Nature Notes

The signs of spring are everywhere as Lake James State Park shrugs off the cold, dark days of winter and plants and animals emerge to greet the warming sun.

Believe it or not, the northward migration of birds reaches North Carolina even before the first of March, but numbers and diversity of species only grows as the calendar advances. Waterfowl will be at their peak numbers of the year during this period. Common loons and double-crested cormorants are especially numerous. These fish-eating, diving water birds look like ducks but are not related to that tribe. Loons are known for their haunting, melodic calls and beautiful black-and-white plumage during the breeding season. The loons that stop on Lake James for a spell will be heading to isolated lakes and ponds in Canada and northern tier states to build grass and reed nests next to the waterline. Cormorants are also heading north to breed, but they will nest in large colonies along the Atlantic coastline and Great Lakes.

Frogs, toads and salamanders are caught up in their own breeding cycles. Tiny spring peepers have been courting and laying eggs in shallow wetlands and ephemeral ponds for more than a month. Wood frogs and spotted salamanders are also quite content in below freezing temperatures overnight. Now that things have warmed up, these early egg-layers will be joined by American and Fowler’s toads, southern leopard frogs and a whole host of salamanders.

Aquatic turtles will also start making an appearance on warm, sunny days. Hikers on the Paddy’s Creek Trail and Mill’s Creek Loop should pay attention to fallen logs that stick out into the water, as these are favorite haul-out spots for sunbathing turtles.

As the ground gradually warms up, conditions will be right for spring wildflowers to emerge and bloom. Look for early spring beauties like windflower, dwarf iris, blue-eyed grass and trillium as you enjoy the season.

Hope to see you out on the trails!