Nature Note

What could be better than summer at Lake James? Sunny skies, emerald forests, clear, cool streams and a lake full of recreational possibilities. For those who take the time to look beyond the beach, sand, and waves, the natural world is overflowing in abundance.

A short hike along any of the park’s trails will reveal a seemingly endless list of plants, insects, reptiles and amphibians, birds and mammals.

Nesting season for birds has moved into the fledgling phase. Parent birds that have successfully hatched and reared their broods to the point of leaving the nest must try to provide food and shelter to their now independent-minded and adventurous offspring. That fledglings have achieved at least a rudimentary mastery of flight only adds to the similarities to teenagers with a new driver’s license. Leaving the nest and being functionally able to get around does not translate into full independence (see again human teenagers) and adult birds spend all of their waking hours foraging food and delivering it to their scattered offspring. Are you familiar with the phrase “herding cats”?

All this activity is even more remarkable when you consider that the vast majority of nesting attempts end up in failure. Breeding success studies on wild turkeys, which nest on the ground and lay large clutches of up to 12 eggs, prove the struggle is real. A staggering 70% of eggs do not survive to hatching. Bad weather events, inexperienced parents and egg-eating predators keep success rates low. For those that do hatch, another 70% will not make it to their first birthday. Annual brood surveys in western North Carolina have averaged between 1 and 2 poults per hen turkey that are still around by the end of August. It ain’t easy being a turkey.

All that to say, appreciate the life around you as you enjoy the outdoors. The fact there is so much of it here for us to enjoy is a testament to how special the protected areas around Lake James are and how critical they are to biodiversity and a healthy environment.

Until next time, see you out on the trail.