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Wildlife Watch at Merrimac Farm
| March 24, 2009 |
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Virginia bluebells are one of the prettiest and most popular wildflowers in Northern Virginia. Beginning in mid-April, bluebells light up riverbanks and announce that spring is here. At Merrimac Farm, one of the largest colonies of Virginia Bluebells in Northern Virginia carpet the floodplain along nearly one mile of Cedar Run, presenting a spectacular display of blue every year in mid-April. Click here to read more about the April 11 Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm! Photo by Bill Ryder |
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Colored red, white and blue, Eastern Bluebirds are a delight to see. In mid-1900's, bluebirds, habitat losses, pesticides and competition from introduced species resulted in the loss of suitable nesting sites and decreased populations of Bluebirds. They were rescued by birding enthusiasts who took direct action and provided nest boxes. Click here to read about our Bluebird Trail at Merrimac Farm. Photo by Bill Ryder |
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This is just one of the many Northern Cricket Frogs we found in a shallow ditch at the edge of the floodplain along the Bluebell Trail. Northern Cricket Frogs are very small, no more than an inch and a half long. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. The males usually appear around the same time Upland Chorus Frogs appear, which you can hear this week at Merrimac Farm. Photo by Kim Hosen |
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These Question Mark butterflies were in perfect condition and looked beautiful catching the rays of the sun. I saw at least four Question Mark butterflies, along the the Bluebell Trail at the edge of the floodplain and in the woods near the Stone House. All were in perfect condition and looked beautiful soaking up the spring sun. These orangish-brown or brownish-black butterflies, often mistaken for a dead leaf, are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Photo by Kim Hosen |
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This black racer snake was sunning the field behind the Stone House. Long, slender and generally very fast, the cool weather might explain why this one didn't take off immediately. Photo by Kim Hosen |
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Merrimac Farm wetlands are coming to life after a cold winter. Right now upland chorus frogs are calling. Soon, after breeding, they will disappear into the woods until next year. Spring beauties are beginning to bloom, the bluebells are up with flower buds that grow larger every day. Some butterflies can be seen on sunny days, a painted turtle was spotted in the pond and a small brown snake slithered away too quickly for a good look. It's a great time for a walk... the slower you go, the more you see. Photo by Kim Hosen |
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