tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46656719590455767142024-03-14T02:36:59.820-05:00Explore MissouriDiscovering Missouri's Natural ResourcesShelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-47394656390889898362013-12-03T15:48:00.001-06:002013-12-03T15:48:45.381-06:00Eastern Bluebird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EHTblHdMeg/Up5MHJInL1I/AAAAAAAAE9Y/Fq-XhyVHRLU/s1600/bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EHTblHdMeg/Up5MHJInL1I/AAAAAAAAE9Y/Fq-XhyVHRLU/s400/bluebird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
a nature enthusiast and bird lover I spend a lot of time outdoors and one of my
favorite pastimes is feeding and watching birds. Several years ago I was on a
mission to attract Eastern Bluebirds (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sialia
Sialis</i>) to my yard; I knew they were in the area as they did frequent
fly-bys through my yard, but none ever stayed. I had many feeders full, as well
as bird baths, but it seemed whatever was on the menu did not appeal to these
beautiful birds; as they flew over you could almost see them turn up their nose
(or beak whichever the case may be) in distaste. I had numerous bluebird houses
placed in strategic locations throughout my yard all met with the same disdain
as the food supply. What was I doing wrong? This called for some research. I
learned after much reading that they preferred berries, bugs and their favorite
was mealworms. Okay, that was easy to remedy, but what about the houses? My
husband (who is not a bird watcher, nor even much of a bird lover) suggested
that perhaps I had the houses in the wrong location, and maybe putting them on
a fencepost would be better. Thinking he was crazy, after all how would he
know, when he didn’t even really like birds? I was sure they would be too low
to the ground, but I agreed to move them. We took one of the houses off the
tree and proceeded to hang it on the fencepost. I was willing to try anything;
after giving some thought to his suggestion I did recall most of the bluebird
houses I’ve seen have been on fence posts, so maybe, just maybe, there was
something to what he said. After securing the bird house next to the pasture
gate, all there was to do now was wait and see if any bluebirds showed up. Even
though I was somewhat skeptical, I was also hopeful, I returned to the house to
search the internet for a mealworm source and place an order. Approximately 3
hours after relocating the bluebird house my husband came into the house and
told me we had bluebirds checking out the house we just put by the gate,
thinking he was pulling my leg; after all things just don’t happen that fast or
go according to plan so perfectly…right? I played along and followed him
outside (expecting any second for him to say “just kidding”) to the blue bird
house in question and much to my surprise and delight sat a male bluebird on
top of the gate and then a female poked her head out of the house and looked at
me as if to say “took you long enough!” I was so excited I know I squealed. I
simply could not believe it was as simple as that; and I couldn’t help but feel
a bit disappointed that I hadn’t figured all this out sooner. Several days
later the mealworms arrived in my mailbox, and after setting up a feeding
station, and supplying it with the new entrée it wasn’t long before there was a
flurry of activity. Not only were the bluebirds feasting on these delicious
worms, but also robins, yellow warblers and blue jays. As soon as the blue jays
showed up, it lit a fire under the male bluebird and the chase was on. The much
smaller bluebird ran the larger more aggressive blue jay off in record time
only to return immediately and check on his sweetheart who was dutifully
sitting on eggs. After making sure all was well and letting her know he was
keeping vigilant guard, and that no harm would come to her or their soon to be
offspring as long as he was on watch, and only after exchanging a few twitters
and calls did he seem satisfied that all was indeed well. He went back to his
post as sentry. This scenario played out numerous times all day long each day,
I couldn’t help but feel sorry for our poor soon-to-be dad. Just when you
thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse for our dedicated Mr. Bluebird,
the eggs hatched! His responsibilities just increased ten-fold as he now had to
keep up guard duty and help feed a hungry family. He seemed to take these new
feeding duties as seriously as he previously did guard duty, frequently made
trips to locate food for his hungry offspring, and sometimes even fed momma.
Many times he would return to the nest with a juicy insect of some sort and
feed one baby, only to be met with many more hungry mouths all demanding to be
fed, which would send him off yet again in search of more food.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cB5uCNogoOg/Up5Rgi6oZwI/AAAAAAAAE98/mZItZk1uX6I/s1600/bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cB5uCNogoOg/Up5Rgi6oZwI/AAAAAAAAE98/mZItZk1uX6I/s400/bluebird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In between trips he would chase off a blue jay
or two then he was off again on foraging duty; this went on all day, with him
only taking very short breaks on a nearby tree. Eventually I noticed the female
join him on the food gathering expeditions, at which point he stayed behind to
keep watch over the young featherless babies. Many weeks passed, and soon it
was time for the babies to leave the nest. All the dedicated, hard work of this
devoted pair paid off as all four babies successfully fledged and took flight
to the nearest tree for the first time. Their first flight, though awkward, was
endearing and beautiful. After much encouragement from mom and dad these young
bluebirds were ready to be on their own. I spotted these young fledglings in
the area for many months, and often they came to drink from a bird bath or
partake of the offered mealworms. It wasn’t long before I noticed activity at
the bluebird house again, and it soon became apparent that our bluebird pair was
once again embarking on the family life. Our busy couple continued much the
same way as they had for the first brood. Many weeks later, three more little
babies took flight with the same awkwardness and courage as their previous
siblings. My wish came true far beyond what I had hoped for, I not only had one
bluebird, but now I had 9! They stayed throughout the summer and into the fall,
and although no more babies were forthcoming it was a joy to watch these
bluebirds and their activity in my yard. Later as the weather cooled I saw them
rarely and eventually not at all as they headed for warmer areas. It wasn’t
long before House Sparrows took over the bluebird house and used it as a winter
shelter. They packed themselves into that house in large numbers. I would
notice them fly out of the house one-by-one and I was reminded of the clowns in
the “clown car” at the circus, as you watched in wonder as more and more clowns
would exit the car, and just when you were sure not another clown could
possibly exit the car, sure enough one did….it was the same with the sparrows.
I allowed them their winter reprieve, knowing that once spring returned they
had to be evicted. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaK4CWfh_mg/Up5PqmLuNNI/AAAAAAAAE9s/qQPTstErVOQ/s1600/blue+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaK4CWfh_mg/Up5PqmLuNNI/AAAAAAAAE9s/qQPTstErVOQ/s400/blue+birds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> (Bluebird letting a sparrow know she was not welcome)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Spring arrived and along with it the bluebirds, I cleaned
the house out of all sparrows and old nesting materials and was rewarded once
more as nest building resumed. It was time to order more mealworms. I chose a
different supply house where I could buy in larger quantities and purchased
2000 of them. I came home from work to find a card from the post office in my
mailbox letting me know I had a package to sign for; this could only mean the
mealworms had arrived. I made a quick dash to the post office and handed the
clerk my card. After signing on all the appropriate lines she went to retrieve
my package, it was at this point I hear a loud squeal and the clerk uttering
the words “Oh my goodness what are those things and where did they come from?”
Ever get that sinking feeling in your gut? Well I had it, that ominous feeling
that says you’re in trouble, thru no fault of your own. I had two choices at
this point I could make a break for it, or stay and take my medicine. Well the
decision was made for me as the post master came out of his office at the sound
of the commotion and I hear him speak rather loudly “Shelly, what did you
order?!” It was at that precise moment that I envied the ostrich its ability to
bury its head, because if any sand would have been forthcoming that is exactly
what I would have done! The post master came out from the back room to the
front of the lobby where I was standing. He had my box in one hand and a
handful of mealworms in the other. I took the box, and noticed more mealworms
were beating a hasty retreat from the confinements of the box. I placed the box
on a nearby table and tried with much difficulty to replace the errant
mealworms back inside, and then took the ones the post master was holding, so
patiently; and also tried to put them back from whence they came. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbv8iyP91Y4/Up5QZUnBfXI/AAAAAAAAE90/xZgRrcPF7bM/s1600/bluebird1res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbv8iyP91Y4/Up5QZUnBfXI/AAAAAAAAE90/xZgRrcPF7bM/s640/bluebird1res.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
securing all the escapees I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, because it
was at this point the humor of the whole situation was hitting me and I didn’t
want to crack up laughing at this apparent “serious” situation. Before I could
leave though, he had to ask me “Why can’t the birds find their own worms?” I
just smiled, since I really didn’t know how to answer him and I was afraid if I
opened my mouth all that would come out would be a giggle! I left in short
order and got into my car and proceeded to laugh so hard I cried, and each time
I pictured that woman squealing and thought about all the customers that would
be coming into retrieve their mail only to find hitchhikers in the form of
mealworms, I would start laughing all over again. After I returned home, my
sides hurting from all the laughter, I finally secured all the mealworms
including the escapees in my car seat into an escape proof container. Two weeks
later a good friend of mine called me and wanted to know about the mealworm
incident at the post office, seems this little matter was the talk of the post
office and the town. I was shocked she had heard about it, but explained it to
her, after having a good laugh all over again, she said the post master told
her they were still finding mealworms, I told her wait until those worms turned
into big black beetles and they tried to figure out where they came from! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
suggestion, if you order mealworms online, try to make sure you are home when
the box is delivered, unless you want to be the story of your local post office
and hometown. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I60VK9_UVmg/Up5POhnRbOI/AAAAAAAAE9k/5H8aQXdAjzc/s1600/bluebird3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I60VK9_UVmg/Up5POhnRbOI/AAAAAAAAE9k/5H8aQXdAjzc/s320/bluebird3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These
wonderful birds were worth a little humiliation on my part, and I continue to
enjoy them each year. It was in 1927 that Missouri declared the Eastern
Bluebird the State bird and I can’t imagine a better choice. Their bright blue
wings and gorgeous cinnamon colored chest helps them stand out as one of the
most beautiful birds to call Missouri their native home. Often considered a
symbol of happiness, and anyone having heard their melodious song can attest to
this being true. You can’t help but smile as these lovely birds sing their way
into your heart. While these birds are in our area year around the most common
time to see them will be from April through November. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you too would like to attract these
wonderful little birds to your yard, all you need is a water source, a suitable
house, placed on a fence post or other similar location, away from trees and
preferably near a open field (for insect hunting). And if you are feeling
brave, provide some mealworms you’re sure to be glad you did once these
endearing birds brighten your landscape as they have mine. </span></div>
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Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-34684353781194202592013-10-28T21:39:00.000-05:002013-10-28T21:39:14.661-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ku8fsegtvMY/Um8WPka0lgI/AAAAAAAAEsc/C15U1Ebt81I/s1600/woodland+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ku8fsegtvMY/Um8WPka0lgI/AAAAAAAAEsc/C15U1Ebt81I/s400/woodland+bridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of my favorite conservation areas to visit in Northwest Missouri is Bluff Woods. Located in southend St. Joseph off of 59 Highway it is nearly 2300 acres of pure outdoor exploration. Walking trails, woodland, grassland, old fields, and a small prairie. There is even an old cemetery there to explore should the urge strike you.<br />
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This area has been declared an important birding area by the Missouri Audubon Society. Areas designated with this title are unique in their large diversity of bird life that call it home. Many birds that have experienced declines in their populations use Bluff woods as their nesting home range. Still many others pass through Bluff woods on their way to more Northern ranges. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-g8RxdDUrI/Um8YRJGzfsI/AAAAAAAAEso/OhfU-lnWiAU/s1600/babyjay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-g8RxdDUrI/Um8YRJGzfsI/AAAAAAAAEso/OhfU-lnWiAU/s400/babyjay.jpg" width="272" /> </a></div>
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(juvenile Blue Jay)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v11TfZSk6Bs/Um8YheiGdMI/AAAAAAAAEsw/vgcrIF95MQY/s1600/oriole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v11TfZSk6Bs/Um8YheiGdMI/AAAAAAAAEsw/vgcrIF95MQY/s400/oriole.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Baltimore Oriole)</div>
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Do you like trees? Most of us do, after all the forest would be a lonely place without them. Bluff woods will not disappoint. There are Paw Paws, Oaks, Hickories, Maples, Basswood, Black Walnut,<br />
as well as other hardwood trees.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phBAzJuomT0/Um8ZQW2jrmI/AAAAAAAAEs4/rTdGNf57sZU/s1600/pawpaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phBAzJuomT0/Um8ZQW2jrmI/AAAAAAAAEs4/rTdGNf57sZU/s400/pawpaw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Paw Paw)</div>
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Over hundred species of animals typically associated with woodlands can be found here. The habitat is perfect for raccoons, opossums, white-tail deer, squirrels, flying squirrels, box turtles, snakes, etc. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYc4kUlUceM/Um8aHoZWTyI/AAAAAAAAEtA/RTwe2P_vW8c/s1600/whitetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYc4kUlUceM/Um8aHoZWTyI/AAAAAAAAEtA/RTwe2P_vW8c/s400/whitetail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(White-tail Deer)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6i9zZz2Xf0/Um8at3tesNI/AAAAAAAAEtI/isoMO4WjKeo/s1600/red+fox+runningres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6i9zZz2Xf0/Um8at3tesNI/AAAAAAAAEtI/isoMO4WjKeo/s400/red+fox+runningres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Red Fox kit)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlODAeQpNZs/Um8bBj3EpxI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/62dv8r2R4mU/s1600/timber+rattler+4-23-5res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlODAeQpNZs/Um8bBj3EpxI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/62dv8r2R4mU/s400/timber+rattler+4-23-5res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Timber Rattlesnake)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--97faq7rfnY/Um8bXY5uf3I/AAAAAAAAEtY/gjD--wIg7fQ/s1600/toad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--97faq7rfnY/Um8bXY5uf3I/AAAAAAAAEtY/gjD--wIg7fQ/s400/toad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Woodhouse Toad)</div>
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The high bluffs over look the Missouri River valley and make for great hiking opportunities. The views from the vantage point of the bluffs is spectacular and well worth the effort to expend the energy that it will take to hike these steep trails. Many wild plants dot the woodlands along your trek, including Jack-in-the-pulpit, green dragon, orchids, wild phlox, ferns, and many others. Please respect the area and take pictures only.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hliKAJqV14/Um8cXrFpmpI/AAAAAAAAEtk/0q5x1HgwvSo/s1600/jackinthepulpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hliKAJqV14/Um8cXrFpmpI/AAAAAAAAEtk/0q5x1HgwvSo/s400/jackinthepulpit.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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(Jack-in-the-pulpit)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59YgeuuYdE4/Um8cnQY909I/AAAAAAAAEts/a8GWdrkPQmQ/s1600/woodland+ferns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59YgeuuYdE4/Um8cnQY909I/AAAAAAAAEts/a8GWdrkPQmQ/s400/woodland+ferns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Fern)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xX2q5d31n20/Um8dQHvVGcI/AAAAAAAAEt0/eSEla1mHRyc/s1600/mayapple-white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xX2q5d31n20/Um8dQHvVGcI/AAAAAAAAEt0/eSEla1mHRyc/s400/mayapple-white.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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(May Apple)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1avbcS9eNk/Um8fVwyEodI/AAAAAAAAEuU/aTNgw0bLtUM/s1600/green+dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1avbcS9eNk/Um8fVwyEodI/AAAAAAAAEuU/aTNgw0bLtUM/s400/green+dragon.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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(Green Dragon)</div>
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Many types of fungus can also be found here. Many morel seekers tromp through these woods during April and May looking for this elusive mushroom. Many more unique and fascinating fungi also call Bluff Woods home. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTaCP2Q7yBU/Um8eb9gtb_I/AAAAAAAAEt8/5-SG-_bs7nU/s1600/morel+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTaCP2Q7yBU/Um8eb9gtb_I/AAAAAAAAEt8/5-SG-_bs7nU/s400/morel+2011.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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(Morel Mushroom)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-mpiOJnUeo/Um8es1cmatI/AAAAAAAAEuI/fXcNnELoOto/s1600/cup+mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-mpiOJnUeo/Um8es1cmatI/AAAAAAAAEuI/fXcNnELoOto/s320/cup+mushrooms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Devils Urn Mushroom)</div>
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If you live in Northwest Missouri and have never visited this area it is well worth checking out and spending some time there. Anyone passing through St. Joseph and in need of a leg stretch and a scenic view head to this easily accessible conservation area and plan to wile away the hours exploring, bird watching and just enjoying the great outdoors.</div>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-73465973184968868042013-07-07T20:57:00.000-05:002013-07-07T20:57:19.295-05:00Devils urnThe Devil's Urn (<i>Urnula craterium</i>) is a very common spring season mushroom that can be found in deciduous hardwood forests throughout Eastern North America. Look for them in March thru May after seasonal rainfalls. These mushrooms share a symbiotic relationship with hardwood trees, especially oaks. All mushrooms have a network of fungal cells called mycelium, these mycelium attach to the roots of trees and feed off the sugars in the roots. This breaks down the dying roots and wood of the trees speeding up the decaying process.<br />
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Devils' urn mushrooms were first described in 1822 by American botanist Lewis David de Schweinitz as<i> Peziza craterium</i>, based on a specimen found in North Carolina. In 1849, naturalist, Elias Magnus Fries described this mushroom and placed it in the genus <i>Urnula</i>. After this placement there was much debate over where this mushroom belonged and it was placed in the genus <i>Geopyxis</i>. It wasn't until many years later and after microscopic inspection that this mushroom was once again categorized in the genus Urnula. <br />
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The Devil's urn mushroom resembles the very delicious black trumpet mushroom, but is not considered an edible mushroom. Although not particularly poisonous they are not considered nutritious or worth bothering with .<b><i> </i></b>While not edible they do appear in the woodlands at virtually the same time as morel mushrooms. For some people the appearance of robins herald in the spring, but for those who love mushrooms it is this very mushroom that is the harbinger of spring. Consider this quote found in Petersen's: A Field Guide to Mushrooms: "<i>The black cups emerging through the fallen leaves from March to May are true harbingers of spring.</i>"<br />
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The genus name of Urnula translates to little urn, and the species name craterium translates to small crater. When they first emerge through the ground they resembled little grape clusters after a few days they will look like little fingers before finally reaching the last stage of little open urns.The appearance of these mushrooms is a sign of healthy soil. <br />
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<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-86690123439887417152013-02-14T17:15:00.002-06:002013-02-14T17:15:56.879-06:00Scarlet Elf Cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_818A7ufGDo/UR1laFh69MI/AAAAAAAAEkk/Ygf7Gzxhtms/s1600/cup+mushroom43res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_818A7ufGDo/UR1laFh69MI/AAAAAAAAEkk/Ygf7Gzxhtms/s400/cup+mushroom43res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This tiny reddish colored cup-like fungus is called a Scarlet Cup or sometimes referred to as Scarlet Elf Cup. I personally like the reference to elves. It brings to mind tiny wood faeries sipping tea among the foliage of the forest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These little mushrooms are quite common and have been found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North and South America, Africa, Australia, Asia and Europe. They were first described in 1772 by an Italian naturalist, Giovanni Antonio Scopoli,<span style="color: black;"> and </span>was originally named <i>Helvella coccinea.</i> It has been called many different names throughout history, but phylogenetic testing attributes them to <i>Sarcoscypha. </i>Mushrooms in this category are distinguished from other mushrooms by the presence of oil droplets in their spores. There are several species within this genus and a microscope is needed to determine which species you are looking at. Most field guides and internet sources will list this as Sarcoscypha coccinea, but that is incorrect unless you live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. In the Midwest and eastern United States you are finding <span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sarcoscypha dudleyi</i> and <i>Sarcoscypha austriaca</i><i>.</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These mushrooms are found in woodland settings often hidden in leaf litter clinging to moist sticks and branches. They may also appear to be growing out of the moist ground, but in actuality they are growing from buried sticks or logs that you cannot see. The most common time of year to see these little beauties is in late winter or early spring. They prefer cooler, damp weather for fruiting. Because of their diminutive size they are easily over-looked. Measuring a few millimeters up to a few centimeters in diameter they range in size from a small pea to a large marble.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Are they edible? It is unknown if they are edible or not, but because of their small size, tough texture and small distribution sizes they would not be a favorite for the dinner table. Even though they might not taste all that well, they were used for medicinal purposes by the Iroquois Indians. They would dry the tiny cups, and grind them up into a powder. This powder would be applied as an agent to stop bleeding , particularly in the case of newborn babies who's naval would not heal properly after the umbilical cord had been been severed. They would also use the powder to apply to wounds under bandages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6p8vpVFIl4/UR1sDzmc4FI/AAAAAAAAElI/nlIxusqarP8/s1600/cup+mushroom9res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6p8vpVFIl4/UR1sDzmc4FI/AAAAAAAAElI/nlIxusqarP8/s1600/cup+mushroom9res.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When you head out to the woods this spring looking for the ever elusive and tasty morel mushrooms, slow down and search a little deeper and you might find the tiny, but beautiful elf cups. </span>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-21956643618837429052012-09-21T20:37:00.000-05:002012-09-21T20:37:30.250-05:00Landscaping with Native Plants<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wczpoWJ0Nok/UF0SPH16GrI/AAAAAAAAAAk/HzsYaPqmXsg/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wczpoWJ0Nok/UF0SPH16GrI/AAAAAAAAAAk/HzsYaPqmXsg/s320/IMG_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">When
selecting plants for landscaping and </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">agriculture, there are many advantages to
planting native over non-native foliage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Native
plants are resistant to diseases found in their natural ranges. For example,
the non-native pine trees in Missouri are susceptible to attacks from several
insects such as the bark beetle. This beetle removes the tree bark in order to
build galleries to lay eggs. The damage to the bark causes a lack of sap flow
which immediately kills the tree. The insect population then moves to nearby
live trees and infects them. In contrast, the native Redbud and Burr Oak trees have
no predators. These adaptations to the environment result in the need for no
pesticides or herbicides to be used to sustain a healthy population.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Native
plants are not weakened by temperature fluctuation and are, therefore, able to
survive in winter and drought conditions. Native plants to Missouri are able to
withstand variation in water temperature due to the natural changes in seasons.
Plants that are native to locations where there is a large amount of rain will
quickly dry up and die during years with less rain.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rU0cpN2TKHQ/UF0SYkB1zBI/AAAAAAAAAAs/RYU1w7Cidr8/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rU0cpN2TKHQ/UF0SYkB1zBI/AAAAAAAAAAs/RYU1w7Cidr8/s320/IMG_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Using
these plants in landscaping will also help support the life of native animals.
Hummingbirds are attracted to the native Trumpet Creeper. The American Basswood
supplies nectar for bees while American Holly provides food and a place for
birds to nest. The color of plants, such as the blue-black fruit of Arrowwood,
attracts birds and other wildlife. Growing what is native to Missouri will
continue to preserve the ecosystem dependent on these plants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">For
additional information on buying native plants visit Grow Native! by the
Missouri Prairie Foundation at <a href="http://www.grownative.org/">www.grownative.org</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11283417441597150837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-21244616417564548742012-08-18T21:19:00.002-05:002012-08-18T21:24:16.302-05:00Molly Eye-Winker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOrtFb-yERU/UDAQe0xfexI/AAAAAAAAEZs/7G362-9Q3u4/s1600/fungusres.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOrtFb-yERU/UDAQe0xfexI/AAAAAAAAEZs/7G362-9Q3u4/s1600/fungusres.jpg" /></a></div>
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These
brightly colored discs are a type of fungus known as an eye-lash
mushroom belonging to the family Pyronoemataceae. Fungus in this family
are saprophytic which basically means they gain their nutrients from
other sources, such as from rotting logs, stumps, damp soil, wet
leaves or even ashes. With optimum conditions these fungus will thrive
and grow. They are often found in clusters, like pictured above. The
tiny black "lashes" are visible under a magnifying glass, but are difficult to
see with the naked eye. I had never seen this species before and it
wasn't until I took the pictures off the camera and looked at them on
the computer that I noticed the lashes. These are charming, colorful
albeit tiny mushrooms with no culinary value. There are reports that
claim they are inedible, still others claim they are edible, either way
they would lack any real interest in the culinary world as they lack an
flavor, odor or texture.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06n4pOlcgfE/UDBII3dgBWI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/wELg7e0lDpA/s1600/eyelah+cup.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06n4pOlcgfE/UDBII3dgBWI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/wELg7e0lDpA/s400/eyelah+cup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
These
little fungus' are found nearly Worldwide; in North America they are
more commonly found in winter and spring. Look for them in damp areas on
logs and stumps. They are extremely tiny, measuring up to 1/2
inch in diameter. If it weren't for the bright orange-red coloration
they would most likely go unseen.<br />
The underside and edges are
brown and the lashes are black. The cup is smooth and may vary in color
from bright red, to reddish-orange. <br />
<br />
<br />
The ones photographed here were photographed at Honey
Creek Conservation Area in Andrew County, MO. We had a wonderful warm,
damp winter that was conducive to a lot of fungus growth. The morels
arrived early with the first ones found March 17th. By the first of
April here in NW Missouri the morel season was over which is unheard of
around here, typically it is just beginning at that time.<br />
<br />
I
found numerous other species I've never seen before this year and will
be posting them here periodically. This one is perhaps my all time
favorite of the new varieties I found. When spring gave way to summer we
had already been without rain for weeks and headed into what looked to
be a drought. We are midway through August now, and it has been the
hottest, driest summer since the 1930's. Where I live we've had about an
inch of rain in 10 weeks. Most any living plant has died, trees began
losing their leaves a couple of weeks ago. I believe we will see and
early fall. With all this dry, hot weather there have been no
interesting fungus to photograph this summer. I am hoping that once fall
does arrive we will get some rain with it. Perhaps with the return of rain, the fungus will follow. I know the rest of us will sure appreciate some much needed rain.Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-60150163877044825402012-07-24T21:04:00.001-05:002012-07-24T21:04:14.566-05:00Hoary Mountain Mint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRq7cYfTX6I/UA9Pgt-tFtI/AAAAAAAAET0/69F_IRPub9w/s1600/mystery+plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRq7cYfTX6I/UA9Pgt-tFtI/AAAAAAAAET0/69F_IRPub9w/s400/mystery+plant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Hoary Mountain Mint (<span class="comment-subtitle scientific_name"><i>Pycnanthemum incanum</i>) is a native herbaceous plant Native to Eastern North America as far west as Tennessee and Illinois. The genus name </span>Pycnanthemum means "dense flower-clusters" in Greek. <span class="comment-subtitle scientific_name">This perennial is in the mint family and grows up to 6 feet in height. The tiny pale lavender blooms appear from July to September and are favored by butterflies, bees and other nectar loving insects. The stems are covered in a white downy substances and the leaves appear frosted. In Vermont and New Hampshire this plant is listed as endangered and efforts are in place to monitor that last remaining locations within these two states. It is also listed as endangered in Ontario where there is only two remaining locations known for this species in oak savannas in Burlington. In other areas where this plant occurs it can often become invasive and spreads by rhizomes. It is predominantly found in woods, thickets, open fields and along hills. It is presumed that it earned its common name of Mountain Mint from its preferred habitat of hill ground. </span><br />
<span class="comment-subtitle scientific_name"><br /></span><br />
<span class="comment-subtitle scientific_name">As with other plants in the mint family it is often used in teas. When crushed this plant gives off a strong aroma. Mountain Mint contains tannin which is often used as an astringent. </span><br />
<br />
The Choctaw put the mashed leaves in warm water, which the patient drank, and which
was poured over the head to relieve headaches. For patients who were
sickly all the time, the leaves were mashed in water, the doctor took a
mouthful of water, and blew it onto the patient, three times on the
head, three times on the back, and three times on the chest. Before the
next sunrise, the patient was bathed in the medicine.*<br />
<br />
The Koasati
mashed the leaves in water, and used the water to treat laziness. The
patient bathed his face in the cold water and drank it. For nosebleeds,
the plant was wetted, and put up into the nostrils to stop the bleed.
The roots were boiled along with Black Willow, and drunk to relieve headache.*<br />
<br />
Resources:<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pycnanthemum_incanumShelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-68548298137264339682012-05-29T21:31:00.001-05:002012-05-29T21:33:38.295-05:00Red-Bellied Woodpecker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61A051Q8pr0/T8Vm8zGFemI/AAAAAAAAENA/9DMCSN2Kn9Y/s1600/yellow+bellied+woodpeckerres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61A051Q8pr0/T8Vm8zGFemI/AAAAAAAAENA/9DMCSN2Kn9Y/s400/yellow+bellied+woodpeckerres.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
This beautiful bird is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (<i>Melanerpes carolinus</i>). They are medium sized woodpeckers that can be found throughout most of the eastern United States and Southern Canada. They breed in the northeastern United States and parts of southern Canada, although they are found as far south as Florida.<br />
<br />
The name red-bellied is a bit of a misnomer, as they do not have a red belly at all, in fact their belly is more of a buff color with a slight tinge of pink that is well hidden and difficult to see. Their head and body is light gray and their back and wing feathers are black and white in a Ladder-like pattern. Like all woodpeckers they have two toes on the front and two toes on the back of each foot which allows them to grip the trees they climb around on. Males have red on their head that extends from the nape of the neck to the bill. The female has less red. The one pictured here is a female. Their bodies measure 9 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan up to 18 inches.<br />
<br />
Woodpeckers mainly eat insects that they find in the cracks of tree trunks or by drilling their beak into the bark of trees and removing bugs hiding there. They will also eat suet, sunflower seeds, nuts and some berries if provided. They will sometimes wedge larger nuts into the bark of trees and break it down into smaller more manageable pieces with their beak. They will also store nuts and berries in old fence posts to eat at a later date. This is a trait they share with other species of woodpeckers. A Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly 2 inches past
the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky,
making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices. It could be described as similar to velcro....the tongue flicks out and sticks to whatever it is trying to capture. Males have longer,
wider-tipped tongues than females, possibly allowing a breeding pair to
forage in slightly different places on their territory and maximize
their use of available food.<br />
<br />
Red-bellieds are loud, raucous birds that make numerous vocalizations. I often describe the song as that of a monkey yelling in the trees. So if you are out hiking and hear something that sounds like a monkey and you don't live in the tropics, chances are it is a woodpecker.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago my daughter came home to find a red-bellied woodpecker on the front porch near the door. It had flown into the window glass on the door and was stunned. I had her place it in a cardboard shoebox and put it in her bedroom in the dark. We left for about an hour and ran some errands. When we came back to check on the bird, I had her take the box outside before opening it. As soon as she took the lid off the woodpecker flew out and to the tree halfway across the yard. She seemed all recovered from her experience.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojHv-EBxbXI/T8V9c2Vfr0I/AAAAAAAAENM/Nbpe8GfyHQI/s1600/shaylyn+woodpecker+41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojHv-EBxbXI/T8V9c2Vfr0I/AAAAAAAAENM/Nbpe8GfyHQI/s400/shaylyn+woodpecker+41.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaylyn holding the bird right after it crashed into the window.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG1lIqLL_jI/T8V-B9_qiNI/AAAAAAAAENU/YLJpl1MQIxs/s1600/shaylyn+woodpecker321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG1lIqLL_jI/T8V-B9_qiNI/AAAAAAAAENU/YLJpl1MQIxs/s400/shaylyn+woodpecker321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beautiful back pattern </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GH6A-j64eY/T8V-k0bRg0I/AAAAAAAAENc/eUlKCSW5NqE/s1600/shaylyn+woodpecker32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GH6A-j64eY/T8V-k0bRg0I/AAAAAAAAENc/eUlKCSW5NqE/s400/shaylyn+woodpecker32.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5h4B_e3XQew/T8V-70nQnOI/AAAAAAAAENk/sSK6D7Sbq1E/s1600/woodpecker+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5h4B_e3XQew/T8V-70nQnOI/AAAAAAAAENk/sSK6D7Sbq1E/s400/woodpecker+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This woodpecker lived up to its nature by trying to peck its way out of the box it was in.<br />
<br />
<br />
This species prefers deciduous woodlands to nest in and will use old maple, elm and other softer wood to excavate nesting holes in. They will drill smaller holes around the nesting site to discourage other woodpeckers from moving into their territory. This species is secure in their numbers, but rely heavily on deciduous forests, so those areas that are deforested will have very few to no nesting woodpeckers. They will occasionally use backyard trees to nest in, but not with any regular occurrence. Starlings are competition for these woodpeckers and more than half of all nests will be invaded by starlings. Males will seek out the nesting sites and will tap its beak to attract a female. Any females in the area that hear his tapping will come to check it out. If the female is receptive to his technique she will in turn tap softly in response. She will then help him put the finishing touches on the nest. <br />
<br />
Occasionally you may spot a Red-bellied Woodpecker flying quickly and
erratically through the forest, then it will suddenly change direction, landing
for a moment and rapidly take off again keeping up a quick
chatter of calls. Scientists document this odd behavior as a type of
play that probably helps young birds practice the evasive movements they
may one day need.resources in one area.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-CGpkmXtck/T8WF5SW0DvI/AAAAAAAAENw/nuHKP_J9knY/s1600/yellow+belied+woodpecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-CGpkmXtck/T8WF5SW0DvI/AAAAAAAAENw/nuHKP_J9knY/s320/yellow+belied+woodpecker.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHReksYR3UA/T8WGHyXH7pI/AAAAAAAAEN4/KD30aTKJowI/s1600/yellow+bellied+woodpecker0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHReksYR3UA/T8WGHyXH7pI/AAAAAAAAEN4/KD30aTKJowI/s320/yellow+bellied+woodpecker0.jpg" width="213" /></a>These birds are often preyed upon by Cooper's Hawks, sharp-shinned hawks and snakes. House cats are also a huge problem for these birds as well as other backyard birds. Other woodpeckers such as pileated woodpeckers, and red-headed woodpeckers as well as owls, and snakes will kill the nestlings. </div>
<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-5319129335122797692012-04-15T17:32:00.000-05:002012-04-15T17:32:58.353-05:00Witches Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-911p_oa-s_I/T4tHPs2Ni8I/AAAAAAAAEHo/FPbINkt13lk/s1600/witches+butter+jely+fungusres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-911p_oa-s_I/T4tHPs2Ni8I/AAAAAAAAEHo/FPbINkt13lk/s640/witches+butter+jely+fungusres.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
While hiking last week with a school group we came across this bright yellow fungus growing on a rotting log. I had no idea what it was and was determined before the day was over I would no its identity.<br />
I searched through several mushroom books and located it in a book written by Maxine Stone on Missouri's mushrooms. It is called Witches Butter (<i>Tremella mesenterica</i>) and is a type of jelly fungus. It is a common fungus associated with mixed deciduous hardwood forests. It is most frequently found in the cracks and crevices of newly fallen limbs., Right after a rainfall is a good time to spot this beautiful, small jelly-like mushroom. Within a few days of emerging it will dry and form a film on the log where it was found. If it rains again the fungus will revive and bloom again. It has a very slimy texture and lives up to its name of Jelly fungus. I love the common name of Witches butter, as I find it a fanciful and mythical name. You can almost picture a couple little witched sitting in the woodlands spreading "witches butter" on their toast over their morning tea time. This fungus does go by other equally fantastic names such as yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, and yellow trembler (because it trembles at the merest touch).<br />
<br />
This fungus is found year around and may be seen during winter thaws or during mild winters like we experienced this past season. It may range in color from bright yellow to pale yellow. It is reported to be edible, but has no real discernible taste. It is used to add texture to soups and stews.<br />
<br />
The snail in the following picture seemed fond of it however. Any self respecting snail or slug will not turn down a tasty mushroom dinner. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrJp5OHtTwo/T4tLkT2om6I/AAAAAAAAEHw/snk5XhVDm6o/s1600/tiny+snail+fungusres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IrJp5OHtTwo/T4tLkT2om6I/AAAAAAAAEHw/snk5XhVDm6o/s640/tiny+snail+fungusres.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-84606449132406955432012-03-02T23:36:00.002-06:002012-03-02T23:40:15.848-06:00Striped skunk sprint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR3kBZPfoFI/T1GphpAPM_I/AAAAAAAAEC8/UcPIirUkIug/s1600/skunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR3kBZPfoFI/T1GphpAPM_I/AAAAAAAAEC8/UcPIirUkIug/s400/skunk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>At the encouragement of a friend of mine I am retelling the story of the little skunk pictured here. A few years ago I was visiting a farm with my husband that his parents own. We were driving across the pond dam when I noticed a skunk in the field. I hurriedly told my husband, Joey, to stop the truck so I could run down into the field and take a picture. I made it into the field and the skunk did not see me. I figured this situation was off to a good start. I crept closer and kept snapping pictures. Again the skunk paid no attention to me. So I took this as a good sign and tip-toed closer. I knew I was skating on thin ice (figuratively speaking) and that this situation could get ugly, or at the very least stinky any second. By now I was about 20 feet away, and this apparently was a tad bit beyond the skunks comfort zone. She lunged forward onto her front feet and began dancing and stomping. I thought that was the cutest thing I'd ever seen, so naturally I had to get closer. Then I hear the voice of reason coming from the top of the pond dam...."If you get sprayed you are walking home!"<br />
<br />
I persisted and went a little closer to the skunk, this was probably not the smartest thing I could have done....okay...it was DEFINITELY not the smartest thing I could have done. It reared back on its hind legs and stomped onto its front legs...not once.....but twice. I was clearly being warned. Did I listen? Nope. I walked a bit closer, and by now I was about 15 feet away and well within the distance needed to get sprayed. It was at this point that this skunk did something unimaginable......it ran at me! It startled me so much I turned tail and ran looking over my shoulder the entire time. This skunk was hot on my tail and was literally chasing me back where I came from....all the way to the pickup. I once again hear the voice of reason at the top of the pond dam......"RUN...faster...RUN!" As if he needed to tell me that!!!! You NEVER saw an old woman run so fast!<br />
<br />
I made it to the truck unscathed and not wearing Ode' to Skunk. I jumped in the truck and looked out the window. I saw the skunk walk along the pond dam. I was curious once again and I got out of the truck and followed her, this time from a safe distance that did not invade her space. She began digging in earnest and disappeared underground. We came to the conclusion she had babies and this was her den. All the fancy foot work and the sprint race up the hill was all in an effort to keep her babies safe and to warn me away.<br />
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She had ample opportunity to spray me, and chose not to. If you are ever outside and come across a skunk, if they start dancing around, you better start running in the other direction. You are either about to be sprayed or chased, and trust me you WILL run with one of these little stink bombs coming after you.Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-77621119700681368222011-10-28T13:01:00.001-05:002011-10-28T13:07:51.474-05:00Cattle Egret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwXeGxfIXM/TqrnX_NfaQI/AAAAAAAADzE/XCNlepiUHD0/s1600/cattle+egret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwXeGxfIXM/TqrnX_NfaQI/AAAAAAAADzE/XCNlepiUHD0/s1600/cattle+egret.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On recent trip to Squaw Creek NWR in Mound City Missouri I spotted these three cattle egrets cleaning their feathers and sunning themselves on a stump in the marsh. They were approximately 10 feet off the shoreline and very tolerant of human activity. I was able to photograph them from the car without disturbing them at all. <br />
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Cattle Egrets (<em>Bubulcus ibis</em>) are closely related to herons such as the Great blue Heron, Purple Heron and the Green Heron. Cattle egrets will be found in tropic, sub-tropic and temperate zones and are often associated with cattle, hence the name. They feed on the insects disturbed by the large hooved animals.This species also removes ticks and flies from cattle, but it can be a safety hazard at airfields, and has been implicated in the spread of tick-borne animal diseases. It is not uncommon to see huge flocks of over a hundred of these egrets in a pasture with cows. I saw such a flock several years ago when we visited Oklahoma.<br />
They do nest in large colonies near bodies of water much like other herons and egrets do. Their nest is a platform of sticks. These birds as adults have few natural enemies, but the eggs and chicks are often preyed upon by raccoons, snakes, and other predators. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LadCcakq81Y/TqrrUJkmC6I/AAAAAAAADzM/T0QsYZF-iAM/s1600/cattle+egret1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LadCcakq81Y/TqrrUJkmC6I/AAAAAAAADzM/T0QsYZF-iAM/s400/cattle+egret1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Cattle Egret is a stocky heron with 35–38 inch wingspan;and weighs 9.5–18.1 ounces. It has a relatively short thick neck, sturdy bill, and a hunched posture. The non-breeding adult has mainly white plumage, a yellow bill and greyish-yellow legs. During the breeding season, adults of the western subspecies develop orange-buff plumes on the back, breast and crown, and the bill, legs and irises become bright red for a brief period prior to pairing. The sexes are similar, but the male is marginally larger and has slightly longer breeding plumes than the female; juvenile birds lack coloured plumes and have a black bill. The positioning of the egret's eyes allows for binocular vision during feeding, and physiological studies suggest that the species may be capable of nocturnal activity. This species gives a quiet, throaty "rick-rack" call at the breeding colony, but is otherwise largely silent. <br />
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The species first arrived in North America in 1941 (these early sightings were originally dismissed as escapees), bred in Florida in 1953, and spread rapidly, breeding for the first time in Canada in 1962. They were orginally from Southern Spain and Portugal. The massive and rapid expansion of the Cattle Egret's range is due to its relationship with humans and their domesticated animals. Originally adapted to a <span style="color: #0645ad;"><span style="color: black;">commensal</span> </span>relationship with large browsing animals, it was easily able to switch to domesticated cattle and horses. As livestock kept spreading throughout the world it was able to occupy otherwise empty niches. Many populations of Cattle Egrets are highly migratory and dispersive, and this has helped the species' range expansion. Its global population estimated to be 3.8–6.7 million individuals. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVyWykT3gVg/TqrtwlntulI/AAAAAAAADzU/_zJVO9wdwjY/s1600/cattle+egret2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVyWykT3gVg/TqrtwlntulI/AAAAAAAADzU/_zJVO9wdwjY/s1600/cattle+egret2.jpg" /></a></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-41682823569053123362011-08-13T20:54:00.001-05:002011-08-13T20:55:42.653-05:00Elrod Mill Conservation Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw_3C4i4Hrs/Tkch7YBczqI/AAAAAAAADrA/yuhdMI4cK9U/s1600/elrod+mill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw_3C4i4Hrs/Tkch7YBczqI/AAAAAAAADrA/yuhdMI4cK9U/s1600/elrod+mill.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Elrod Mill Conservation Area in Andrew County is located on the Platte River. It was purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1980 to give access to the Platte River. In the 1800's this site was the location of a grinding mill that ground flour for local residents. The mill was powered by the flow of the river. William Elrod ran the mill and in 1885 when the first post office was built in this area not only was the post office named after Elrod he also became the postmaster. <br />
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This is one of the smaller conservation locations owned by MDC with only 59 acres, and without a doubt one of the most beautiful. The area is mostly timber with some crop ground. There is a huge sand bar that acts like a beach. Fishing is good here with catfish being the predominant fish. There is hunting allowed in the area with the proper hunting licenses and portable tree stands. This is a beautiful place to spend a day just hanging out. The Platte River is one of the most gorgeous rivers in NW Missouri.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDzW6MfOC08/Tkcp5astzvI/AAAAAAAADrU/hnLMYZuKbdI/s1600/elrod+mill4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDzW6MfOC08/Tkcp5astzvI/AAAAAAAADrU/hnLMYZuKbdI/s400/elrod+mill4.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4uG1Eh0Vs4/TkcqFyPC_GI/AAAAAAAADrY/VMCYwGke7yU/s1600/water+dropletres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4uG1Eh0Vs4/TkcqFyPC_GI/AAAAAAAADrY/VMCYwGke7yU/s1600/water+dropletres.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-9443365014353027612011-08-02T20:08:00.001-05:002011-08-02T20:20:16.251-05:00Mute Swan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VI_t3ZuLVvs/TjiV2jwqXdI/AAAAAAAADo4/tSvr5w_tgks/s1600/SWAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VI_t3ZuLVvs/TjiV2jwqXdI/AAAAAAAADo4/tSvr5w_tgks/s1600/SWAN.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Swans are the epitome of grace, love and romance which is a contradiction of their actual temperament. These birds tend to be aggressive, defensive and often are the bullies of the waterfowl world. Mute Swans (<i>Cygnus olor) </i>as pictured here are common throughout much of Eastern North America. These birds are the descendants of captive populations of swans brought over from Europe and Asia. Mute swans were often used as display birds in city parks, cemeteries, water gardens, botanical gardens and zoos. These birds mated and did well in captivity and as is often the case some birds escaped their captive environs and found the native landscapes to their liking and have created naturalized populations throughout most of the eastern United States and parts of Canada.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3-rN868fPE/TjiY-GXYF3I/AAAAAAAADo8/7wxno_DOa48/s1600/SWAN3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3-rN868fPE/TjiY-GXYF3I/AAAAAAAADo8/7wxno_DOa48/s400/SWAN3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These are large birds measuring up to 67 inches in length and have a wingspan up to 94 inches. They may stand nearly 4 feet tall when on land. They are also heavy birds that may weigh up to 26 pounds with females being a little smaller at around 20 pounds. This species is easily differentiated from the similar Trumpeter and Tundra Swans by their curved neck and orange bill with a distinctive black knob. <br />
Mute swans mate for life and both sexes share in the maintenance of the nest and the care of the young cygnets. Juvenile swans are born dark gray or black in color and do not obtain their beautiful white plumage until they are adults. The popular nursery rhyme "The Ugly Duckling" was written about an abandoned swan cygnet that looked far different from the other ducklings it was living with. In the end after all the ducklings made fun of this unfortunate little orphan he had the last laugh when he turned into a magnificent white swan. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Z_lquE3Yc/TjibzzGSlqI/AAAAAAAADpA/ChRLeboEoBI/s1600/SWAN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8Z_lquE3Yc/TjibzzGSlqI/AAAAAAAADpA/ChRLeboEoBI/s400/SWAN1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These birds feed on a wide range of vegetation including submerged aquatic plants, and field crops like wheat. During the winter months significant damage may be done to crops through trampling and feeding by these swans.<br />
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Mute swans get their name from their nearly silent demeanor. The only sound they are reported to make is some grunting, hoarse whistling and snorting. These sounds are generally used to communicate to the cygnets. They also give off a unique vibrant throbbing of the wings when in flight. Other species of swans are much more vocal and even have obnoxiously loud voices.<br />
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These birds can be quite intimidating in their behavior as they are often very aggressive in protecting their nest and young. Male Mute Swans referred to as Cobs are responsible for protecting the young cygnets when on the water. They take this job very seriously and have even attacked canoes, boats, swimmers and anything else they perceive as a threat to their offspring. On land they will stand their ground against Foxes, Canada Geese and a number of other predators including humans which on occasion have been attacked by these birds. I for one would not want to go up against one of these birds when it is protecting its cygnets. I've been chased and pinched by geese and it is an unpleasant experience to say the least, I imagine a swan would be much worse. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WLVNlBYOWM/TjideI4XPUI/AAAAAAAADpE/7SmR94gWOTU/s1600/swan4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WLVNlBYOWM/TjideI4XPUI/AAAAAAAADpE/7SmR94gWOTU/s400/swan4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-16207885085225033492011-07-16T20:21:00.001-05:002011-07-16T20:24:04.665-05:00Bullfrog Metamorphosis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh7EYED1rZ8/TiI1uk2mn9I/AAAAAAAADls/gPi-_6T4krU/s1600/teaselres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While exploring the pond where I work I discovered numerous tadpoles in the process of completing their metamorphosis into froglets. These are juvenile bullfrogs and will soon be on their way to adulthood. The first picture shows the froglet with its long tadpole tail still very much visible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LelhHa6dJOg/TiI3HwA2gII/AAAAAAAADl0/F_A2yVzOjaM/s1600/frog+metamorphosisres3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LelhHa6dJOg/TiI3HwA2gII/AAAAAAAADl0/F_A2yVzOjaM/s1600/frog+metamorphosisres3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This second image shows an additional froglet with just a nubbin for a tail. He is much further along on the transformation scale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LAh4Fq6dWg/TiI3cNJHyeI/AAAAAAAADl4/FQPnlDtedf8/s1600/frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LAh4Fq6dWg/TiI3cNJHyeI/AAAAAAAADl4/FQPnlDtedf8/s1600/frog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, this young froglet has completed his transformation and has lost his tail entirely. There were dozens of these young bullfrogs all over the lily pads. Apparently they were all emerging at once from the water for the final time. Bullfrogs need two years to complete their lifecycle, which makes these youngsters two years old. It will take an additional year or more for them to reach the large size of the adult.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hip-bX_n6Wk/TiI4RXdfF5I/AAAAAAAADl8/jzZkQGR39go/s1600/joel+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hip-bX_n6Wk/TiI4RXdfF5I/AAAAAAAADl8/jzZkQGR39go/s640/joel+043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This image is a full grown adult which measures about 5 inches in length from mouth to tail bone. From the look of our pond at the office we are going to have a healthy population of these beautiful frogs....providing of course that the raccoons, turtles, skunks, and birds don't feast on them first. If you would like to learn more about Missouri Bullfrogs you might enjoy a post from last spring <a href="http://naturalmissouri.blogspot.com/2010/05/bullfrog.html">Bullfrogs</a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRfs0BIHXe8/TiI2YPtL88I/AAAAAAAADlw/5FaO9yLHNOo/s1600/frog+metamorphosisres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-87976241640483930052011-07-07T18:19:00.000-05:002011-07-07T18:19:22.460-05:00Rochester Falls Conservation Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iiu9aN9yCiM/ThYwBA1cdqI/AAAAAAAADjw/s5l3otPJaHg/s1600/rochester+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iiu9aN9yCiM/ThYwBA1cdqI/AAAAAAAADjw/s5l3otPJaHg/s400/rochester+falls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Approximately 3 miles from my house is the conservation area known as Rochester Falls. These falls are part of the Platte River and are a popular place for campers, fisherman and nature lovers alike. This is a beautiful place to visit as the river flows over the limestone outcroppings creating these small but lovely falls. Typically when we think of "water falls" we think of giant plummeting streams of water that "fall" for great distances. These falls aren't as awe inspiring, but that certainly doesn't take away from their beauty.<br />
Rochester Falls is owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is frequently patrolled by our county agent. This place is a hotspot for young people to drink, party and swim. It can be a struggle to protect people from themselves at times. In the past month two young people drowned within a week of each other at the falls. It is common for people to disregard the "no swimming" signs and venture into the river anyway. These are unfortunate tragedies that could have been prevented. When visiting areas such as this, it is always best to heed the warnings posted, they are there for a reason. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lunOweT7860/ThY1E37TqPI/AAAAAAAADj0/WLd5Smz0M-g/s1600/rochester5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lunOweT7860/ThY1E37TqPI/AAAAAAAADj0/WLd5Smz0M-g/s1600/rochester5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This area is mostly old-pasture, timber and grassland. Fishing often yields catfish, especially flatheads, and carp. My son and his friends set bank lines along this portion of the river and recently caught two huge flatheads, one weighed 35 pounds the other weighed 40 pounds. (pictured below)<br />
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Canoeing and kayaking are also favorite activities on the Platte River, and this is a good access point for putting in or taking out your watercraft. Motorized boats cannot be put in at this location. The Platte River would most likely be too shallow anyway. There are eleven campsites and two tents per site are allowed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufpUUZ8LIRI/ThY6CXvsEQI/AAAAAAAADj8/NXibKVpT0E0/s1600/damselfly32res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufpUUZ8LIRI/ThY6CXvsEQI/AAAAAAAADj8/NXibKVpT0E0/s1600/damselfly32res.jpg" /></a></div>Wildlife abounds, including dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, snakes, deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rabbits, bobcat, fox, and flying squirrels. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3LKkihDh30/ThY7Pi7rmcI/AAAAAAAADkA/lLGf4PwUoY0/s1600/rochester+falls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3LKkihDh30/ThY7Pi7rmcI/AAAAAAAADkA/lLGf4PwUoY0/s1600/rochester+falls3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXGKfLINATI/ThY7elehJqI/AAAAAAAADkE/2L6VrlJYB6Y/s1600/rochestrer+falls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXGKfLINATI/ThY7elehJqI/AAAAAAAADkE/2L6VrlJYB6Y/s1600/rochestrer+falls1.jpg" /></a></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-53503959062278979302011-06-24T23:00:00.001-05:002011-06-24T23:00:13.462-05:00Fox KitsLast year we had a family of foxes living on our farm. I managed to take a few photos of the kits and was privileged to watch them off and on throughout the year. This year they came back and this time she has seven babies, which is three more than she had last year. I've been watching them for several weeks now. They roam all over our farm and one in particular is very accepting of my presence. It has a decidedly crooked tail. He/she lets me photograph it and get quite close to it. The others in the little are more skittish and less accepting. Here are a series of photos from the first time we spotted them, until today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ootV_3RN67c/TgVbSTItVdI/AAAAAAAADh8/9lqUmRJvCGw/s1600/red+fox+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ootV_3RN67c/TgVbSTItVdI/AAAAAAAADh8/9lqUmRJvCGw/s1600/red+fox+kit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFN2iya560s/TgVbtJ9ZX_I/AAAAAAAADiA/Ns_hHyWIX-c/s1600/red+fox+runningres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFN2iya560s/TgVbtJ9ZX_I/AAAAAAAADiA/Ns_hHyWIX-c/s1600/red+fox+runningres.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Msy7GmYKqg/TgVc3N0qo0I/AAAAAAAADiM/fkh10_Xe_Ig/s1600/foxy1res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Msy7GmYKqg/TgVc3N0qo0I/AAAAAAAADiM/fkh10_Xe_Ig/s1600/foxy1res.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABAaBmN-U5U/TgVdDOq-gOI/AAAAAAAADiQ/itgvc60pnnk/s1600/foxy8res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABAaBmN-U5U/TgVdDOq-gOI/AAAAAAAADiQ/itgvc60pnnk/s1600/foxy8res.jpg" /></a></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-3030846432967036872011-06-10T23:38:00.003-05:002011-06-10T23:57:52.480-05:00Dickcissel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YL9wu8QleGc/TfLbVJZvN1I/AAAAAAAADf8/jwp_gvKRfb8/s1600/dickcissel09res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YL9wu8QleGc/TfLbVJZvN1I/AAAAAAAADf8/jwp_gvKRfb8/s1600/dickcissel09res.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This beautiful little bird is a Dickcissel (<i>Spiza americana</i>), they are a common sight throughout the midwest during the late spring and summer months. These birds migrate back into the United States late in May or early June, which is much later than most birds returning to their breeding grounds. Dickcissels nest near the ground and typically build their nests in grassy meadows, prairies, or other tall grass areas. Males are very colorful and somewhat resemble Meadowlarks with their black collar and yellow breast. Females on the other hand are drab by comparison and look more like sparrows. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwJFV6wnHRA/TfLrlAd6RUI/AAAAAAAADgE/ofR_OcnCBEI/s1600/dickcissel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwJFV6wnHRA/TfLrlAd6RUI/AAAAAAAADgE/ofR_OcnCBEI/s1600/dickcissel3.jpg" /></a></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dickcissels are fond of seeds and insects. In their winter range they may be a pest to grain</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> farmers because of their habit of forming large flocks and feeding on the grain seeds. Early in fall these birds begin forming loose flocks that gradually grow in number by mid to late fall. It is not uncommon for a flock heading south to contain millions of birds. It is this tendency to congregate in such large flocks that causes so much trouble for grain farmers in their overwintering sites. Venezuela is especially plagued with these birds, and consequently use poisons and other methods of ridding themselves of these birds. In the midwest breeding grounds, Dickcissel faces several additional threats: cowbird parasitism, the destruction of nests and nestlings by mowing machines, and loss of habitat due to changing agricultural practices and succession.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The wintering population of these birds can become highly concentrated at certain favored roosting sites. A single "successful" poisoning event of a large flock of roosting birds could significantly reduce the world population of Dickcissel. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Formerly common in farming regions of the eastern states, especially on the Atlantic coastal plain, the Dickcissel disappeared from that region by the middle of the last century and is now most numerous in the Midwest. It appears in small numbers on the East Coast during the fall migration and rarely but regularly in winter at feeders, often with House Sparrows.</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Because of the damage these birds cause to local farmers in their wintering ground, the Venezuelan Audubon is working in conjunction with local grain farmers and with the US Fish and Game in a monitoring program of the night flights of the dickcissel. These birds have a distinct call that they sing while in flight. These calls make locating and recording them relatively easy and flock sizes can be monitored. </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="boldtext">What Can You Do?</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Audubon's Important Bird Area program is a vital tool for the conservation of Dickcissel as well as other species. To learn more about the Important Bird Areas program and how you can help, visit: <a href="http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/.%20">. http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/. </a></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>To learn more about the Dickcissel Night Flight Call Monitoring project in south Texas, visit: </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.oldbird.org/index.htm.">http://www.oldbird.org/index.htm.</a></b></span></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QBM2tMUO88/TfLgsE8wwWI/AAAAAAAADgA/HWYoqM9IHPc/s1600/dickcissel54res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_QBM2tMUO88/TfLgsE8wwWI/AAAAAAAADgA/HWYoqM9IHPc/s1600/dickcissel54res.jpg" /></a></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-17325729650817144322011-05-21T11:58:00.001-05:002011-05-21T12:01:22.638-05:00Gray Tree Frog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJxpd6v6y9k/TcoLbyrgoEI/AAAAAAAADc4/3M3xYO7Uutc/s1600/tree+frog+cornstalk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJxpd6v6y9k/TcoLbyrgoEI/AAAAAAAADc4/3M3xYO7Uutc/s400/tree+frog+cornstalk.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This little green frog hiding on the cornstalk is a Gray Tree Frog (<i>Hyla versicolor<b>)</b></i>....I know......I know......it sounds like a misnomer, since he is obviously green and not gray. Truly the name is correct, and so is the color. They are color change artists, and will adapt their color to blend in with their environment. They cannot change color as rapidly as a chameleon but they get the job done nonetheless.<br />
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The ones I find near the house are usually gray, and the ones I see out in the grassy areas are green. Those found near unnatural objects or if found dead they will most likely be gray in color. They have a bright yellow patch on their hind legs. These frogs should not be confused with another native frog called the "green tree frog (<i>Hyla cinerea)</i>". It is also green in color, but this frog is medium-sized, up to 6 cm (2.5 in) long. Their bodies are usually green in shades ranging from bright yellowish olive to lime green. The darkness of the color can change depending on lighting or temperature. There may be small patches of gold or white on the skin, and they may also have a white, pale yellow, or cream-colored line running from the jaw or upper lip to the groin. They have smooth skin and large toe pads. The abdomen is pale yellow to white. Males have wrinkled throats (indicating the vocal sac) and are slightly smaller than females.<br />
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This arboreal species is native to almost all of the Eastern, and Northeastern United States and part of Southeastern Canada. Males begin singing for mates in May and continue calling for several weeks. I began hearing them call about 2 weeks ago. The calling is still somewhat sporadic and hasn't reached its crescendo as of yet. It could be because of the erratic weather we've been having. Daytime temps in the 90's, then in the 50's. Overnight lows from 70 down to around 38. Crazy Missouri weather....trust me if you don't like the weather wait a day, it WILL change.I'm sure all this fluctuation has them confused....Do we wake up? Do we sleep? Do we mate? Do we sing? Do we sleep? Eventually our weather will straighten out and then the super hot humid weather of summer will be here. It is at this time I see the tree frogs everywhere. They are most commonly active in the evening and at night. I find them in birdhouses, under the shutter of my home, in the gutters and clinging to the side of the house.<br />
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In Missouri the gray tree frog is found statewide and are the most commonly encountered tree frog throughout its range. They will be active all spring, summer and fall. When the night temperatures begin falling they will burrow into the soil and become dormant all winter, in a type of hibernation. Gray tree frogs do not have to burying themselves below the frost line as their "blood" is made up of a type of antifreeze called plasma glycerol. This substance prevents damage to tissues. Frogs are extremely sensitive to pollution and as such are considered indicator species. Areas with high pollution will have no frogs or very few frogs. Oxygen is breathed through their skin therefore any pollutants in the water or air will also be breathed in at alarming rates. We've all heard stories of frogs with more than two eyes, or numerous spare body parts. These mutant frogs have been heavily exposed to some kind of pollutant. <br />
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Frogs benefit humans in many ways, one of which is by being the indicator species they are. This gives us humans a "heads-up" as to what is going on in the environment, and hopefully gives us time to rectify any problems that are occurring. They also eat numerous insects, especially pesky mosquitoes and night flying moths. <br />
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I remember my husband always telling me to not handle these frogs because they are poisonous. He would insist it was true as that is what his grandpa told him, and if grandpa said it, it MUST BE TRUE! I would assure him the only way the frog was poisonous is if I suddenly decided to eat it, which of course I had no intention of doing. I also told him the frog is in more danger of being damaged by the oils or secretions on my hand, than I am in being poisoned by handling it. It never ceases to amaze me though, how rumors, myths and old wives tales run rampant in these parts.Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-70939767363136674102011-05-08T16:34:00.000-05:002011-05-08T16:34:23.758-05:00Robin nest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dKaHolvZPk/TccHopwk6gI/AAAAAAAADb8/AKxGXZ1vTuw/s1600/robin+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dKaHolvZPk/TccHopwk6gI/AAAAAAAADb8/AKxGXZ1vTuw/s320/robin+nest.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joey came and found me last week to tell me that a bird had built a nest on his 8 foot step ladder. He did not see the bird so he did not know who created it. I went to investigate and noticed a Robin sitting on the nest. She flew away when she spotted me, so I climbed the later and discovered four beautiful blue eggs. It only took her a week and a half to build the nest and lay her eggs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cATMwO2CZsU/TccJR1eO_2I/AAAAAAAADcA/UdqAccnwBGY/s1600/robin+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cATMwO2CZsU/TccJR1eO_2I/AAAAAAAADcA/UdqAccnwBGY/s400/robin+eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">I went back several days later to check on them and discovered that three of the eggs had hatched. Momma robin was sitting on the nest, while daddy robin was sitting </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">in a tree keeping watch outside the shed. </span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVlotxyV6y0/TccKj_kHhJI/AAAAAAAADcE/4INaygrLeX4/s1600/robin+feeding+babies43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVlotxyV6y0/TccKj_kHhJI/AAAAAAAADcE/4INaygrLeX4/s400/robin+feeding+babies43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvndZrOYFXI/TccKuZxBT9I/AAAAAAAADcI/EnjrqH5jJKs/s1600/robin+feeding+babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvndZrOYFXI/TccKuZxBT9I/AAAAAAAADcI/EnjrqH5jJKs/s400/robin+feeding+babies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3qa2zfw6-k/TccK_7z7tiI/AAAAAAAADcM/qSszYykcB18/s1600/baby+robins---1+day+oldres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3qa2zfw6-k/TccK_7z7tiI/AAAAAAAADcM/qSszYykcB18/s400/baby+robins---1+day+oldres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Fuzzy little babies waiting for mom. One little blue egg remains to hatch.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLb3hTumgvs/TccLzbGg8bI/AAAAAAAADcQ/6LVEa2DnFrI/s1600/baby+robins---1+day+old3res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLb3hTumgvs/TccLzbGg8bI/AAAAAAAADcQ/6LVEa2DnFrI/s400/baby+robins---1+day+old3res.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">OPEN WIDE!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-24965653189227154082011-05-03T14:14:00.000-05:002011-05-03T14:14:41.387-05:00The Forest is coming ALIVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CpQiPUxUUs/TcBNEj5IrNI/AAAAAAAADZ8/DE7otPkZ_Ao/s1600/mayapples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CpQiPUxUUs/TcBNEj5IrNI/AAAAAAAADZ8/DE7otPkZ_Ao/s400/mayapples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTQhXuuRGwI/TcBNPg6uDCI/AAAAAAAADaA/Vfz86N_GWYo/s1600/mayapple-white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTQhXuuRGwI/TcBNPg6uDCI/AAAAAAAADaA/Vfz86N_GWYo/s400/mayapple-white.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ailnEWf7SZA/TcBNi_b0-SI/AAAAAAAADaE/aX0VqsDet_8/s1600/may+apple+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ailnEWf7SZA/TcBNi_b0-SI/AAAAAAAADaE/aX0VqsDet_8/s400/may+apple+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Mayapples are beginning to bloom. At the office where I work there are two varieties, one blooms white and other pink. Until this year I did not know they smelled so heavenly, but they sure do, just like perfume!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYUGQRCofx8/TcBOBEVJryI/AAAAAAAADaI/JOzDvEhhRcg/s1600/jack-in-the-pulpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYUGQRCofx8/TcBOBEVJryI/AAAAAAAADaI/JOzDvEhhRcg/s400/jack-in-the-pulpit.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Jack-in-the-pulpits are nearly ready to open</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAaFRJTCJ1s/TcBOPX8nZvI/AAAAAAAADaM/JB7AM3NqQPo/s1600/spring+beauties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAaFRJTCJ1s/TcBOPX8nZvI/AAAAAAAADaM/JB7AM3NqQPo/s400/spring+beauties.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Spring Beauties have been blooming for several weeks now, they are such delicate little flowers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8K06aB7kmmQ/TcBOiePfOyI/AAAAAAAADaQ/750zpq3Qmi0/s1600/hickory+sapling1res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8K06aB7kmmQ/TcBOiePfOyI/AAAAAAAADaQ/750zpq3Qmi0/s400/hickory+sapling1res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Hickory Trees are opening up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--15X1n1fNA4/TcBOuQpIqtI/AAAAAAAADaU/Q84kD6vAEls/s1600/hickory+sapling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--15X1n1fNA4/TcBOuQpIqtI/AAAAAAAADaU/Q84kD6vAEls/s400/hickory+sapling.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFvhuVOMbWs/TcBO40sON-I/AAAAAAAADaY/SuvQmf2bf-A/s1600/chopped+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFvhuVOMbWs/TcBO40sON-I/AAAAAAAADaY/SuvQmf2bf-A/s400/chopped+wood.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sqRdLQ4TkM/TcBPFPNovKI/AAAAAAAADac/c0jU-9UNGIE/s1600/log.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sqRdLQ4TkM/TcBPFPNovKI/AAAAAAAADac/c0jU-9UNGIE/s400/log.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nroNmdackwY/TcBPSTNYy1I/AAAAAAAADag/IGN8Va2dGtY/s1600/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nroNmdackwY/TcBPSTNYy1I/AAAAAAAADag/IGN8Va2dGtY/s400/spider.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A beautiful "fishing spider" disturbed from his winter hiding spot</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJIGRp1o0gM/TcBPiqYpxjI/AAAAAAAADak/FRSfItQgoLE/s1600/oak+gall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJIGRp1o0gM/TcBPiqYpxjI/AAAAAAAADak/FRSfItQgoLE/s400/oak+gall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Galls formed on an oak leaf, some tiny little wasp laid her eggs on the leaf, and the leaf protects itself by forming a cyst over the egg. When the egg hatches, the larvae feed and grow, causing the cyst to also grow. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsA1JPlV8mM/TcBP-UZTUaI/AAAAAAAADao/5JdwcOx2X54/s1600/unknown+mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsA1JPlV8mM/TcBP-UZTUaI/AAAAAAAADao/5JdwcOx2X54/s400/unknown+mushroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unknown peach-colored mushrooms</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEoE27xfgLM/TcBQT7ibwMI/AAAAAAAADas/3ssjNxEZrnw/s1600/wildflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEoE27xfgLM/TcBQT7ibwMI/AAAAAAAADas/3ssjNxEZrnw/s400/wildflowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild Phlox growing beside a log. The spring flower is blooming all over the woodlands right now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kw3SMp17c4/TcBQyMsSIRI/AAAAAAAADaw/QM_aNL6Aluo/s1600/morel+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kw3SMp17c4/TcBQyMsSIRI/AAAAAAAADaw/QM_aNL6Aluo/s400/morel+2011.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Morel--the treasure of the woods!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5-0VSc3IIY/TcBRGoBjhOI/AAAAAAAADa0/ImFiF24fSSw/s1600/wild+plumres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5-0VSc3IIY/TcBRGoBjhOI/AAAAAAAADa0/ImFiF24fSSw/s400/wild+plumres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild plum is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring, which gives nectar to hungry bees just waking up from their winters sleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9irQ2lsujA/TcBRWSgi3FI/AAAAAAAADa4/lBolwAfvNK4/s1600/violetsres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9irQ2lsujA/TcBRWSgi3FI/AAAAAAAADa4/lBolwAfvNK4/s400/violetsres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe these purple violets are Birdsfoot violets. They sure make the forest</div><div style="text-align: center;"> colorful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQBnwQ2H-FA/TcBR3oDJerI/AAAAAAAADa8/OErb0ef0FKg/s1600/zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQBnwQ2H-FA/TcBR3oDJerI/AAAAAAAADa8/OErb0ef0FKg/s400/zebra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Anywhere there are paw-paws growing in the forest, you are sure to find this gorgeous Zebra Swallowtail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtAKDaqrN6U/TcBSWVeS4KI/AAAAAAAADbA/nb82OnWXGto/s1600/garter+snake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtAKDaqrN6U/TcBSWVeS4KI/AAAAAAAADbA/nb82OnWXGto/s400/garter+snake6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Snakes, like this little garter snake hide out on cooler days in the spring. This one was hidden behind the bark of a rotting tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHCf9pxPUlw/TcBSn2GR9mI/AAAAAAAADbE/ub2qivUKVo8/s1600/skink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHCf9pxPUlw/TcBSn2GR9mI/AAAAAAAADbE/ub2qivUKVo8/s400/skink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You may find other unexpected surprises like a five-lined skink. These little guys hide out under logs and under the bark of trees. This one was living with the garter snake pictured above.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuXLInHMXLg/TcBTQGamuHI/AAAAAAAADbI/CvcgQypJH-I/s1600/snail+shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuXLInHMXLg/TcBTQGamuHI/AAAAAAAADbI/CvcgQypJH-I/s400/snail+shell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An empty snail shell, left behind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ1bQ6-i0W0/TcBTnBur4wI/AAAAAAAADbM/P7Stp6vkiCY/s1600/comma+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ1bQ6-i0W0/TcBTnBur4wI/AAAAAAAADbM/P7Stp6vkiCY/s400/comma+butterfly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An Eastern Comma Butterfly looking a little worse-for-wear after a long winter. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Exploring the woodlands in the spring is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon. Everything is waking up after a long winters nap. Wildflowers are beginning to blooms, trees are leafing out and the creatures who live there are becoming active. Don't miss out....get outside and EXPLORE!</div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-40170475252495139522011-04-30T22:53:00.000-05:002011-04-30T22:53:08.149-05:00Snow Geese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Bas1CsA_M/TbzQJCA0L5I/AAAAAAAADZA/nuq_wiFt81k/s1600/snow+goose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4Bas1CsA_M/TbzQJCA0L5I/AAAAAAAADZA/nuq_wiFt81k/s400/snow+goose.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>S<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">now Geese are one of the most commonly seen of all the water fowl in the United States. It is not uncommon to see flocks containing hundred's of thousands of birds. They are native to North America and are sometimes referred to as the Blue Goose. The two common names of Blue and White refers to the range of colors that this bird comes in. They will range from completely snow white with black markings on their wings to bluish color and even speckled varieties like the pictured here.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They breed in the northern most parts of their range, Greenland, Canada and Alaska. White- and blue-morph birds interbreed and the offspring may be of either morph. These two colors of geese were once thought to be separate species; since they interbreed and are found together throughout their ranges, they are now considered two color phases of the same species. The color phases are genetically controlled. The dark phase results from a single dominant gene and the white phase is homozygous recessive. When choosing a mate, young birds will most often select a mate that resembles their parents' coloring. If the birds were hatched into a mixed pair, they will mate with either color phase. They will migrate south during the winter and it is at this time that they come into Missouri in HUGE numbers. Squaw Creek NWR refuge sees up to a million of these birds each winter. </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_J5Kdks3Tw/TbzUKJE0UsI/AAAAAAAADZE/DH1hYnwktQY/s1600/66141_1698230703242_1462127505_31727839_7046195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_J5Kdks3Tw/TbzUKJE0UsI/AAAAAAAADZE/DH1hYnwktQY/s400/66141_1698230703242_1462127505_31727839_7046195_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> White- and blue-morph birds interbreed and the offspring may be of either morph. These two colors of geese were once thought to be separate species; since they interbreed and are found together throughout their ranges, they are now considered two color phases of the same species. The color phases are genetically controlled. The dark phase results from a single dominant gene and the white phase is homozygous recessive. When choosing a mate, young birds will most often select a mate that resembles their parents' coloring. If the birds were hatched into a mixed pair, they will mate with either color phase. Snow geese breed from late May to mid August, but they leave their nesting areas and spend more than half the year on their migration to-and-from warmer wintering areas.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> During spring migration, large flocks of snow geese fly very high along narrow corridors, more than 3000 miles from traditional wintering areas to the tundra.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Outside of the nesting season, they usually feed in flocks. In winter, snow geese feed on left-over grain in fields. They migrate in large flocks, often visiting traditional stopover habitats in spectacular numbers. Snow geese often travel and feed alongside white-fronted geese; in contrast, the two tend to avoid traveling and feeding alongside Canada grey goose, who are often heavier birds.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm632D-T0io/TbzYv9zVQOI/AAAAAAAADZQ/Udo0JhyYDcI/s1600/34807_1698232143278_1462127505_31727841_3538513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm632D-T0io/TbzYv9zVQOI/AAAAAAAADZQ/Udo0JhyYDcI/s400/34807_1698232143278_1462127505_31727841_3538513_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The population of Greater Snow Geese was in decline at the beginning of the 20th century, but has now recovered to sustainable levels. Snow Geese in North America have increased to the point where the tundra breeding areas in the Arctic and the salt marsh wintering grounds are both becoming severely degraded, and this affects other species using the same habitat.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Major nest predators include Arctic foxes and Skuas. The biggest threat occurs during the first couple of weeks after the eggs are laid and then after hatching. The eggs and young chicks are vulnerable to these predators, but adults are generally safe. They have been seen nesting near Snowy Owl nests, which is likely a solution to predation. Their nesting success was much lower when snowy owls were absent, which leads scientists to believe that the owls, since they are predatory, were capable of keeping predators away from the nests.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-5"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Goose#cite_note-5"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Few predators take snow geese away from the nests, but Bald Eagles do take them given the chance.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-rsBuwSSj4/TbzVn5y7R0I/AAAAAAAADZI/t05-u0Ra7rU/s1600/131143_1698237463411_1462127505_31727856_2105625_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-rsBuwSSj4/TbzVn5y7R0I/AAAAAAAADZI/t05-u0Ra7rU/s400/131143_1698237463411_1462127505_31727856_2105625_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The dark color of the blue morph Snow Goose is controlled by a single gene, with dark being partially dominant over white. If a pure dark goose mates with a white goose, the offspring will all be dark (possibly with white bellies). If two white geese mate, they have only white offspring. If two dark geese mate, they will have mostly dark offspring, but might have a few white ones too.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Snow Goose hunting in the eastern United States was stopped in 1916 because of low population levels. Hunting was allowed again in 1975 after populations had increased. Populations have been growing so large that the geese are destroying nesting habitat. Hunting has not slowed the dramatic increases in population size.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Populations have been growing exponentially in most parts of the range. Some colonies are becoming so large that the geese are destroying nesting habitat, and hunting is proposed to decrease the populations. </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Which is smarter, a snow goose or a crow? This seems like a ridiculous question. In folklore, the goose is regarded as “silly,” and the crow is regarded as wily.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">When Aphrodite first came ashore she was welcomed by the Charities (Roman "Graces"), whose chariot was drawn by geese.</span></b> </div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1NMD07c0DI/TbzWf0nM8dI/AAAAAAAADZM/Z9kJyg2EVcU/s1600/155130_1698227383159_1462127505_31727829_1218133_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1NMD07c0DI/TbzWf0nM8dI/AAAAAAAADZM/Z9kJyg2EVcU/s640/155130_1698227383159_1462127505_31727829_1218133_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> References:</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cornell University</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Aboutbird.com</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wikipedia</span></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-40860204211326816782011-04-28T18:35:00.001-05:002011-04-28T22:37:18.684-05:00Silver-Haired Bat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbwlJxDZ1VA/TbnpOHf2TBI/AAAAAAAADYk/CqqTnBGIM6g/s1600/silver+haired+bat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbwlJxDZ1VA/TbnpOHf2TBI/AAAAAAAADYk/CqqTnBGIM6g/s400/silver+haired+bat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today when I arrived at work Dr. C from the University was in my office and asked me if I would like to see a silver-haired bat hanging onto the side of a tree? "Of course!" Did he even have to ask? We grabbed Dr. Ashley and headed out into the timber to see the bat. It was clinging to the side of a tree about 4 feet off the ground. This is the first time I've ever seen this particular species. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Silver-haired bats (</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lasionycteris noctivagans</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">), </span><span style="font-size: small;">which also go by the name of Silverwings</span><span style="font-size: small;"> are medium sized bats covered in dense black hairs . The hairs on their back are tipped in silvery gray. </span><br />
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<div><span style="font-size: small;">The species name of this bat translates into <i>"night wandering shaggy bat."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their preferred habitat is forested areas, which is exactly where we found this bat. There is a patch of timber directly behind our office building that the University uses for their ecology class, biology class and herpetology classes. I use the trail through the timber for trail hikes with visiting school groups. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silver-haired bats hide out during the day in cavities within trees, and under the bark of trees. Why this particular bat was clinging to the side of the tree completely exposed to the elements and prying eyes is a mystery, especially since there are shagbark hickory trees within 10 feet of where this bat was located.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mV2e9lFDFyk/TbnsnZwOdZI/AAAAAAAADYo/Gsa5BeO-IuU/s1600/shagbark+hickory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mV2e9lFDFyk/TbnsnZwOdZI/AAAAAAAADYo/Gsa5BeO-IuU/s400/shagbark+hickory.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shagbark hickory's are one of the most common trees in the timber near our office. I like to point them out to the children, and talk about how special they are.They have such "shaggy" bark and grow incredibly tall. I always ask the kids if they like the cartoon Scooby Doo? They all raise their hands. Then I ask them who Scooby's best friend is....they all answer "Shaggy". Then I ask them to look in the woods around them and find the "shaggy tree" It takes them a few minutes, but they all find it. I confirm that they are right, then tell them the tree is called a Shagbark Hickory. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I tell them to hold up their fists, and explain to them that an animal the size of their fist lives under the bark of the shagbark hickory tree during the day and comes out at night to hunt insects. Do they know what it could be? I get many responses from Birds, bugs to snakes, but eventually they settle on bats, and of course they are right. </span></div><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Had the silver-haired bat chosen to rest under the bark of the Shagbark it would have been a better choice, but for some reason it seemed content right where it was. We were able to get close to it and photograph it, and at no time did it seem alarmed or bothered. Our voices didn't even bother it. Hopefully it wasn't sick, although Dr. Ashley didn't seem to think it was.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This bat is found throughout the United States with exception to Florida. Their northern most range is Alaska and parts of Canada. They even range into Mexico. They feed on a wide variety of insects including moths, caddisflies, mosquitoes, crickets and beetles. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These bats form maternity colonies in tree cavities or small hollows. Mating takes place in early fall and fertilization is delayed until the following spring. Two pups are born between late June and early July. Just before birth takes place the female will begin to roost with her head facing upward. She will hold her tail membrane forward to form a cup-shaped basket which will catch the pups as they are born.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7FJb2PcHaM/Tbn3AR3yANI/AAAAAAAADYw/ymhB_obRxL0/s1600/silver+haired+bat3res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7FJb2PcHaM/Tbn3AR3yANI/AAAAAAAADYw/ymhB_obRxL0/s640/silver+haired+bat3res.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adults may live up to 12 years, providing they aren't preyed upon by skunks, feral cats, owls or raccoons. Silver-haired bats are one of the slowest flying bats in the animal kingdom, which could account for their susceptibility to predation. Unlike other bats this species roosts singly instead of with other members of their kind. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This species is somewhat migratory. In its northern most range it will migrate south and spend the winter in caves or other secluded locations. Little else is known about their hibernation habits. These bats are one of the most common bats found in the United States. They are known to carry a special strain of rabies that is reported to be only in this species and the Eastern Pipistrelle . </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reported deaths have occurred due to this strain of rabies. Silver-haired bats have very tiny, sharp teeth capable of biting without undue pain. Many people are bitten and do not even release they've been bitten. The puncture wounds are so tiny as to be almost unseen. These particular cases of rabies have been primarily reported from the more northern and northwestern regions of their range. It is always best to not handle a bat, this is especially true of a bat found during the daylight hours. Better safe than sorry. That being said, bats are one of the most important predators of insects in the animal world. The presence of rabies in bats is relatively low, with approximately 1/2 of one percent of bat populations carrying the virus. The good outweighs the bad and bats should be tolerated. I have put up bat houses hoping to attract them to our farm, but so far they have not used them. Hopefully one day they will take up residence here. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9a7ySul2IUo/Tbn2gQDeuDI/AAAAAAAADYs/9DKM4GMWsM8/s1600/silver+haired+bat+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9a7ySul2IUo/Tbn2gQDeuDI/AAAAAAAADYs/9DKM4GMWsM8/s400/silver+haired+bat+face.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-78161346282075398512011-04-27T19:49:00.003-05:002011-04-27T21:02:15.516-05:00False Morels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4IAyZtmjUs/TbitGUJcmQI/AAAAAAAADYA/fFprLCCILVg/s1600/false+morel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4IAyZtmjUs/TbitGUJcmQI/AAAAAAAADYA/fFprLCCILVg/s640/false+morel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This blob-like, brain-like, fungus is a False Morel in the genus Gyromitra. There are several mushrooms within this genus and all are referred to as false morels. They also go by many other common names, such as Red morel, beefsteak, brain mushroom, glob mushroom, and redheads. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They have well developed stems, and their oddly shaped caps are generally reddish brown to yellowish brown. When sliced open, they are <b><i>not completely hollow</i></b>--and this is the best way to distinguish them from the morels, which are hollow.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many people eat these mushrooms with no ill effects, but studies are showing that others have severe reactions to eating these mushrooms, and in some cases death could result. Other reactions to consuming these mushrooms could be dizziness, nausea, and coordination problems. In southern Missouri these are eaten regularly with Yellow Morels and are considered quite tasty. Perhaps certain people have built up immunities to the toxins within these mushrooms. Perhaps they are just lucky. Perhaps their bodies are just able to consume them and not suffer for it. I for one would not want to chance it. I would rather err on the side of caution and live another day...or at the very least, not spend days suffering ill effects from a potentially poisonous mushroom. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>“There are old mushroom eaters and there are bold mushroom eaters, but there are no old bold mushroom eaters”</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG9GSfu_tzE/Tbiv_RMWtxI/AAAAAAAADYI/2u-yMUrkAE0/s1600/falsemorel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XG9GSfu_tzE/Tbiv_RMWtxI/AAAAAAAADYI/2u-yMUrkAE0/s400/falsemorel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The one pictured here is very large, it measures nearly 9 inches tall, and 6 or 7 inches in diameter. The base is 4 or 5 inches in diameter. I believe it is <i>Gyromitra esculenta</i>. Which generally fruits near conifer trees. It is referred to as beef steak morel in some areas and is consumed after special preparation. There have also been confirmed fatalities. Some of the toxin is removed by boiling multiple times in water and discarding the water. Reportedly cooks have been poisoned simply from breathing the steam. One of its toxins is monomethylhydrazine (MMH) which has been used in rocket fuel. It is available canned and dried from Finland and probably other countries as well. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what's the problem? One danger is the varying levels of MMH in different poisonous mushrooms. Some species contain very little, others contain enough to kill. MMH levels also vary among geographic regions within a single species. </span><span class="bold" style="font-size: small;">The point is nobody knows how toxic any false morel will be in any location.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> MMH is a cumulative toxin. This means that its levels will build up in your body after repeated consumption. This could lead to illness or even death. Keep that in mind the next time someone insists to you that they've safely eaten these poisonous mushrooms.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most appear in the spring and summer and grow directly on the ground. Although some are found on wood or later in the year, they are unlikely to be mistaken for true morels.<i><b> </b></i>Caps are usually brown or reddish brown and occasionally yellow. Most stems are a light color, ranging from white to tan. These mushrooms are considered saprotrophs, meaning they feed on dead and decaying organic matter. Some have suggested that they may be mycorrhizal as well (forming a symbiotic relationship with trees).</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like true morels, false ones are often found in areas where the forest floor has been disrupted. You're more likely to see them near washes, rivulets, man-made disturbances in the ground, and roadsides. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make note of the cap shape. False morels have caps that are "wavy" or "lobed". They appear to be bulging outwards. True morels have a more uniformly shaped cap with pits or ridges. They appear to be pitted inwards rather than bulging.The cap of the false mushroom hangs freely from the stem. A true morel has a cap that will be attached to the stem. This is not always the case but more often than not it is.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJXAp00FYsw/TbiveAzua2I/AAAAAAAADYE/XGTrUcnKNWM/s1600/8903764-illustration-cartoon-pink-shoes-with-poison-mushroom-on-background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJXAp00FYsw/TbiveAzua2I/AAAAAAAADYE/XGTrUcnKNWM/s200/8903764-illustration-cartoon-pink-shoes-with-poison-mushroom-on-background.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Don’t eat any mushroom unless you are </span><b style="color: #cc0000;">ABSOLUTELY</b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> sure that it is safe!</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">You should never eat any mushroom unless it is positively identified as edible. If you are in any way uncertain about the edibility of a mushroom, don’t try it. If in doubt, throw it out!</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;">While morels are easily identified, other species of safe mushrooms have deadly look-a-likes. If you are just starting to collect and eat wild mushrooms, don’t rely on books or websites alone for your information. Go hiking with experienced experts, who can show you how to identify the important characteristics of edible and poisonous mushrooms.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>References:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/false-morel.html</b></i></span><br />
<i><b> </b></i>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-16623836876461414982011-04-25T12:49:00.000-05:002011-04-25T12:49:37.186-05:00House Sparrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Omyba27QeP4/Ta5A4ifdfuI/AAAAAAAADWc/1503tKMtq9w/s1600/house+sparrow+male+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Omyba27QeP4/Ta5A4ifdfuI/AAAAAAAADWc/1503tKMtq9w/s400/house+sparrow+male+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
House Sparrows (<i>Passer domesticus</i>) is a small non-native bird that resides near human dwellings. Its species name of <i>domesticus </i>even hints at its preference for associating with human activity. They are native to Europe, Asia and parts of the Mediterranean and have been introduced throughout the World, both purposely and accidentally. They are perhaps the most widely distributed bird species in the World.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibghNqGPytk/Ta5CorxnrDI/AAAAAAAADWg/6a-scOPsA68/s1600/800px-PasserDomesticusDistribution.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">House Sparrows aren’t related to other North American sparrows, and they’re differently shaped. House Sparrows are chunkier, fuller in the chest, with a larger, rounded head, shorter tail, and stouter bill than most American sparrows. So these gregarious birds should not be mistaken for native species of sparrows. The house sparrow competes for nesting sites with native birds and often displaces them. Bluebirds are especially targeted by this bird, house sparrows will enter the bluebird house and peck holes in the eggs or kill the babies. They also take over purple martin houses, chick-a-dee houses and any other birdhouse they can fit into. I noticed one the other day in my own backyard trying to fit into a wren house entrance. It's eyes seriously misjudged the diameter of the hole, compared to the size of its own body. She worked and worked at trying to fit. I had to admire her for the positive attitude...kind of like a woman who is convinced she can wear a pair of jeans one size smaller, and will do everything she can to make them fit!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Y7FRfE9Ow/TbWwWbe5fxI/AAAAAAAADXg/yyYXbMSA64Q/s1600/house+sparrow_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Y7FRfE9Ow/TbWwWbe5fxI/AAAAAAAADXg/yyYXbMSA64Q/s320/house+sparrow_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-hnUMJ_wqE/TbWv3XHZYCI/AAAAAAAADXc/KzTmzXTqQG8/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-hnUMJ_wqE/TbWv3XHZYCI/AAAAAAAADXc/KzTmzXTqQG8/s200/eggs.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I personally do not tolerate house sparrows and as soon as I discover nests in my bluebird houses or other bird houses I destroy the nest, eggs, and any nestlings. I admit this is an ongoing battle and I find myself clearing out a nest almost daily for over a month or more. Some people may find this cruel to the bird, and cannot imagine killing any bird, and that is fine. If you prefer to let them take over your nest boxes and breed and add to the ever growing population of house sparrows then that is your choice. I for one prefer to give the native species a fair chance. House sparrows and starlings are two species of birds that are not protected under the migratory bird act, or by any other Federal or state laws. They are much more aggressive than the smaller nesting birds that typically fall victim to the house sparrow invasion. I do however have a pair that takes up residence in my clothes line pole every year, and I leave them alone. Mostly because they are not invading the bird houses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Birdwatchers have no particular love of house sparrows and that comes back to the invasive tendency of the species. These birds feed on a wide variety of seeds and other foods. They are very fond of wheat and oat seeds and will often invade fields in large numbers. Farmers often shoot, bait or trap the adults to keep them out of their fields. Sparrows are also known to spread diseases such as West Nile and Salmonella to humans and to livestock, which is one more reason they should not be tolerated in large numbers.<br />
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House sparrows do have natural enemies in the form of birds of prey, in particular American Kestrels. Cats will also capture many house sparrows. In Europe they are often victims of roadkill and in parts of the Mediterranean humans feed on them as part of their normal diet.<br />
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House sparrows were introduced into the United States in 1851 in New York to help control caterpillar populations. After the initial release there were many subsequent releases in various parts of the country, with each release they became more and more established. They have now spread their range throughout all of the United States. They are listed as a species of least concern with the IUCN because of their large population and range. These birds return to their birthplace after every migration (a characteristic known as philopatric). Because of this, local populations have adapted to the color of their habitat resulting in 15 distinct subspecies in the West.<br />
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Depending upon how you feel in regards to these little birds, you may want to implement a control plan on your own property. This is especially true if you have bluebird houses. <br />
</div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4665671959045576714.post-64709454999729284692011-04-22T17:42:00.002-05:002011-04-22T23:23:07.194-05:00Cedar-Apple Rust Galls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auB-KPEhBDE/TbH8bQFpn4I/AAAAAAAADW4/VJ-gm4J0n34/s1600/gall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auB-KPEhBDE/TbH8bQFpn4I/AAAAAAAADW4/VJ-gm4J0n34/s400/gall3.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cedar Apple-Rust Galls are a type of fungus in the genus <i>Gymnosporangium</i>. While they can and do cause damage to apple trees. They are not known to cause any significant damage to cedar trees, but can become unsightly if there is a large infestation. In some rare cases if there are apple trees and cedar trees within the same vicinity it may cause death to both trees. Cedar trees become infected in the summer months, and by June of the following year small green-brown, somewhat kidney-shaped galls will be present. Each gall is covered with small circular depressions, similar to the dimples on a golf ball. The following year, in damp weather the depressions sprout with orange tentacle-like projections that swell immensely (pictured).</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> After last nights rainy weather our cedar trees came alive with these odd looking fungal galls. The projections are gelatinous and feel very slimy to the touch. Once the rains of spring subside the galls die and may damage or kill the part of the tree it was attached to. If that is the case, my trees are doomed. They are completely infested.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My nearby apple and crabapple trees may possibly be in trouble. As the apple tree is next in line for spreading this fungus.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On susceptible crabapples and apples, tiny yellow spots appear on the leaves after infection in the spring. As the spots mature, they become yellow/orange and swollen with a red border, and develop tiny black dots in the center of the lesion. By mid-summer, small cup-like structures with tubes are visible on the undersides of mature leaf lesions. The fungus may also infect fruit and even succulent twigs of very susceptible crabapple and apple varieties. </div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">From the slimy projections on the juniper, basidiospores are released that infect crabapples and apples. Although these spores may be carried several miles, most infections occur within a several hundred feet from the source juniper. A wet spring period of 4-6 hours at 50-75 F is sufficient for severe infection. Symptoms are described above. Two to four weeks after the tiny dots appear in the center of each spot, tubes appear on the undersides of leaf lesions. Most people only notice this stage after the tubes have split and take on a ragged appearance. Aeciospores, released from the tubes, become airborne and infect susceptible juniper hosts from midsummer into early fall.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The following spring, galls (consisting of both fungal and host plant tissues) begin to develop on the juniper. These galls continue to grow through the summer, and by fall they are full size (3/8 to 1 and 3/16 inches in diameter), greenish-brown to tan and round to kidney shaped.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O6DWg70IKtM/TbIBU4dhLbI/AAAAAAAADW8/YLsH8Lauz4A/s1600/galls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O6DWg70IKtM/TbIBU4dhLbI/AAAAAAAADW8/YLsH8Lauz4A/s400/galls.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In addition, golf ball-like depressions form on the gall at this time that will give rise to telial horns the following spring. The telial horns are brownish in color, but rapidly elongate and become bright orange with spring rain. Shrinking and swelling of telial horns can occur several times with intermittent rainfall. Each time the projections swell, basidiospores are released.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After the projections have released their spores, the horns collapse, dry and eventually fall off. The galls die at this point, but may remain attached to the juniper for a year or more.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In summary, the complete cycle of cedar apple rust takes 24 months to complete and requires infection of two different hosts.</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This fungus is a major pest to apple orchards and can cause significant damage and make the fruit unmarketable. In some states there are ordinances that state any infected cedar tree within a mile radius of an apple orchard must be cut down. Fines are issued for those who do not comply. Remarkably the fungus does not generally damage the cedar trees, only the apple trees. Buying resistant varieties of apples, like Delicious, helps reduce risk to this damaging fungus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYYUyQTov4c/TbIDGdYhmQI/AAAAAAAADXA/Gs9lLDweBcA/s1600/gall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYYUyQTov4c/TbIDGdYhmQI/AAAAAAAADXA/Gs9lLDweBcA/s400/gall.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> References:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/cedar-applerust/cedar-applerust.htm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">http://urbanext.illinois.edu/focus/cedarapplerust.cfm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/ipm.asp?code=28</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">http://www.natureatcloserange.com/2007/11/cedar-apple-rust-gall-or-playdough-hair.html</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/cedaappl.htm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com3