Frogs are Freaking Out!

What? I can't hear you! Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) and Upland Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris feriarum) are howling! Okay, you might have to turn the volume up, way up. But, I promise these frogs were deafening. I could hear them from home, with windows closed!

Spring is a party!

And then the Sun came out!

Spring has hit Atlanta! And this weekend was the first time the sun peeked out. People were smiling all across the city. (I don't know that for sure. But, I like to think it is true.)

The first surprise that I came across while out in the woods today was this Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). This camouflaged individual was half covered with leaves; which I expect is a successful way to hunt for frogs, toads or other tasty tidbits. Garter snakes will hunt all year long. But, this is the first I have seen in quite some time.

Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

As I made my way out from under the trees, a Question Mark Butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis) flitted by high overhead (as they like to do). These butterflies spend the entire winter as adults, so it is possible to see them on warm, sunny winter days. But, like the Garter Snake, this is the first one I have seen in many months!

Question Mark Butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis)

Then, finally, I came across a little energetic bugger that has just emerged as an adult. The Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon) spends the winter months as pupa, emerging as a adult at the first signs of spring!

Spring Azure Butterfly (Celastrina ladon)

I was amazed when this individual stopped long enough for me to get this shot. They flutter constantly, almost never stopping to nectar. Today, I was lucky!

Okefenokee Swamp

When planning a visit, there is a sweet spot between the end of winter (when the nights are not bitter cold) and early spring (before the mosquitoes take hold).

You have to leave early, if you want to get on the water in time.

 The water barely moves. So, if you want to move, you better paddle!

 There are not many people, but there are other sights and sounds.

The Barred Owls (Strix varia)sang every day we were there!

Even the view from the 'bathroom' is cool!

Water Lily leaves (Nymphaea odorata) slowly bounce after paddles push the water past them.

This little frog was scooped up next to the platform at Canal Run. I still need to identify this one to species.

Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum) was everywhere!

No motors allowed!

 

The reddish sticks are all Yellow-eyed Grass (Xyris sp.).

 

 This is a view I can get lost in.

A Stroll around Stone Moutain

Stone Mountain, located east of Atlanta, Georgia, is an igneous rock monadnock (isolated mountain), that was formed around the same time as the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Although there have been some really cold snaps this winter, there is still life just underground working its way to the surface. As early as mid-February, signs of life are easy to find.

Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor)

This might be the largest patch of Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor) that I have come across. These leaves are easy to identify by peeking underneath.

Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor)

Pow! Look at that purple color! Even though I know it's there, I am surprised by that color every time!

Southern Grape fern (Botrychium biternatum) is looking tall and healthy, a midst the old and dry leaf litter. These fronds (leaves) appear in the summer, but will hang on all year long.

Southern Grape fern (Botrychium biternatum)

We were just a tad early to see Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) blooming. This spring wildlflower is blooming in south Georgia already. But, we might still have to wait a week or two to see these flowers near Atlanta. 

Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)

One flower we did get to see was this violet, with leaves still unfurling. I will need to revisit this site and pay better attention in order to identify this plant to species.

Blooming Violet (Viola sp.)

Walking the trails around the mountain, takes you through some beautiful wooded habitats. 

In the shadow of the mountain.

I hope to return soon so see the wildflowers during their ephemeral display.

Space Coast! Part 2, Viera Wetlands

Later that day, Dave and walked around Viera Wetlands. Typcically, this birding loop is drivable. But, recent rain muddied the roads enough for the wetlands to be closed to cars (thankfully!). The walk combined the tranquility of walking in nature with the excitement of not knowing what you might see next. We chased a sparrow through the grass, searched (unsuccessfully) for the American Bittern that I watched land in the reeds, and waited for Glossy Ibises to cross the road before we continued on.

 From bottom left, going clockwise: Blue-winged Teal, Great Blue Heron, American Alligator, Northern Shrike, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Green Heron (my personal fave), Sandhill Crane, and Common Moorhen

I consider the Green Heron, my gateway bird. While an undergrad, my bedroom window overlooked an area that a Green Heron spent most of it's summer. I was serenaded and have been birding as much as possible ever since. 

Space Coast! Part 1, Merritt Island

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival in Titusville, FL is located right next Cape Canaveral (hence the name). The 18th Annual festival was held last weekend. Even though I have lived near Atlanta for over a decade, this was the first time I made the trek. In addition to the great birding Florida has to offer, the festival is chock full of insanely talented and friendly birders. (I suspect we will return.)

Our first morning, we birded Merritt Island with friends. Although windy, there we birds enough to keep a birder busy.

From bottom left, going clockwise: American Avocets in front of a gang of American Coots; a pale and our of focus Reddish Egret; the flock at the beginning of the birding loop (Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, Great Egret - not seen: Glossy Ibis, Wood Stork); Lesser Yellowlegs; Great Southern White Butterfly; and my posse for the morning - Michael, Louise, Glen and Dave

A Very Happy Follower

I would follow these folks anywhere. No joke.

Okay, maybe you can't really see who they are or why I'd follow them. Let me clarify. I snapped this shot from the back seat of the Cruz, where I am with car-mates and birding brothers, D & G, on our way to Merritt Island, FL. D&G have have been birding together for more than half of their lives. How cool is that? (I might be a little jealous.)

We three are following our friends and birding celebrities, to a birding hotspot. Why are they celebrities, you ask? Good question! They are celebrities because they have been on the forefront of all things birding for decades. They raise money for research, teach young budding birders, publish books, create breathtaking artwork and graciously teach something to everyone they come in contact with. In case you could not tell by now, they are my heroes. They have taught me so much and I am no where near done learning from them.

Do yourself a favor. Go birding. It makes life happy.