Thursday, April 9, 2009

Spotted Salamander


Here's a very camera shy spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, found near a vernal pool. These are believed to be able to live 20 to 30 years.

Photo taken 4/9/09

Ohio Buckeye



One of the first trees to leaf out at GSP is the Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra. The leaves are a beautiful maroon color!

Photo taken on 4/9/09

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Redback Salamander


The redback salamander, Plethodon cinereus, may be found at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site in abundance. According to one website, they are the most common vertebrate in most woodland areas.

An immature dogtooth violet leaf, Erythronium americanum, is immediately to the right.

Photo taken 4/8/09.

Scilla in a Sea of Star of Bethlehem


Scilla awash in Star of Bethlehem, Ornithogalum umbellatum, foliage.

Photo taken 4/8/09.

Scilla on Waterleaf


A Scilla, Scilla siberica, blossom on Large-Leaved Waterleaf, Hydrophyllum macrophyllum.

Photo taken 4/8/09.

Cornelian Cherry behind Garden Shed




Here's a full-length shot of the Cornelian Cherry, Cornus mascula, in full bloom.

Photo taken 4/8/09.

Cornelian Cherry




The cornelian cherry, Cornus mascula, is in full bloom, awaiting the warm weather and pollinators.


Photo taken 4/8/09



Hepatica by Lake Sylvan


Two days after several inches of snow and an evening dipping into the mid 20's, many of round-lobed hepatica, Hepatica nobilis, were in bloom.


Photo taken 4/8/09

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Bobcats in the Woods?



Here are a few possible bobcat prints found in Sower's Woods immediately adjacent to the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site

Prints & Photo taken by Ed Cable, Site Naturalist, on 4/4/09

Coltsfoot




Here are two Coltsfoot blooms, Tussilago farfara, appearing near the boardwalk even before the skunk cabbage had popped up!

Photo taken on 3/12/09

Skunk Cabbage





Skunk Cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, near the Gene Stratton-Porter Spring and Surround.

Photo taken on 3/26/09

Scilla in Bloom





Here's an earlybird example of Scilla, Scilla siberica, just before the blooms opened. It may be found in many areas of the site near road and path edges.

Photo taken on 3/26/09.