Sunday, May 13, 2007

Swampology 2007


Swampology Day has come and gone for another year! Keep an eye on this blog and the Francis Beidler Forest webpage for the date of Swampology Day 2008.

This year, venomous and non-venomous snakes were on display in the nature center, a mammal skull collection was on display in the nature center, a live Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Swainson's Hawk were on display in the outdoor classroom, fossils collected from the area were on display along the boardwalk along with stations showing macroinvertebrates, birdwatching, fish, shingle riving, and moonshine production! However, the main attraction continues to be the virgin, old-growth forest and its amazing collection of plants and animals.

While manning the shingle riving station, a Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) made its way down the creek in search of crayfish. This individual had a 20% (2 crayfish in 10 strikes) success rate while in view of the station. Summer Tanagers (Piranga rubra) sang overhead throughout the afternoon along with numerous other bird species. A very pleasant way to spend the day!

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