Fall Fun Facts
Have you ever noticed how some deciduous trees retain their leaves while others around them are bare? I learned some interesting facts the other day about why that might be. Trees such as this gorgeous oak tree may retain their leaves once they die, referred to as marcescence, for a number of possible reasons. For one, retaining dried up, brown leaves could help protect the oak’s acorns or buds from bitter frost. It could also protect the growing buds from getting nipped by whitetail deer early in the spring. In addition, I’ve heard that for saplings it could be important to...
Read MoreBluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis)
Wildflowers continue to pop as the warm temperatures and sunshine are becoming more abundant. One pretty little flower that is currently in bloom is Clintonia borealis, more commonly known as Bluebead Lily. This plant gets its name not from the flowers it produces, but instead from the beautiful fruits that become noticeable during mid to late summer. As the summer season progresses the flowers will be replaced by little green fruits, that slowly turn white and then eventually a deep blue, looking almost like porcelain beads. While these fruits may look appealing, they are said to be quite...
Read MoreAutumn Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
This beautiful Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) posed wonderfully for me in the shade earlier today, taking a quick break from foraging in mounds of leaf litter. They are a shy species that can be found on the edges of forests and woodlands, even your yard, if there is enough space and habitat for them to find insects. As we near the winter their diet is going to shift to include various berries. I was surprised to find several of them this weekend, possibly having moved south and been more boldly active given all of the cold temperatures lately. They will enjoy this warm-up making bug...
Read MoreMay-apple (Podophyllum peltatum)
You may have seen this neighbor in our woods lately: the large umbrella-like leaves of the May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum) are one of the first green plants to cover the forest floor in spring. But, when you lower your vantage point enough to peek underneath those leaves you’ll see the delicate white flower that is hidden there. The fruit of the May-apple (the “apple”, I guess) is edible when ripe (yellow and soft). However, according to Roger Tory Peterson’s son, Lee Peterson in his “Peterson Guide to Edible Wild Plants” indicates that the leaves, roots...
Read MoreWrinkle-faced Bat (Centurio senex) by Twan Leenders
Well alright then…maybe one more creepy animal before Halloween is over. Talk about a face only a mother can love! Twan took this picture several years ago during field work in El Salvador. This is a Wrinkle-faced Bat (Centurio senex – its scientific name loosely translates to ‘the 100-year old one’). In spite of its terrifying appearance, this guy is completely harmless. Its diet consists primarily of fruit and it eats by burying its entire face in its dinner. As it is gnawing away, the wrinkles on its face actually funnel the fruit juices to its mouth. Pretty neat...
Read More
