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

Blooming Spring

With the recent warm weather, the Audubon Center at the Francis Beidler Forest is experiencing a plethora of flowering plants.  We noted the Dwarf Trillium (Trillium pusillum) yesterday.  Nearby, the Common Blue Violet is flowering.  The color of this plant is highly variable ranging from deep purple to almost white with a wash of purple.

During Saturday's field trip to the marl bluff overlooking Mallard Lake, we found Spring Coral-root (Corallorrhiza wisteriana).  This plant is part of a group called saprophytes.  Saprophytes have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesize.  Saprophytes are either parasitic or, as is the case with Spring Coral-root, obtain their food from decaying organic material.  In order to maximize the amount of water and nutrients absorbed from the forest soil and overlaying decaying organic material, Spring Coral-root and other saprophytic flowering plants have developed a mycorrhizal association with fungus.  The fungus at the plant's roots increases the total surface area for absorption and passes the water and food to the plant.  The relationship is obligate and the saprophyte will not survive without the fungus.  Therefore, transplanting saprophytic flowering plants is nearly impossible as the relationship between the plant, the fungus, and the specific soil are difficult to replicate at another site.

Images by Mark Musselman