Kentucky Springs in Ohio

Kentucky Spring Salamanders, Reds, Mud... they all run together for a weedpicker. I wouldn't be able to identify any of these dark world inhabitants if it weren't for the tutelage of John Howard or Greg Lipps. Even more than that, many plant oriented folks must wonder why we should even care about these slimy, gooey, wetland lovers.

Kentucky Spring Salamander- one species you might expect to find in say- Kentucky? Or perhaps West Virginia and the southern parts of Ohio.

The Midland Mud Salamander. It didn't look much different to me as I pulled it out from under a log, but I was assured- it is the ONE. A state listed species, rarely seen.

Shoot, I still think all salamanders are mud-dy! But it doesn't matter if I understand these species or not. Salamanders need areas that are still pristine enough to support their lifestyle. And that I get.

IF we don't protect the habitats of rare plants and animals- they will soon be extinct plants and animals. The first step to preservation is respecting that which we do not understand.

Released back to their watery domain: sch-loo-oop! They disappear into that which seemed to be stream bottom. How many of these creatures cavort beneath the ground surface of this fresh water spring? We restrain from tromping our boots through these habitats, lest we inevitably do the small creatures harm.

This area may not look like much of anything, to you or I, but it may well be the Taj Mahal of salamander land. Thanks to those who protect water sheds, and the rarities which inhabit them.

Special thanks to John Howard for helping understand these creatures, and to The Friends of the Scioto Brush Creek and other like minded groups all across our state.

. Clean water is our future, and not just for salamanders, but people as well.

The North Coast

The Western Basin of Lake Erie is known for its Bald Eagles. The Division of Wildlife has monitored their successful nesting and enjoyed their return from the brink of extirpation in the 60's. No other bird captures the hearts of non-birders like this majestic emblem of our country.

And while visiting the Magee Marsh Sportsman's Center, we witnessed 4 fly-bys, along with this artistic rendition of a pair of Bald Eagles on a nest. The center has an amazing collection of birds and bird history from the Great Lakes.

And what makes the region so dog-gone birdy? It is perched on the intersection of not one..

... but two Fly-ways. The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways converge here, and migration takes place from February through December each year. The north bound waterbirds start the year off, and the parade to the breeding grounds continues through early summer, when some south bound shorebirds begin their long trip back to the wintering grounds. It may be the worlds most fascinating drama- of life and death- played out each year in our "backyard."

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And that is why we feel so strongly that wind power is a disaster-waiting-to-happen in this region.

The next time you are on the North Coast - stop in and say "Hi" to the fine folks at Magee. The Friends of Magee operate a gift shop, and the displays are a fascinating way to see birds up close.
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And while we all love to be at Magee for the spring warblers, migration is happening most of the year on the North Coast. It is a drama you'll not want to miss.

Getting By-

It has been a very long week since I posted last, and I am afraid I don't have much to share. But fortunately, I am going to "get by with a little help from my friends."

And with talented friends like these, one may wonder why I bother to post my own photos at all!





A stunning close-up of a Frosted Elfin, arguably one of the most difficult butterflies to see in Ohio. They are among our earliest butterflies, and mid to late April is the only time of year to see this one-brooded beauty. Jackie Riley, a butterfly transect volunteer at Kitty Todd, took this amazing close up. KT is the place to see Ohio's rarest butterflies- including the once extirpated Karner Blue- like the one in the photo I took for the top of this blog page. Both are found in the "Oaks" ecosystem, which harbors a host of unusual plants, butterflies and birds.



A "Blushing Grasshopper"? Maybe John Howard whispered an off-color joke in his ear (located on the leg of a long-horned grasshopper) before he snapped this photo. John always finds the most amazing creatures, and he is good for sharing caterpillar, flower or bug shots that are bound to make me smile. Today's oddity was no exception.



And birds...? If I had been out and about, I would have been thrilled with this Yellow-bellied Sapsucker taken by Dane Adams. Some guys have all the luck, but thankfully he is nice about photo-sharing too!
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So there you have it. Lots of amazing things are happening right now in Ohio, and botany is always a part of it! After all without lupines- no Frosted Elfins. That "Blusher" has certainly been eating some vegetable matter, and if you like Sapsuckers, start scouting around poison ivy berries. It is one of their favorite treats!
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Fortunately, even on those days we can't get outside, we can still get by- and get our nature fix- with a little help from our friends! Thanks for sharing!


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-For even better looks, click on the photos to enlarge.-