Gray Phase Timber Rattlesnake (photo courtesy of Will Bird)
user posted imageThe Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a truly awe-inspiring species of serpent. They are a very impressive and intimidating snake to see in their natural habitat. One of four species of venomous species found in Kentucky and one of three in Virginia, this is the largest species of them all. They average 3-4 feet in length but are capable of reaching lengths up to 6 feet. Their coloration varies from a yellow base color to grey and almost black, but they all have black cross bands extending the length of almost the whole body.

Timber Rattlesnakes, as well as other rattlesnake species, derive their name from the rattle often found on the tip of their tail. This rattle is made up of dead skin, much like our fingernails, and every time the snake sheds its skin it adds a new button to its rattle. It is often said by old timers that you can tell how old a rattlesnake is by the number of buttons on its rattle. READ MORE
I have been spending a lot of time at the park in the past few weeks guiding nature hikes for our many visitors. One thing that has astounded me (although I shouldn't be suprised due to our early warmup) is the sheer number of wildflowers that have been and are blooming at the park. On average most of our wildflowers have been blooming roughly 3 weeks early, although some are as early as a month. Several species that typically start blooming in late April and early May have already bloomed and gone!

Yellow Trout Lily
user posted imageOne of the first flowers that I was fortunate enough to come across was the Yellow Trout Lily. I found the first of these back on the first day of March at an area of the park called the Garden Hole. These are a beautiful flower that are one of the first to flower of the year. They are long gone for the year now but they will be back bright and early next spring! These are a beautiful mountain species that has a close cousin living in the flatter lands of Kentucky called the White Trout Lily. Bluelicks Battlefield State Resort Park has a great population of White Trout Lilies to view. READ MORE

Animal of the Week (The Opossum)

Starting this week, I am going to begin a weekly post called “Animal of the Week”. Each week, this post will highlight one of the many animal species that we share our planet with.

Mother Opossum with young. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Thomas Barnes)
user posted imageThe first animal that I would like to share with you is a very intriguing one called the Opossum (Didelpis virginianus). These animals are cause for much confusion. What are they exactly? They look like a giant rat, they carry their babies in a pouch like a kangaroo, and can hang by their tail like a monkey!

Opossums or “possums” as they are often called, are marsupials. This means that they carry their young in a pouch. Females will give birth to very small babies (about the size of a Bumble Bee) that, as soon as they are born, crawl into their mother’s pouch.READ MORE
Cedar Waxwing (Photo Courtesy of Dr. Thomas G. Barnes)
user posted imageInternational Migratory Bird Day is a day devoted to education on the enjoyment and conservation of migratory bird species worldwide. Occurring every spring, it takes place as migratory bird species are making their way from their southern wintering grounds back to their northern summer homes to breed and rear their young. The theme for this year is “20 Ways to Conserve Birds”.

Taking place on April 21st this year at Breaks Interstate Park, we are contributing to this day by facilitating a variety of programs ranging from birding fieldtrips and service projects to educational programs and games. There is something for every age to enjoy. Things will kick off bright and early Saturday with an early morning bird hike and various programs will take place throughout the day. So come down to the park and enjoy a day devoted to the many species of migratory birds that use our park as a place to rest on their long journey back to their northern homes.

To learn more about International Migratory Bird Day, visit THIS LINK.

I can be reached by e-mailing me HERE.

Soaring High at the Breaks

Adult Peregrine Falcon (Photo Courtesy of the KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife)
user posted imageIn my humble opinion, one of the most spectacular birds of prey has to be Peregrine Falcons. Their lightning fast speed and agility in the air makes them a truly awe inspiring animal. They really are a beautiful bird, and one can count themselves very lucky to view these majestic animals.

It wasn’t at all very long ago that these birds were on the very brink of extinction. The use of DDT (a pesticide) years ago almost wiped out these birds and many other raptor species as we know it. This pesticide as it made its way up the food chain (from insect to small mammal, and small mammals to birds of prey) caused the egg shells of these birds to be very thin. When a mother Falcon would set on her nest, most of the time she would inadvertently crush her eggs, thus preventing the eggs from developing and later hatching. READ MORE