Jenny Wiley Naturalist and Recreation Blog

WOOD POPPY





Things still seem to be about 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule in the spring woods at Jenny Wiley SRP. Plants that are offers good color this week include: large-flowered trillium, pennywort, wood sorrel, blue phlox, wild geranium, foam flower, wood vetch, golden ragwort, rue anemone, squirrel corn, early saxifrage, long-spurred violets, purple violets, smooth yellow violets, wood poppy, bluets, spring beauty, lyre-leaved sage, and cut-leaved toothwort. Dogwoods are still showing vibrant white, as the rudbuds are slowly loosing color. The cottage road just above the May Lodge offers a great drive or hike for wildflowers. More adventurous folks might try the Moss Ridge, Steve Brackett, Lakeshore, or Jenny Wiley trails for a great wildflower excursion. Please click this LINK to review some of the wildflower reports from naturalists across the Commonwealth.

For additional information about Kentucky State Parks and some of the upcoming Spring and Wildflower Events, please view this SITE.

American Bald Eagle
It's hard to believe that at one point and time in our nation's history that we had an estimated population of bald eagles close to 500,000. Dwindling to only 500 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states, the bald eagle was on a quick route to extinction. Thanks to the ban of DDT, a very strong pesticide, in 1972 and tremendous conservative efforts, the bald eagle has made an unexpected comeback with an estimation of over 5000 nesting pairs in the lower 48.


If you would like a chance to see this magnificent bird of prey close to home, spend a little time at the PARK and Dewey Lake. I was able to capture these photos from the patio of the May Lodge earlier this month. I do apologize for the quality of the photos, a warm camera and cool temperatures make for tough picture taking. Although only a couple of eagles have been spotted at one time, these birds don't seem to be camera shy and sightings seem to be increasing.

Why not have a family outing or photography excursion and see if you can spot the bald eagles of Dewey Lake. Be sure to stop at the May Lodge for some great food or overnight stay. If you have fortune in capturing these majestic creatures on film, stop by the Interpretive Nature Center and let the Park Naturalist know of your sightings.

Ken Mellons

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be hosting a New Year's Eve event hosting country/bluegrass recording artist, Ken Mellons at the Wilkinson/Stumbo Convention Center. This musician will have you rocking the old year out and reeling the new year in with chart toppers such as, "Jukebox Junkie", "Working for the Weekend", "I Can Bring Her Back", and much more. This Nashville, Tennessee native blazed the charts from the mid 90's till 2004 and has come back with a new album featuring country and bluegrass sounds. Prior to Ken taking the stage, he will be joined by local talent Tim Michaels, Doug Pinson, and Tyler Stephens.

You can choose from one of our packages for your New Year's celebration which includes: $25 single/$40 couple entertainment only, $80 Couples Dinner Package, $90 Lodging & Show Package, or $125 Couples Overnight Package which includes dinner, show, and lodging. Party favors will be available along with appetizers and refreshments. Just before midnight, we will have the big screen on and watch the ball drop in New York City! Doors open at 6:30pm and show begins at 7:00pm. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call the PARK at 1-800-325-0142.

ARTICLE: Compliments of State Naturalist Ron Vanover.
Meet me under the mistletoe. Now don't get any ideas! Yes, mistletoe has intrigued people for years. I remember as a small lad taking a shotgun and shooting the mistletoe out of trees in hopes that the succulent, evergreen plant would work its magic with some "kissing" adventures. As I look back on those years, I cannot help but chuckle with much laughter about that.

Recently, while driving down I-75, I asked my two sons, “What type of plant is that in the top of those trees.” Their reply was, “I don’t know.” After telling them the answer, they both wanted me to immediately stop the vehicle, get out, and climb the tree for a sprig of mistletoe. Why? It was the “kissing thing” again! I guess you could say that history does repeat itself.

Where have I seen the most mistletoe plants? The stretch of Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, between Winchester and Clay City, has trees along the roadway that are absolutely covered with these parasitic plants. Also, in Frankfort, you can get a quick view off route 421 near Hardees'. In fact, it is in the same vicinity where I mentioned the Black Vultures in a recent blog. During this time of the year, look for the evergreen plants hanging in the branches.

There are so many songs with lyrics about mistletoe. Some songs that mention mistletoe include: “Blame it on the Mistletoe,” “It Must Have Been The Mistletoe,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas.” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," just to name a few. Why even Justin Bieber has a song out about Mistletoe. I guess there are a lot of people out there that believe in mistletoe powers. Go figure!

I also came across this article and wanted to share it with you. It was written in 2005 but has a lot of interesting information about “Mistletoe.” I think you too will find it useful as you learn more about this mysterious, kissing plant. READ MORE

American Redstart (male)

ARTICLE: Compliments of State Naturalist Ron Vanover

The name American Redstart sounds like a professional baseball team doesn't it? Well, it's actually a bird that belongs to a particular family referred to as the Warblers. It is considered a rarity among some birders, especially in certain areas of Kentucky.

Recently, I had the pleasure to see one, along with several of my park cohorts, at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. That occurred last Wednesday morning at the old skylift area of the park. I happened to hear the sound of the male while driving the lake road. By the way, my boss is convinced that I have bionic ears. LOL Ironically, Jenny Wiley was the first place I ever saw an American Redstart. And, from looking at my personal birding journal that event occurred on May 19, 1999. Amazing! I can't believe over 12 years has passed since that day. Anyway, the American Redstart male is known for its orange blotches on the wing and tail, and it jumps around like a butterfly scaring insects in the trees, which allows itself an opportunity to feed. Its primary diet is that of insects, so it's safe to say this particular bird is rather insectivorous (fancy word for insect eater). This male is polygamous too and usually has two mates within its territorial range of about 1,600 feet. Sounds like a lot of traveling to me!
American Redstart (female)
In contrast, the females and young males are olive green with faint yellow blotches.

Do you keep a Life List Birding Journal? Have you even had the opportunity to see an American Redstart? If not, now is the time to do so. I facetiously said one time that Jenny Wiley State Resort Park could be renamed The American Redstart Park. It is plentiful there. Read More