The Sky is Falling!! No wait, that's frass.

Turn the volume way up, like as loud as it will go. I promise you will not blow your speaker. Listen for the sound of rain.

Did you hear it? Did you hear rain? Well, that is not rain. Not the water kind. That is frass. What is frass, you ask? Frass is poop; caterpillar poop. Here is some of the fallen frass on a piece of bark on the ground.

Here is some frass collecting on Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) leaves.

 

 

I could not see the caterpillars, as they are having lunch way up in the tree tops. With most of the leaves decimated, the tasty tree is hard to identify. But, I think this is a American Basswood (Tilia americana), based on the location (I know this tree to grow right here) and the few leaves that are left.

That is one tasty tree!

Southern Nodding Trillium

Trillium breaking ground is a such fire sign of spring! These native wildflowers push out of the ground before any trees get a chance to leaf out and shade them. They grow amongst the trees in the forest.

One of the native, but less common species, in my area is Southern Nodding Trillium (Trillium rugelii). I took this picture about three weeks ago, when it just started to peak out from under a log.

The pictures below were taken yesterday! This fantastic wildflower has beautiful broad leaves.

It stands about a foot tall, on what looks to me like a scrawny little stem.

This particular specimen is a little unusual, as the flower typically hangs below the leaves, or nods, as its name suggests. This plant's flower must have gotten caught up on something when blooming. It seems to be catching some frass and seeds at the moment, as well!

Southern Adder's Tongue Fern

When I think of a fern, my mind pictures a large dissected leaf (frond). But, as with most plant or animal groups, ferns come in many forms.

The Southern Adder's Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum pycnostichum) is an unusual looking fern. It was given the name adder because of the resemblance of the spore stalk to a snakes tongue. Breaking down the scienitfic name, Ophio- refers to snake and -glossum. tongue.The Field Guide to the Ferns explains that pyncnostichum translates to crowded rows of 'sporangia'" (Snyder & Bruce, 1986), referring to the premature stalk in the picture below.

Southern Adder's Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum pycnostichum)

What I find most striking about this plant is the super smooth leaf. It is not often that you find a leaf with no apparent venation. There are two other species of Adder's tongue that grow in Georgia with that smooth leaf. Dwarf Adder's Tongue, which grows in south Georgia. The leaves and stalk of that species are, no surprise, much smaller. Bulbous Adder's Tongue, is also smaller, but also has almost round leaves (fronds).

So, if you find yourself in Georgia, north of the Fall Line, you can confidently identify this unusual little fern as Southern Adder's Tongue.

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.