Central Ohio NatureTurkeys, Trout Lilies and Other Spring Things
Posted on April 22, 2017
This post is a bit of a ramble covering our adventures in central Ohio nature over the past week. A search for wildflowers and warblers in area metro parks, a visit to a local city park to see if any warblers were passing through and finally the first long kayak paddle of the year. So I hope you enjoy the ride.
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In the spring wildflowers and migrating warblers are usually what comes to mind not turkeys. For me turkeys have always been a fall bird usually associated with a big meal that includes stuffing, gravy, and all the fixins. So a few days ago at Blendon Woods Metro Park it was a bit of a surprise to see a male turkey doing it’s best to convince a female that they should get together.
Turkey (M), Blendon Woods.
A closer look. In breeding plumage the feathers are truly spectacular, (Donna).
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The purpose of the trip to Blendon was to look for warblers. We were successful in spotting a few including a Black-throated Green which without to much effort eluded the camera’s lens. While we did see a few, we soon found ourselves seduced by the many wildflowers that were in bloom.
It won’t be long till the leaves fill in, Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Standing out due to their relative scarceness leaves evoke the feeling of flowers.
Yellow Trout Lilies were doing their best at Blendon Woods.
Another view as sunlight filters through from behind.
Wild Geranium, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
Black haw viburnum, Blendon Woods.
There were some exceptional large examples of Toadshade Trillium at Blendon Woods.
Flowers aren’t the only thing worth taking a close look at.
Jacobs Ladder, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
Buttercup, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
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When not looking at wildflowers or for warblers there were other things . . .
Birds are apparently not the only spring nest builders, Fox Squirrel, Blendon Woods, (Donna).
One of a least two mature albino squirrels seen. How they evade the hawks long enough to reach adulthood is a mystery to me.
Home to small darters, in the spring the small creeks in Blendon Woods flow freely.
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The day following our trip to Blendon Woods we headed to Clear Creek Metro Park for what turned out to be a rather long hike. Spring is especially fascinating at Clear Creek with a number of plants not found elsewhere in Ohio. The number of butterflies seen (Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Commas, Morning Cloaks, etc.) but not photographed, was truly amazing.
Blue Phlox, Clear creek Metro Park.
Foamflower, Clear creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Pussytoes (F), Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Fiddleheads, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Bluets, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Soloman’s Seal, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Virginia Bluebells, Clear Creek Metro Park.
Duskywing, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna)
Violet Wood Sorrel, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Spicebush Swallowtail, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Coltsfoot, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Dogwood, Clear Creek Metro Park
Wild Geranium, Clear Creek Metro Park. (Donna).
Rue Anemone, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Violets, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
Squaw Root, a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, native but not endemic to North America, when blooming resembles a pine cone or cob of corn growing from the roots of mostly oak and beech trees, (Wikipedia), Clear Creek Metro Park.
Fire Pink, Clear Creek Metro Park, (Donna).
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Closer to home within the city limits of Columbus along the Scioto River and Griggs Reservoir spring was also in full swing.
Redbuds, Griggs Park.
“Lovebirds”, male and female American Goldfinch, Griggs Park.
Blackberry, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Redwing Blackbird (M), Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Northern Flicker, Griggs Park.
Shooting Star, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
Buckeye, Kiwanis Riverway Park.
White-throated Sparrow, Kiwanis Riverway Park
Honeysuckle, (Native?), Kiwanis Riverway Park
Yellow-throated Warbler singing high in a Sycamore tree, Griggs Park.
Wild Ginger, Griggs Park, (Donna).
In week or so ago I spotted this pair of Blue jays starting work on a nest. They must have given up on that location as no nest was found on this particular day, Griggs park.,
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Out on the reservoir there was also lot’s of activity, much of which eluded the camera’s lens, but some subjects cooperated just long enough. Spotted Sandpipers, turtles, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets seemed to be everywhere. As I have undoubtedly mentioned in the past, shooting from a canoe or kayak has it’s own set of challenges, camera shake and the fact that everything is moving just to name a few, so when one gets a relatively good picture it’s truly cause for celebration. When paddling the kayak certain limitations are excepted so a relatively small light superzoom is usually what is taken. It’s easy to tuck out of the way and if it happens go swimming it’s not the end of the world.
Spotted Sandpiper, Griggs Reservoir.
Very small Red-eared Slider getting ready to attempt a double-backflip with a twist , Griggs Reservoir.
Great Blue Heron in breeding plumage, Griggs Reservoir.
Great Egret in breeding plumage with a couple of close friends, Griggs Reservoir.
Note color around eyes.
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In the last week not far from our home it seemed that no matter which way we turned there was something wonderful to see. We hope that’s been your experience also. Thanks for stopping by.
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