Blue Racer on Massasauga Trail March 15 2006

 

Blue Racer on Massasauga Trail 1

Weather

It’s a cold sunny day.

Snake Hunter

I’m looking to see if there are any snakes out sunning themselves. There on the eastside of the trail is what I’m looking for…a blue racer that’s 3 foot long. This is a pretty snake…if you like snakes. It’s not moving too much, well not until I get close to take a picture then he coils.

Racer live from 5 to 10 years and lay about 25 eggs in June or July.  Blue racer’s numbers are decreasing likely do to habitat loss and over hunting by humans.

Resources

Check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more information on Blue Racers.

Red Backed Salamander under log on turtle hill March 13 2006

  Red Backed Salamander under log on turtle hill March 13 2006

While doing some trail maintenance on turtle hill I find this 4 inch red backed salamander just taking it easy. About 2 feet away I also see another.

I wonder what they do all winter?

Lungs…who needs lungs?

This amphibian species is interesting because it doesen’t have any lungs. Red Backed salamanders breathe through their skin!

Resources

For more pictures and information go to USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

Turkey Vultures Return March 14 2006

5:10 pm:  I see my first two turkey vultures of 2006 tetering in the windy skies over the fen.  They have returned from their southward winter migration.  I use the 6 foot wingspan and dihedral (”V” form) wing shape to help identify them.  By riding thermals, these birds can stay in flight for 6 hours without flapping their wings.

Smelly Birds

Turkey vultures are one of the only birds in North America with a sense of smell.  

Antibacteria Skat

Vulture skat(poop) is actually a sanitizer. Their uric acid is so strong that it kills bacteria.

Resource

The Turkey Vulture Society is a great resource for turkey vulture facts.