We're Still Here

Spring is a busy time of year at the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest. Unfortunately, after returning from vacation, we found our computer had died. Although we have all of our files backed up, all of the software and bookmarked webpages that we use to efficiently manipulate images and research topics remain trapped on the inoperable computer. Good news is that the issue is simply a bad power supply and can be easily repaired.

The cool spring seems to have slowed everything in the swamp.  Only a few Easter Lilies (Zephyranthes atamasco) have emerged, reptiles are few and far between, and Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) battles for breeding territory have been less frantic.  Although everything may be moving at a slower pace, there is still plenty of action.

The slam of the car door as we reported for work last Sunday triggered a response from a male Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).  The call was startling in the relative quiet of the early morning and was quickly answered by a distant male.  As soon as the camera could be assembled, the gobbler emerged from the middle of the parking area and moved toward the upland area along the swamp's edge, possibly to investigate that distant response.

Hopefully, by the end of the week, we will be calling again from the swamp!

Images by Mark Musselman