Flora-Quest's good omen

A good omen visited my cottage at Shawnee this morning, one of the giant silk moths, a Polyphemus arrived just in time to kick off tomorrow's Flora-Quest.

The flora has been refreshed by the recent rain showers, and the forest fire is old news. Guides are arriving from all over the state and beyond, Jaret Daniels comes the farthest, and has flown in from Florida. Jaret will be leading a butterfly workshop on Saturday and black lighting for moths on Saturday night. I'll be crossing my fingers for a few more of these jewels of the night for our guest's enjoyment. Flora, feathers, and night time fliers- we will be having tons to view in the next three days. I'll look forward to seeing so many friends gathered here!

Fire-Pink, Shawnee Forest

Silene virginica, Fire-Pink

This may be the most fitting flower to represent Shawnee State Forest right now, where Division of Forestry and local fireman have been fighting a forest fire for several days now. The rain has arrived in Scioto county, and will help quench the remnants of the burn. It's a long story that the news media is more than happy to cover for you, but I would like to address any of your concerns.

We have been in close contact with Ohio State Parks and Forestry regarding this weekend's Flora-Quest. Have no fear, we have many of our trips scheduled to go to Adams County, and the fire is well in control now. Officials are certain we will be able to traverse much of the park with no problem, and will probably not even be aware of this section that has been impacted.

Yes, I am greatly saddened by this turn of events, but we have two choices. Either we wring our hands in worry and call it quits, or we all head down there for a weekend of enjoying the flower display over the other 97 percent of the forest. The Fire-Pinks were in stunning display last year at this time, and I will be down there in person tomorrow to make sure things are copacetic. The lodge staff is anxious to attend to our needs, and the guides are ready to go. Let's support our park system and promote eco-tourism in Ohio. The plants you help save could be: Fire-pinks.

Don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

The Colors of Spring

Check the colors on this lovely spring butterfly. But wait, Grape Epimenis is actually a day-flying moth! A spring flier, the adults can be seen nectaring on early flowers, such as the crab apple blossoms in this photo. His progeny will be debuting on grape leaves a little later on this season. Just one of the many non-birds we looked at on our GMAS walk at Byers Woods, we do it all: birds, butterflies, botany and anything else that moves.

And today's Fowler Woods walk set temperature records for April. About 40 of us basked in 80 degree weather while we studied Large-flowered and Nodding Trilliums, both Virginia and Canada Waterleaf and a stunning display of Marsh Marigolds. But the big excitement of the walk was a stunning Black-throated Green warbler, fresh in from the tropics, singing his Zoo-zoo-zoo-zoo zee song. We stopped on a dime to look up and pay homage to the first warbler many have seen this season- in fact- it was the first Warbler a few of them had ever seen. And that, is what it is really all about. Welcome spring!

A Tale of Two Pretties...

Squirrel-corn and Dutchman’s Breeches, can you tell them apart?

Dicentra canadensis, Squirrel-corn

and now....

Dicentra cucullaria, Dutchman's Breeches

We would be pleased to have you join us on Sunday April 26, at 1:00 PM for the annual GMAS walk at Fowlers Woods, and the Dicentra should be in good bloom. The question will be- which one is it? Each year we study the differences between these two pretties (my apologies to Dickens). I have heard every conceivable story from “pants-on-a-line” to “white bleeding-hearts” and there is some truth to be found in both.

Dicentra is in the Fumitory family, and both of these plants are close relatives to the pink and red “Bleeding Hearts” and bright yellow “Corydalis” your grandmother grew.
While they are relatively easy to tell apart while in bloom- look for the yellow on the Dutchman’s Breeches, it makes it a snap- they can be madding to decipher by the green vegetation alone. Squirrel-corn leaflets have a glaucous blue-green cast, while the Dutchman’s leaflets are yellow-green.

Do you have other suggestions for telling them apart?

Golden-crowned Sparrow

What can I say? The home owners from Findlay allowed birders to view this avian anomaly for just today and tomorrow, and it just wouldn't wait. The first- time ever, Golden-crowned Sparrow visits Ohio and gave us spectacular views from the homeowner's backyard. If you have not seen it, I urge you to go tomorrow. Good Luck!

Directions can be found in detail on Toledo's Rare Birds.