Twenty folks showed up despite the threat of warm, spring-like weather—and were treated by a chilly, mostly overcast, wintery day and enjoyed exploring the fields and woods.
With the help of Zev, Ruby, Peyton and Landon the group discovered a great variety of overwintering insect larvae: all three types of Goldenrod galls: both European and Carolina Mantid casings; Tent caterpillar egg masses, Bag worm cases containing eggs and numerous moth and butterfly larvae attached to twigs with silk threads.
We also examined a number of plants and trees, their structure, buds and bark. We learned how Freddie and Alice met and took a ‘lichen’ to one another, examined acorns and walnuts as well as other berries and fruits that birds and other wildlife eat during the winter.
Attila helped us learn more about the operations of the Center, farm and early inhabitants of the area along Piney Run. We were thrilled to see a sure sign of Spring: Skunk Cabbages in bloom.
Although we were not searching for birds, we did see both Turkey and Black Vultures, flickers, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Song sparrows, Juncos, Robins and Bluebirds. As we neared the end of our walk we also got a very good look at several Hermit Thrushes flitting around Wortman Pond.
We hope to have everyone back for our next family excursion.