crescent butterflies, Phyciodes tharos, and Spotted Thyris moths, Thyris maculata, especially where these insects find other food species including Clematis and Houstonia. Mining bees, small in size and emerging in early spring, are the primary pollinator, picking up pollen on the hairs of their upper legs as they feed on the flowers.

Virginia Waterleaf, *Hydrophyllum virginiatum* by DonArnold

Another favorite pollen source for bees is Virginia Waterleaf, Hydrophyllum virginianum. With its white to pale violet flowers and leaves that look like they are stained from water; this plant’s nectar also attracts the Red Admiral butterfly, Vanessa atalanta, and a few species of beetles. The stamens on this flower extend well past the petals making it difficult for small, short-tongued insects to get close enough to the flower tube to obtain nectar. Bumble bees, one of the primary pollinators feeding on the nectar, use their larger bodies to push past the stamens picking up pollen to transfer from one flower to another.

Woodland phlox, *Phlox divaricata* by Joshua Mayer, 2010

Woodland Phlox, Phlox divaricata, also known as Wild Blue Phlox, is often found in open woodlands. This flower is attractive for pollinator gardens due to its blue flowers and good growth in partially shaded areas. Pollinators include many butterfly and moth species with long tongues that can reach deep into the long flower tube for the nectar at the base. As the butterfly feeds, its proboscis (tongue) contacts the stamens to pick up pollen which is transferred to the next flower.

Jacob’s Ladder, *Ploemonium reptans* by DonArnold

Another flower in the blue spectrum is Jacob’s Ladder, Polemonium reptans. This species does well in partial shade or a moist area in full sun. The flowers are visited by bees, flies and beetles. Large bees are the best pollinators as they collect pollen on their heads and thoraxes when pushing through the stamens to get to the nectar at the base of the petals. Previously collected pollen brushes off on subsequently visited flowers.

American Toad

As you are out walking at this time of year, whether in neighborhoods or natural areas, you may hear a musical trilling in the background. This is the call of Bufo americanus, the American Toad, as it returns to the banks of local streams and ponds. Male toads emit a high pitched trill that may last 30 seconds or more, as they actively seeking mates for breeding. They call constantly during the daytime and early evening, and are often heard as part of the background sounds of the neighborhood.

American Toad, Tanya Dewey, Animal Diversity Web

The American Toad has a compact body with dry, warty yellowish-brown backs and sides. They have short hind legs that allow them to walk or hop, but not take long leaps as do frogs. Adults are typically 2″ to 4″ with the females slightly larger than the males, but larger sizes up to 7″ have been observed in some localized areas. These toads are found from the Mississippi River to the East Coast and from middle Canada to southern Georgia.

As in all frog and toad species, only the males call, hoping to attract a female by song alone. American Toads like shallow, quiet waters with scant to moderate amounts of fully to partially submerged vegetation. The male will select a stationary position in a desirable habitat, call, and after a female joins him, they will mate. The female then lays her eggs in the water. Breeding is often initiated by rainy days and warm evening temperatures. A female will deposit between 2,000 and 20,000 eggs contained in two gelatinous strings of mucus several inches under the water’s surface and they may be attached to nearby vegetation.

American Toad eggs by Judy Gallagher

Eggs hatch in 2 to 14 days depending on water conditions. Tadpoles are black in color, and they will change into tiny toadlets in six to ten weeks. Large groups of toadlets can be observed leaving the ponds for the open woodlands, prairies, marshes and your backyard. The American Toad reaches sexual maturity in two to three years and may live ten years, although mortality from predators and human impact is high.

At this time of year, you may observe toads in your own backyard. If you try to sneak up on a toad, especially in the evening, it will immediately stop calling if it hears you. However, if you wait quietly at the edge of a pond for four to five minutes, the toads in the area will resume their singing. Species are distinguishable by their song, and you can hear the different songs including the American Toad at the Illinois Natural History website: INHS Frog & Toad Calls.

If you should find a toad, see if you can observe some of the unique characteristics of these animals. Do you see its ears? They do not stick out from the head, as ours do. Toads have a round patch positioned right behind their eye that is a tympanic membrane, able to detect and identify various sounds. Can you observe it catching any prey? Their tongues, which are long and sticky, are attached at the front of their mouths, not the back as ours are. As insects fly by, a toad can flick its tongue out at an amazing speed to snare a meal. You can watch this behaviors at Discovery News.

Hummingbirds

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are making their way back to Illinois for the summer. There are about 325 known species of hummingbirds, all of which are found only in the Americas. Most species live in tropical areas of South America and Latin America while 18 live in North America, and only the Ruby-throated hummingbird commonly occurs in Illinois.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird *Archilochus colubris*, by jeffrey

Hummers are the smallest birds in the world, ranging in weight from 0.1 to 0.3 ounces. Also setting them apart from other birds are their flight abilities. Their wings make a unique figure-eight rotation, allowing these birds to feed on nectar while hovering in mid-air. This allows the birds to fly forwards, backwards and sideways. They can even fly upside down for a short way. Birds that appear in summer here migrate south for the winter traveling up to 2000 miles including a 500 mile non-stop leg over the Gulf of Mexico!

Another feature is their beautiful iridescent colors. Most species are metallic green on their backs, but chin and belly colors range from blue/green to violet, red and bright orange. Ruby-throated hummingbirds display green backs, white bellies, and a black chin strap. Only males display a red throat, which also may appear black or dark gray from certain angles.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird *Archilochus colubris* by Joe Schneid, Louisville KY

Hummingbirds have long beaks and long tongues. They typically feed on nectar found in the base of long tube-like flowers but they can also lap up small invertebrate prey. Their tongue has many tiny grooves promoting capillary action that moves liquids up to the mouth with no sucking required. Nectar is very watery with a low sugar content. This allows liquids to move through the tongue grooves without clogging on sugar crystals. Keeping this in mind when preparing feeder solutions for your own backyard feeder, a good solution is to mix four parts water to one part sugar; boil 30 seconds to make sure sugar dissolves; let cool before putting into feeder. No food coloring should be used.

Another way to attract Humingbirds to your own backyard is to plant the flowers that they use for nectar. Red flowers that grow in full sun are the best, whether in pots on your balcony or in a full garden bed. A variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall will provide food for their whole stay. A few red flowering species include coral bells, scarlet salvia, fire pink, Cardinal flower, trumpet vine, columbine and common zinnia. Blue and/or purple may also attract visitors including ‘Blue-Bird’ rose-of-Sharon, blue salvia and bee balm.

Bats

Myotis lucifugus, little brown bat, Myotis septentrionalis, the Northern long-eared bat, Lasionycteris noctivagans, the silver-haired bat and Myotis sodalis, the Indiana bat are among some of the thirteen bat species native to Illinois. All bats are in the order Chiroptera, and they are the only mammal that truly flies. The order name means “hand wing” which aptly describes the wing which is composed of a thin membrane stretched over the four fingers of a bat’s hands. The fingers can be spread when in flight or folded tightly together against their body when at rest. The thumb protrudes from the end of the forearm as a small claw providing assistance when walking or climbing. When flying, bats do not flap their wings as birds do, but move their wings in a circular “swimming” motion that provides not only lift, but great agility in the air.

*Myotis sodalis*, Indiana Bat, by USFWS Contributor Andrew King Public domain

Bats have small eyes and are thought to be able to see fairly well, but they use echo-location as a means of identifying insects or objects while in flight. This process involves the bat emitting a series of supersonic squeaks through its mouth, 30-60 per second, and hearing the returning echo when the sound bounces off an object. The complex ear can identify the direction, size, density and movement of the object. While in flight, a bat can catch a flying insect with its open mouth. Another method to eat-on-the-wing, especially when flying through clouds of insects, is to trap them in the folds of its wings. Bats have the ability to scoop these insects out of each wing while still in flight, sometimes somersaulting in mid-air while eating. A single bat consumes about 1000 insects an hour and will eat 6,000 – 8,000 mosquito-sized insects every night.

Bats spend most of their time “roosting”: resting or sleeping in a particular spot. Males and females tend to roost separately except during breeding season in late fall. Generally, they have two roost sites, one for daytime and another at night. Since most species tend to feed during late evening or nighttime hours, the night roost is near the feeding areas. This roost may be changed throughout the seasons as insect food groups tend to become more abundant at different sites.

*Myotis sodalis*, Indiana Bat, by Justin Bruno

Life spans vary by species, but generally bats in our area live about 30 years. Due to loss of habitat, widespread use of pesticides and herbicides, and direct persecution, bat species in Illinois have been declining for the past several years. However, on warm summer evenings, especially over quiet ponds or streams, pay close attention to the air above you and enjoy the small acrobatic flyers taking advantage of the abundance of available insects.

Herons

It is bird migration season, and there are a great many birds returning from their wintering grounds farther south. Two of my favorites are the Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias and the Great Egret, Ardea alba. These tall birds, 36″-48″ in height, can be seen in ponds, lakes and rivers where they are searching for their favorite foods: fish, crustaceans and small amphibians. At this time of year, before the growing season has started, they can also be found in dry agricultural fields hunting for small mammals such as field mice.

The long curved neck is a modification of one vertebrae that allows the neck to easily flex. In addition, muscles can pull the neck into a tight coil and spring the head and beak forward at incredible speed allowing the bird to quickly snatch a meal from the water. Both of these species are stealthy hunters, moving slowly on long, slender legs through shallow water. They may be seen moving their heads from side to side, crouching or standing upright, or pointing their bills straight down at the water. All of these behaviors are thought to be used to reduce glare on the water surface and allow the birds to better see their prey.

Great Blue Heron, *Ardea herodias*, by DonArnold

Over the summer, these birds will find a mate and raise a family in our area. Nesting usually takes place in colonies, large gatherings of birds that can number between a couple dozen to a few hundred birds. Nests are usually built at the tops of tall trees standing in water. This may be a defensive strategy against ground and climbing predators. You can easily spot these nests sites in the early spring before the trees have leafed out. Colonies of nests are called a rookeries, and there are many to be observed in our area. A rookery that you may want to visit to learn more is at Lake Renwick Preserve in Plainfield. Hours are limited, so please see their website at: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/visitor-centers/lake-renwick-heron-rookery-visitor-center

Other herons that are found in our area include the Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax and the Green Heron, Butorides virescens. These smaller birds, typically 16″-24″ in height, can also be found foraging near open water, but are often seen in the early morning or early evening. Both species use bait such as insects, seeds, leaves or feathers as well as bread put out by people for ducks and other waterfowl, to attract fish to swim within their reach.

Black-crowned Night Heron, *Nycticorax nycticorax*, by DonArnold

Green Heron, *Butorides virescens*, by DonArnold

You should be able to observe these birds as you visit any area that includes shallow water containing fish or other small aquatic species. They will be here until late autumn when ponds start to freeze over. Heron and egret migration routes depend on continually finding open water for hunting, so winter feeding grounds may include much of Illinois, depending upon our winter temperatures.

Naiad

At this time of year, creeks, rivers, marshes and ponds are filling with water from melting snow and spring rains. Dragonflies and damselflies are two animal groups to watch for in these wetland areas.

You may not see many of them flying around your backyard or local ponds yet. The ones we love to watch flitting over the ponds and showing off their aerial skills are adults. Each summer, males & females will mate and lay eggs in submerged plant stems, mud-banks, damp logs or directly into the water. After two to six weeks, eggs will hatch into naiads (pronounced nay’-ed), sometimes called nymphs, and they will live in the ponds for several months to several years, depending on the species.

A naiad is a formidable predator. The abdomen contains a set of openings through which the naiad can propel water at jet force pushing it through the pond at incredible speeds. The lower jaw of this insect is about one-third the length of the entire body. When it is not eating, this jaw remains at rest under the head. But when hunting, the lower jaw can shoot out to stab its prey. All dragonflies are in the insect order Odanata, a Greek word meaning ‘tooth’. An excellent short video can be found at A Baby Dragonfly’s Mouth Will Give You Nightmares | Deep Look

Naiads can be placed into three groups: ones that crawl, ones that climb or ones that burrow. The crawlers have long legs, drab colors and move slowly along the bottom of ponds. Climbing naiads can be found on dense vegetation in quiet ponds. Burrowers can be found in muddy banks along faster flowing creeks and streams.

Try this activity to learn more: take a dip net or small container and scoop up some of the soft mud at the bottom of a pond. Pour that out into a shallow, light colored tray. Keep it shaded and wet, so any naiads are protected until you return them to the pond. With a little luck, you should be able to spot one or two of them. Can you identify their color? Can you find their lower jaw and see how it moves? Can you see the openings for water intake and jet propulsion along the back underside of the abdomen?

Come back in the early morning or late afternoon of a summer day, when temperatures start to soar, to see if you can spot a naiad climbing out of the water onto plant stems or leaves and molt one final time to reveal its wings and fully formed adult body.

Check out these links to learn more about common dragonflies in Illinois: https://fieldguides.fieldmuseum.org/guides/guide/380

http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismdepts/zoology/odonata/

Garter Snakes

At this time of year, as soon as the daytime temperatures start to reach into the forties and above, we begin to see snakes coming out of their winter dens. Two common snakes in DuPage County are both garter snakes, from the genus Thamnophis which includes 30 species worldwide.

The Eastern Garter Snake, Thamnophis sirtalis and the Plains Garter Snake, Thamnophis radix spend the winter in underground dens containing several dozen to several hundreds of individuals. Winter is a period of dormancy where these snakes enter brumation, an extreme slowing down of their metabolism.

Eastern Garter Snake, *Thamnophis sirtalis*, by DonArnold

A garter can be up to 30″ long, black/brown backs, yellow stripes on their sides and a gray-green belly. Usually found in meadows, light forests, marshes and vacant lots, they enjoy a warm spot such as open rocky/paved surfaces warmed by sunlight or hanging out in bushes or logs in the sun. Their meals include insects, earthworms, slugs and fish. Nights are spent under logs, rocks or leaf litter protected from wind and rain.

There are a variety of methods used to study snake species, one of which involves using cover boards. Boards are approximately two square feet, made of plywood, aluminum siding or heavy rubber. These are placed in likely spots where snakes will be found. The snakes use the boards during the day for shelter, rest and warmth. When snakes are found under the boards we identify each snake, weigh and measure it, take lots of pictures and note any markings or injuries. We also record location, weather, time of day and any activity observed. Finding a variety of individuals helps to establish population numbers; finding the same individuals more than once helps to identify whether snakes are moving to different locales during the year.

Spring Wildflowers

We may not be able to tell exactly when winter ends and spring begins, but the plant community all around us has determined that the change has already happened for this year. With the longer days and warming weather comes myriad changes in the plant community. This is the chance for us to observe many species that come and go very quickly at this time of year. These are the wildflowers of spring, and a few early ones to look for on your walks are listed below.

*Dodecatheon meadia*, Shooting Star by Sue

One of the more showy flowers is Shooting Star, Dodecatheon meadia. A delicate pink, lilac or white bloom droops from a single tall stalk in the middle of a grouping of lance-shaped leaves. The plant may stand from 6″ to 20″ high. The flowers form a cone surrounding the stalk with lobes bent backwards. This plant is pollinated by female bumble bees that collect the yellow powder-like pollen by vibrating the anthers with two or three short sonic bursts called buzz-pollination. The place to observe all this activity includes brightly lit open woods and meadows.

Virginia Bluebells, *Mertensia virginica* by Sue

Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica, may not be in full bloom, yet, but will soon be spectacular in their showiness. They are found in rich, damp woodlands, many times along streams and rivers. In many areas, they can be found growing in great swaths covering large areas of the forest floor in open woodlands. Trumpet shaped flowers nodding from a long stalk are about an inch long, pink when young but turning to a beautiful, rich hue of blue.

Dutchmans Breeches, *Dicentra cucullaria* by Sue

Dutchman’s Breeches, Dicentra cucullaria, is a common species found in open, dry woodlands. The flower, in white or pink, appears as if someone is hanging out their trousers to dry. The green base of the plant is located far below the naked flower stalk and is composed of several fern like leaves. This flower is mainly pollinated by bumblebees, who have a longer proboscis than honey bees, allowing them to tap the flower for its nectar.

Bloodroot, *Sanguinaria canadensis* by Sue

Another showy but short-lived bloom in the woods at this time is Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, found in dry woodland areas. Sanguine, an adjective for the color of blood, appropriately describes the juice derived from the plant. A single leaf divided into five to nine deep round lobes clasps the flower stalk, wrapping around the base. A single white flower rises 3″-6″ above the leaf. The flowers contain no nectar, but attract a variety of female bees as well as the false blister beetle to collect pollen.

Spring Peepers

Spring Peeper – a lyrical name for a wonderful little singer in the woods at this time of year. Most often heard in the late evening or through the night, these small frogs have some interesting traits.

Pseudacris crucifer, Spring Peeper by DonArnold

They are hard to find due to their small size, 20mm-25mm or .8″-1″ when fully grown. A little large than an adult’s thumbnail! And their coloration provides wonderful camouflage from shades of brown, gray or olive skin. The belly is cream or white, and the back is marked with a dark cross as well as darker bands marking the legs.

Spring Peepers are native to our area and can be found in marshy areas or light woods near freshwater ponds. They are good climbers but prefer to stay near the ground, burrowing into leaf litter whenever it is available. At this time of year, larger populations can be found near their preferred breeding habitat which is clear, clean freshwater ponds with no fish.

Peepers breed in early spring time when males start to call for females in the early evening and on into early morning. Only the males call. And their call is a high pitched note which can be heard for several hundred yards in the woods. And they are loud! It is near impossible to have a conversation between two people when standing on the edge of a pond where a chorus of 8 or more of these tiny frogs are singing. Click on the attached audio file to listen.

As you are out walking this spring, take a moment to stop by your favorite pond and listen closely for the sounds of spring.