tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43159238626088386192024-03-13T10:04:48.712-07:00Mid Atlantic NatureAn exploration of nature in the Mid Atlantic region.Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-34721892578782461312012-07-02T18:36:00.000-07:002012-07-02T18:41:09.181-07:00Major Announcement: The Launch of Maryland Biodiversity WebsiteHey everybody, I'm very excited to announce the launch of the Maryland Biodiversity Project. Bill Hubick and I have created a new web application that will explore all of Maryland's vast natural communities. The main goal of the project is to have a repository of species checklists where each organism will have photos and information on range, habitat, and identification.<br />
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We already have over 3000 species listed including all the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fishes. Invertebrates listed include all of the butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and crayfish. Other groups represented include the Silk, Sphinx, and Tiger Moths, all the ladybug species, the robber flies, and all the Tiger Beetles. Also included are all of Maryland's freshwater bivalves. We have roughly over 50% of all of Maryland's wild plants already listed with groups like orchids, violets, and the 246 species of sedges all represented in checklist form. <br />
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The website is growing fast and each day sees new photographs and species being uploaded. Many species still do not have photos, but as the project grows we hope to have most species photographed with all the pertinent information represented.<br />
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Without the help of many of Maryland's leading nature photographers this website would not be possible. Thanks to those already supporting the project during the initial design and testing <a href="http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewPhotographers.php">http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewPhotographers.php</a><br />
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As Bill has written on the Maryland Biodiversity website:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Maryland Biodiversity project will only reach its full potential with support from the many exceptional naturalists that explore Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. We welcome the contribution of photos/audio, and are interested in ideas or new data sets you might have.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharing photos will be the most common way to get involved. We link to photos on existing web site sites, and all photos used will display full credit and a very obvious link to your web site. The <a class="darkerText" href="http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewPhotographers.php" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; color: #0e3c74; font: normal normal normal 9pt/normal 'trebuchet ms', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Contributors</a> page lists all photographers, their web sites, and the number of photos used so far. Maryland photos get preferential treatment, but we will use photos from the wildlands surrounding us to ensure we build a full collection."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how you can help:</span><br />
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<ul class="mdb" style="display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc;">
<li class="mdb" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, please consider donating to <a class="darkerText" href="https://www.abcbirds.org/membership/donate.cfm" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; color: #0e3c74; font: normal normal normal 9pt/normal 'trebuchet ms', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">American Bird Conservancy</a> and/or the <a class="darkerText" href="http://md.audubon.org/important-bird-areas-and-bird-blitzes" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; color: #0e3c74; font: normal normal normal 9pt/normal 'trebuchet ms', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Maryland Important Bird Area (IBA) program</a>. Our collective top priority has to be ensuring all of the species cataloged on this site are still here for generations to come.</span></li>
<li class="mdb" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please do not send us photos as attachments or promote the use of any specific photo. We are committed to objectively assembling a high quality collection of photos, and explaining our decisions on individual photos would be stressful and exhausting.</span></li>
<li class="mdb" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please DO send us a link to your photo site and specify one of the following: 1) Open use welcome for MD Biodiversity project, or 2) that you're interested in sharing, but please check in before using any specific photos. We always provide photo credit and will never offer use of your photos to outside parties.</span></li>
<li class="mdb" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a collection of digital images you'd like to share, but no web site, we can work with you to get a CD or set up a Google Docs folder.</span></li>
<li class="mdb" style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a large web site and want to highlight photos that you think are especially fitting for the project, feel free to create a "MD Biodiversity" or "MDB" gallery.</span></li>
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Bill and I are very excited about this new project and we hope that it brings new insights into the plants and animals with which we share our wonderful state of Maryland.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/">www.marylandbiodiversity.com</a></span><br />
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<br />Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-30603631278913671042012-06-22T04:29:00.000-07:002012-06-22T04:29:51.804-07:00The Celithemis Dragonflies of the Mid Atlantic RegionSome of my favorite dragonflies belong to the genus <i>Celithemis</i>. Flying throughout the summer, these showy dragonflies are called Pennants. In the Mid Atlantic region there are eight species and they are usually fairly common if you seek them out in the correct habitats. Below I will describe all eight species.<br />
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<b>Calico Pennant (<i>Celithemis elisa</i>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3ZvCzFHLn0/T-OwyuBGLAI/AAAAAAAAGr4/8t8o464zVf4/s1600/WayneNationalForest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3ZvCzFHLn0/T-OwyuBGLAI/AAAAAAAAGr4/8t8o464zVf4/s640/WayneNationalForest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Calico Pennant, Wayne National Forest Services</div>
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Calico Pennants are arguably the most common of the <i>Celithemis </i>dragonflies. They have a long flight period that ranges from May into September depending on the locale. They can be found throughout the Mid Atlantic around lakes and other bodies of still freshwater. Males are easily distinguished from other pennants by the extensive red wing coloration and the red diamonds on the black abdomen.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jPZLi7C3BY/T-OyfMnIA3I/AAAAAAAAGsA/mdAUDzt3ugo/s1600/545221973_6bafd9aa5b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jPZLi7C3BY/T-OyfMnIA3I/AAAAAAAAGsA/mdAUDzt3ugo/s640/545221973_6bafd9aa5b_o.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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Photo: Calico Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Females are a little more tricky but still fairly easy to identify. Females are colored black and yellow. The wing pattern is the same as the males but the color is much more yellow and the abdomen diamonds are also yellow.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbc0GlEpmfs/T-O0-ylj0fI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/-A6cGecOeds/s1600/calicopennent.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbc0GlEpmfs/T-O0-ylj0fI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/-A6cGecOeds/s640/calicopennent.3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Calico Pennant, Jim Brighton</div>
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The only other female pennant with black wing tips is the Halloween Pennant. That said, the wing patterns are way different and with a little practice the two species can be easily differentiated in the field.</div>
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<b>Halloween Pennant (<i>Celithemis eponina</i>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37ZuCNBJRY4/T-O4Z6e09II/AAAAAAAAGsc/IeVlaLQvqwA/s1600/vicky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37ZuCNBJRY4/T-O4Z6e09II/AAAAAAAAGsc/IeVlaLQvqwA/s640/vicky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Halloween Pennant, Vicki Deloach</div>
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Halloween Pennants are also common dragonflies that are found throughout the Mid Atlantic. Their flight period is a little later than Calico Pennants with flights starting in June through the beginning of September. Unlike the Calico Pennant their wing markings are smaller and more spread out across the wing. Males are typically more reddish than the females which usually have a more brownish yellow tinge.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih_zxdSm86Q/T-PBW2OimFI/AAAAAAAAGso/HAFHudJdA6g/s1600/3768092698_88e4ab7587_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ih_zxdSm86Q/T-PBW2OimFI/AAAAAAAAGso/HAFHudJdA6g/s640/3768092698_88e4ab7587_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photo: Breeding Halloween Pennants, Douglas Mills</div>
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In the above photo the male is the top bug and you can see the more reddish coloration compared to the dingier looking female. Like most of the <i>Celithemis </i>dragonflies Halloween Pennants can be found around freshwater lakes and marshes.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlIScq6UdHo/T-PCYVCkucI/AAAAAAAAGsw/ZxYUbYzzijQ/s1600/278597194_652622dcbe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlIScq6UdHo/T-PCYVCkucI/AAAAAAAAGsw/ZxYUbYzzijQ/s640/278597194_652622dcbe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Halloween Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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<b>Ornate Pennant (<i>Celithemis ornata</i>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NruynvEi60/T-PFrx-wzAI/AAAAAAAAGs8/gtQLgMLa-0E/s1600/3670091243_085783fa08_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NruynvEi60/T-PFrx-wzAI/AAAAAAAAGs8/gtQLgMLa-0E/s640/3670091243_085783fa08_o.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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Photo: Ornate Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Ornate Pennants are small <i>Celthemis </i>that in the Mid Atlantic are found from New Jersey south through North Carolina. Not nearly as common as the previous two species, Ornate Pennants can be found in still freshwater lakes and marshes with lots of vegetation. Unlike Halloween and Calico Pennants, Ornate Pennants lack extensive wing markings, but they are very similar to Amanda's Pennant. Amanda's Pennant has the same type of wing marking but unlike the Ornate Pennant the wing marking goes almost all the way down to the lower wing edge. As you can see in the above and below photo Ornate Pennants have a definite clear area between the bottom of the wing and the beginning of the wing marking.</div>
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Photo: Ornate Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Like the other pennants, the males are more brightly colored with reddish wing markings and red diamonds that run down a black abdomen.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7H01jFsn2OQ/T-PJNyR6_3I/AAAAAAAAGtQ/wFUhpttnyEs/s1600/3670896710_515f398b8b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7H01jFsn2OQ/T-PJNyR6_3I/AAAAAAAAGtQ/wFUhpttnyEs/s640/3670896710_515f398b8b_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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Photo: Ornate Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Ornate Pennant is also known as Faded Pennant and in Maryland they are know to hybridize with Martha's Pennant.</div>
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<b>Amanda's Pennant (<i>Celithemis amanda</i>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKg7TlwnfXs/T-PK8UFS0sI/AAAAAAAAGtY/MBGSZ3-MTZE/s1600/2203118842_57a0c1ef19_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKg7TlwnfXs/T-PK8UFS0sI/AAAAAAAAGtY/MBGSZ3-MTZE/s640/2203118842_57a0c1ef19_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Amanda's Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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In the Mid Atlantic, Amanda's Pennants are only found in North Carolina. This species is the smallest of the <i>Celithemis.</i> They frequent vegetated freshwater lakes and are only found along the coastal plain. As noted above, Amanda's Pennant is very similar to Ornate Pennant, but a good look at the wing marking should allow the observer a positive id. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6T2LtVIKpM/T-PMPs8bwwI/AAAAAAAAGtg/CgRqRylzz6I/s1600/Amanda's.BillHubick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6T2LtVIKpM/T-PMPs8bwwI/AAAAAAAAGtg/CgRqRylzz6I/s640/Amanda's.BillHubick.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Amanda's Pennant, Bill Hubick</div>
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As you can see in the above photo, the wing markings almost extend the entire width of the wing unlike the Ornate Pennant which has a noticeably larger clear area between the wing markings and the bottom edge of the wing.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYMt_vksGvI/T-PQi4y6omI/AAAAAAAAGts/LUJkpQAliu4/s1600/5959061113_9e137a81d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYMt_vksGvI/T-PQi4y6omI/AAAAAAAAGts/LUJkpQAliu4/s640/5959061113_9e137a81d4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Amanda's Pennant, Mary Keim</div>
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Like many of the other pennants, the male has deep red wing markings and red spots down a black abdomen.</div>
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<b>Red-veined Pennant (<i>Celithemis bertha</i>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xv9tDHfFy1I/T-PTOVFQP8I/AAAAAAAAGt4/yjWqn8UgyNE/s1600/5641851963_468a729cfc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xv9tDHfFy1I/T-PTOVFQP8I/AAAAAAAAGt4/yjWqn8UgyNE/s640/5641851963_468a729cfc_b.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Photo: Red-veined Pennant, Dan Irizarry</div>
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In the Mid Atlantic, Red-veined Pennants are only found in North Carolina and extreme southeastern Virginia. More common on the coastal plain, these bright red pennants can also be found less commonly in the piedmont. They prefer very shallow vegetated small lakes. Red-veined Pennants can easily be identified by the bright red veins on the leading edge of their wings.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A_h15ua4z4/T-PUNYoU_MI/AAAAAAAAGuA/an8sizZSw-Y/s1600/3670091521_7a00706d04_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A_h15ua4z4/T-PUNYoU_MI/AAAAAAAAGuA/an8sizZSw-Y/s640/3670091521_7a00706d04_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Red-veined Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Unlike the previously mentioned species, Red-veined Pennants do not have extensive or large wing markings.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlAhGuuwNW4/T-PUrw72raI/AAAAAAAAGuI/7FL-zoofYOo/s1600/5654958642_855c38b0fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlAhGuuwNW4/T-PUrw72raI/AAAAAAAAGuI/7FL-zoofYOo/s640/5654958642_855c38b0fc_b.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Photo: Red-veined Pennant, Dan Irizarry</div>
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The above photo is a young male whose coloration hasn't changed to the deep red of an adult. Females are very similar in appearance except they typically lack the dark wing vein coloration. Females look similar to the other yellow female pennants except they lack large wing markings. A female Red-veined Pennant has two small round areas on the lower wing that hug the abdomen. This should differentiate them from all other female pennant species.</div>
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<b>Banded Pennant (<i>Celithemis fasciatus</i>)</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKW5IYovgHo/T-PgmLkzpWI/AAAAAAAAGu0/SqDfM7czGC4/s1600/2730908268_1756b239e5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKW5IYovgHo/T-PgmLkzpWI/AAAAAAAAGu0/SqDfM7czGC4/s640/2730908268_1756b239e5_o.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
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Photo: Banded Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Banded Pennants are one of my favorite dragonflies. Unlike the other pennants described above both the male and female have a more blue black coloration. Banded Pennants can be found through the Mid Atlantic at lakes and ponds. The males blue body with extensive wing markings is diagnostic which makes identification very easy.</div>
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Photo: Banded Pennant, Vicki Deloach</div>
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The female Banded Pennant has yellow spots that run down the abdomen along with yellow on the thorax. This color scheme coupled with the extensive black wing markings is unique and once again makes for easy identification.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReLWc9b4lm0/T-PiiOQU0cI/AAAAAAAAGvE/fh7WVAgjZHk/s1600/677756661_c84c78e7d9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ReLWc9b4lm0/T-PiiOQU0cI/AAAAAAAAGvE/fh7WVAgjZHk/s640/677756661_c84c78e7d9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Banded Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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<b>Martha's Pennant (<i>Celithemis martha</i>)</b></div>
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Martha's Pennant is a small pennant with a more northerly range than most of the <i>Celthemis</i> pennants.</div>
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With a few records from Virginia and only a couple populations in Maryland, Martha's Pennant becomes very common in New Jersey and then once again becomes uncommon in New York and northward. Like the Banded Pennant, the male has a blue body but only has two wing markings that hug the abdomen on the lower wing.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucFlfFtQrx4/T-PlQE5BuqI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/rprcJ524H60/s1600/677774093_a36ddb6bed_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucFlfFtQrx4/T-PlQE5BuqI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/rprcJ524H60/s640/677774093_a36ddb6bed_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Martha's Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Female Martha's Pennants are more yellowish with yellow on the sides of the thorax and yellow spots that run down the back of a black abdomen. The females wing markings match the males in size but are more yellow in coloration.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwHYX2RZxpQ/T-Pl6vfoARI/AAAAAAAAGvY/LQvYId8MuuY/s1600/678636782_b869c9a43a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwHYX2RZxpQ/T-Pl6vfoARI/AAAAAAAAGvY/LQvYId8MuuY/s640/678636782_b869c9a43a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Martha's Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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Like most other pennants they can be found at still freshwater lakes with lots of vegetation.</div>
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<b>Double-ringed Pennant (<i>Celithemis verna</i>)</b></div>
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Double-ringed Pennants can be found from New Jersey south through the Mid Atlantic into the Carolinas and beyond. Like Banded and Martha's Pennants, the Double-ringed Pennant male is all blue, but is different in that the bug has two very small markings on the lower wings that hug the abdomen.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7grjV3PhEI/T-PnU8BMPlI/AAAAAAAAGvg/B-wJ4qwx6PM/s1600/1132655079_c4e027d888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7grjV3PhEI/T-PnU8BMPlI/AAAAAAAAGvg/B-wJ4qwx6PM/s640/1132655079_c4e027d888_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Double-ringed Pennant, Steve Collins</div>
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As you can see in the above photo, the wing markings are very small. Double-ringed Pennants have the smallest wing markings of any of the <i>Celithemis </i>pennants. The female and young males have one distinguishing feature that is unique and makes for easy identification. They have two yellow rings around the abdomen. This feature is easily seen in the photo below.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y35hj7FLo1Y/T-PoWcRGCHI/AAAAAAAAGvo/xImBTgoOYno/s1600/7160037884_db2d3225f7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y35hj7FLo1Y/T-PoWcRGCHI/AAAAAAAAGvo/xImBTgoOYno/s640/7160037884_db2d3225f7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Double-ringed Pennant, Dan Irizarry</div>
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I would like to thank all the photographers who made this post possible, especially Steve Collins who graciously opened up his photo coffers for the taking. Please go to their websites and check out their incredible photography.</div>
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Steve Collins -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/odephoto/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/odephoto/</a></div>
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Dan Irizarry -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/danirizarry/</a></div>
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Vicki Deloach -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vickisnature/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/vickisnature/</a></div>
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Douglas Mills -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmills727/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmills727/</a></div>
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Bill Hubick -- <a href="http://www.billhubick.com/">http://www.billhubick.com/</a></div>
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For more information on Dragonflies in Maryland I highly recommend Richard Orr's website which contains great photos and a wealth of checklists -- <a href="http://www.marylandinsects.com/index.html">http://www.marylandinsects.com/index.html</a></div>
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<br /></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-21952979480815284262012-06-12T15:53:00.000-07:002012-06-12T15:53:15.711-07:00Invasive Species - Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)Normally when one thinks of invasive species the large showy in your face species come to mind like Garlic Mustard, House Sparrows, or Snakeheads. But some invasive species most people would never notice. The Rusty Crayfish is one such species. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnaSF3GbhLY/T9e1xkX3lzI/AAAAAAAAGqo/hAn1P8n4txc/s1600/Rusty+Crayfish.Ashour+Rehana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FnaSF3GbhLY/T9e1xkX3lzI/AAAAAAAAGqo/hAn1P8n4txc/s640/Rusty+Crayfish.Ashour+Rehana.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rusty Crayfish, Ashour Rehana</div>
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The Rusty Crayfish is an aggressive species of crayfish with a voracious appetite. This species of crayfish eats almost anything. Here is a list of the Rusty Crayfishes diet; small fish, fish eggs, other species of crayfish, aquatic worms, snails, leeches, fresh water molluscs, aquatic insects like mayflies, stoneflies, midges, other crustaceans, decaying plants and animals, bacteria and fungi, and live aquatic plants. The Rusty Crayfish is a serious omnivore! The metabolism of the Rusty Crayfish is much higher than our native species of crayfish which causes the Rusty Crayfish to have a much stronger appetite. When surveys were done in the Monocacy River watershed where the Rusty Crayfish was first observed, no other crayfish were caught during the study, but down river of the Rusty Crayfish population many native crayfish were observed. Of all the horrible impacts that the Rusty Cray can have on the environment, the two things that bother me the most are that they eat aquatic vegetation and they eat fresh water molluscs.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9be4FlY5UA/T9e5-uVOJ4I/AAAAAAAAGq0/XCzLYcBRgbM/s1600/RustyCrayfish.Ashour+rehana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9be4FlY5UA/T9e5-uVOJ4I/AAAAAAAAGq0/XCzLYcBRgbM/s640/RustyCrayfish.Ashour+rehana.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rusty Crayfish, Ashour Rehana</div>
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Rusty Crayfish eat aquatic vegetation by pulling the plant up by its roots. This completely kills the plant. Entire stretches of streams can become plant free causing erosion and water quality to plummet. Once riverbeds are free of native aquatic plants non-native species have an easier time of taking over. Explosions of invasive plants like Eurasian Watermilfoil usually follow in the footsteps of a Rusty Crayfish introduction.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVc3AfWHHs8/T9e7sN6i70I/AAAAAAAAGq8/5N8eP4-QjDM/s1600/800px-Eurasian_water_milfoil_(Desbarats_R)_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVc3AfWHHs8/T9e7sN6i70I/AAAAAAAAGq8/5N8eP4-QjDM/s640/800px-Eurasian_water_milfoil_(Desbarats_R)_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eurasian Watermilfoil, Wiki pages</div>
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In Maryland over 70% of the native freshwater molluscs are endangered. Most of the time we can blame water pollution for our molluscs problems, but when you add an over eager, super hungry, demon crayfish to the molluscs problems they don't really stand a chance. This scares me greatly.</div>
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In June of 2007 while conducting stream surveys along Marsh Creek, a tributary of the Monocacy River, Maryland DNR discovered the first Rusty Crayfish in Maryland waters. Soon after the Marsh Creek population was discovered another population was found along Conowingo Creek in the lower Susquehanna River. Recent surveys have found them at the mouth of Antietem Creek on the Potomac River.</div>
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So, how did they get here. From everything that I have read, it sounds like the crayfish migrated south from Pennsylvania following the Monocacy River. The Susquehanna and Antietem Creek populations may have been caused by fisherman. Rusty Crayfish were once regularly used as bait. Unused bait could have been thrown overboard as a means of disposal. It is now illegal in Maryland to have Rusty Crayfish in your possession.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIku9goj0Xo/T9e-evbtG5I/AAAAAAAAGrI/RSJS56PbWh4/s1600/web_distributionMap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIku9goj0Xo/T9e-evbtG5I/AAAAAAAAGrI/RSJS56PbWh4/s1600/web_distributionMap.gif" /></a></div>
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Range map of Rusty Crayfish, University of Minnesota</div>
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As you can see from the above map, the Rusty Crayfish is native to certain parts of the Ohio River and its tributaries, but it has spread throughout the east and even into certain portions of the western United States. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5z4TXcDaA4/T9e_l_3OEfI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/N01Mm_d9Mkg/s1600/Orusticus4_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5z4TXcDaA4/T9e_l_3OEfI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/N01Mm_d9Mkg/s640/Orusticus4_medium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rusty Crayfish, University of Michigan</div>
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Recognizing this alien species is really easy. Even though the Rusty Crayfish can come in many different colors (like many crayfish) there are a few distinguishing marks that make identification rather easy. Firstly, the rusty splotch just forward of the tail and above the legs on the carapace is diagnostic. Other distinguishing marks include claws that are relatively large and smooth that lack any large bumps and the tips of the claws have black bands. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6-Cyq9WzFw/T9fB1ix0p-I/AAAAAAAAGro/AIpZbkUYpHs/s1600/rusticus_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6-Cyq9WzFw/T9fB1ix0p-I/AAAAAAAAGro/AIpZbkUYpHs/s640/rusticus_medium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rusty Crayfish, University of Michigan</div>
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Maryland DNR asks that anyone who discovers a Rusty Crayfish to catch the animal and freeze it. Make sure you write down the exact location of where the crayfish was discovered and contact them as soon as possible. Lets hope that we can contain this invasive species and that it doesn't reek to much havoc on our sensitive freshwater streams.</div>
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I would like to thank the Universities of Michigan and Minnesota for allowing the use of photos and maps. Their websites contain lots of information that I haven't discussed that is very interesting and scary.</div>
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<a href="http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/rustycrayfish_invader">http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/ais/rustycrayfish_invader</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/3481/Orconectes_rusticus/pictures/">http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/3481/Orconectes_rusticus/pictures/</a></div>
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The military even has a website about the Rusty Crayfish's destructiveness.</div>
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<a href="http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/ansrp/ANSIS/html/orconectes_rusticus_rusty_crayfish.htm">http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/ansrp/ANSIS/html/orconectes_rusticus_rusty_crayfish.htm</a></div>
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Most states that have Rusty Crayfish invasions have detailed websites. Maryland's is especially informative.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/archived_invaders/archived_invaders_2007_11.html">http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/archived_invaders/archived_invaders_2007_11.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dnr.state.md.us/invasives/RustyCrayfishBrochure.pdf">http://www.dnr.state.md.us/invasives/RustyCrayfishBrochure.pdf</a></div>
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Finally, I would like to thank Ashour Rehana for his great photos. His Flickr site can be viewed at </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/arehana/page2/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/arehana/page2/</a></div>
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<br /></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-663087641820046042012-06-06T17:25:00.000-07:002012-06-06T17:25:00.774-07:00New Photo SiteFor the past seven years I have used Smugmug to host my nature photography. Smugmug is a great platform for the world to see your photos. The freedom the website allows their subscribers is wonderful and their tech support is excellent. Over the past year I became very disillusioned with my Smugmug site mainly due to the amount and quality of the photos that I had posted. I would become lost and frustrated on my own site. So, over the past couple weeks I have created a new site that is hosted by Picasa. I have cut the amount of posted photos by half and I feel the site has a very clean and organized look. To view my photos go to<br />
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<a href="http://www.picasaweb.google.com/jimbrighton3">www.picasaweb.google.com/jimbrighton3</a><br />
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I hope that everyone that goes to my site will enjoy the photographs as much as I do. Below I am going to post my favorite photo from each of my galleries on my Picasa photo website.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_G0zef1X_Q/T8_osGPlTkI/AAAAAAAAGOE/ylpUW-DNgbo/s1600/GHGull30.Paracas.0709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_G0zef1X_Q/T8_osGPlTkI/AAAAAAAAGOE/ylpUW-DNgbo/s640/GHGull30.Paracas.0709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gray-hooded Gull - Paracas, Peru. From my Birds Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCd1nfyPXCs/T8_pLOYEtdI/AAAAAAAAGOM/8PSxzFXS2PE/s1600/BigHornSheep2.GuanellaPassColorado.042206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCd1nfyPXCs/T8_pLOYEtdI/AAAAAAAAGOM/8PSxzFXS2PE/s640/BigHornSheep2.GuanellaPassColorado.042206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Big Horn Sheep - Guanella Pass, Colorado. From my Mammals Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlklUGf859c/T8_pysAPzYI/AAAAAAAAGOU/0J1O5J_1xxA/s1600/BlackRacereatingToad.IdylwildWMA,062610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PlklUGf859c/T8_pysAPzYI/AAAAAAAAGOU/0J1O5J_1xxA/s640/BlackRacereatingToad.IdylwildWMA,062610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Black Racer - Caroline County, MD. From my Reptiles Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TepoP3uYesw/T8_qn-9X8fI/AAAAAAAAGOo/D6Xg8TtQr_k/s1600/NorthernCricketFrog.IdylwildWMA.101009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TepoP3uYesw/T8_qn-9X8fI/AAAAAAAAGOo/D6Xg8TtQr_k/s640/NorthernCricketFrog.IdylwildWMA.101009.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
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Northern Cricket Frog - Caroline County, MD. From my Amphibians Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqIJQOhCA8s/T8_rLSPYBlI/AAAAAAAAGOw/0lmBdq1M2FI/s1600/Viceroycaterpillar.hartmillerisland.083109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqIJQOhCA8s/T8_rLSPYBlI/AAAAAAAAGOw/0lmBdq1M2FI/s640/Viceroycaterpillar.hartmillerisland.083109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Viceroy caterpillar - Hart Miller Island, MD. From my Butterflies (minus skippers) Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXkgwL2vWvI/T8_r2QP_XwI/AAAAAAAAGO4/HvXSCAnIk3Y/s1600/SilverSpottedSkipper.TuckahoeSPQACo.060510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXkgwL2vWvI/T8_r2QP_XwI/AAAAAAAAGO4/HvXSCAnIk3Y/s640/SilverSpottedSkipper.TuckahoeSPQACo.060510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Silver-spotted Skippers - Tuckahoe SP, MD. From my Skippers Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryTp6MqnxiQ/T8_sNchSFHI/AAAAAAAAGPE/C62mX86kVJc/s1600/Himmelman'sPlumeMoth(Geina+tenuidactylus).1000AcreHeathMaine.070410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ryTp6MqnxiQ/T8_sNchSFHI/AAAAAAAAGPE/C62mX86kVJc/s640/Himmelman'sPlumeMoth(Geina+tenuidactylus).1000AcreHeathMaine.070410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Himmelman's Plume Moth - 1000 Acre Heath, ME. From my Moths Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jdaRY4POk0/T8_stVP49jI/AAAAAAAAGPM/pmCXjRbUSQo/s1600/Gallinipper2+(Psorophora+ciliata).Pickeringcreek.100309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jdaRY4POk0/T8_stVP49jI/AAAAAAAAGPM/pmCXjRbUSQo/s640/Gallinipper2+(Psorophora+ciliata).Pickeringcreek.100309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gallinipper Mosquito - Talbot County, MD. From my Insects Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVq6fBvIsm4/T8_tIwlQyfI/AAAAAAAAGPU/X39qhSSczXg/s1600/BlueeyedMeadowhawk.JacksonLaneCarolineCo.100408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVq6fBvIsm4/T8_tIwlQyfI/AAAAAAAAGPU/X39qhSSczXg/s640/BlueeyedMeadowhawk.JacksonLaneCarolineCo.100408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blue-faced Meadowhawks - Caroline County, MD. From my Dragonflies Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfHUGkAHIWo/T8_thV9M_jI/AAAAAAAAGPc/tMpAXuCVEAs/s1600/PaintedDamsel.parkercreekAZ.080408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfHUGkAHIWo/T8_thV9M_jI/AAAAAAAAGPc/tMpAXuCVEAs/s640/PaintedDamsel.parkercreekAZ.080408.jpg" width="620" /></a></div>
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Painted Damsel - Parker Creek, AZ. From my Damselflies Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Edca9J7Sk/T8_uB3mzj8I/AAAAAAAAGPk/HPTC74OUQNo/s1600/LateLowbushBlueberry(Vaccinium+angustifolium).GladesGarrettCo.072008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Edca9J7Sk/T8_uB3mzj8I/AAAAAAAAGPk/HPTC74OUQNo/s640/LateLowbushBlueberry(Vaccinium+angustifolium).GladesGarrettCo.072008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Late Lowbush Blueberry - Garrett County, MD. From my Trees and Shrubs Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0A3HCSIqTg/T8_u4nhpFSI/AAAAAAAAGQA/8UezWdqxPuc/s1600/climbingfern(Lygodium+palmatum).severnrun.062009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0A3HCSIqTg/T8_u4nhpFSI/AAAAAAAAGQA/8UezWdqxPuc/s640/climbingfern(Lygodium+palmatum).severnrun.062009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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American Climbing Fern - Anne Arundel County, MD. From My Ferns and Fern Allies Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZmG-0ZS6hc/T8_vjNrHMWI/AAAAAAAAGQI/BniDGArq9mI/s1600/Seasideamaranth.assateague.080909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZmG-0ZS6hc/T8_vjNrHMWI/AAAAAAAAGQI/BniDGArq9mI/s640/Seasideamaranth.assateague.080909.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seaside Amaranth - Worcester County, MD. From my Flowering Plants Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVzX_8JBwAU/T8_wHR7ctcI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/tntFNA3hLv0/s1600/LargeTwayblade.4HCamp.061111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nVzX_8JBwAU/T8_wHR7ctcI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/tntFNA3hLv0/s640/LargeTwayblade.4HCamp.061111.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Large Twayblade - Garrett County, MD. From my Orchids Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjM6juJlKI8/T8_wrICvVEI/AAAAAAAAGQc/AxiPUhMnaO0/s1600/NorthernPitcherPlant(Sarracenia+purpurea).FooksRdWicomicoCo.072708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjM6juJlKI8/T8_wrICvVEI/AAAAAAAAGQc/AxiPUhMnaO0/s640/NorthernPitcherPlant(Sarracenia+purpurea).FooksRdWicomicoCo.072708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Northern Pitcher Plants, Wicomico County, MD. From my Carnivorous Plants Gallery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5upDV6s42T8/T8_xaHnDrRI/AAAAAAAAGQk/cFiO84dfgGY/s1600/Flamingosunset.EvergladesNP.010710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5upDV6s42T8/T8_xaHnDrRI/AAAAAAAAGQk/cFiO84dfgGY/s640/Flamingosunset.EvergladesNP.010710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sunset - Flamingo, FL. From my Landscapes Gallery</div>
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And finally because they are both new daddies. From my soon to be made People Gallery, Bill and Hans from 2007 at Monteverde, Costa Rica.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9c1Fm0gGcLs/T8_zKdCn5SI/AAAAAAAAGQs/VjlhC-avYdw/s1600/HansBillmonteverde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9c1Fm0gGcLs/T8_zKdCn5SI/AAAAAAAAGQs/VjlhC-avYdw/s640/HansBillmonteverde.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once again, my new photo site can be viewed at <a href="http://www.picasaweb.google.com/jimbrighton3">www.picasaweb.google.com/jimbrighton3</a></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-67133506051148782252012-05-16T18:09:00.002-07:002012-05-16T18:43:15.544-07:00How to Identify the White Violets of the Mid Atlantic RegionI have received many requests asking that I continue with the identification of the rest of the violets of the Mid Atlantic. I had to choose between the nine species of white violet or the 34 species of blue violet. I chose the easy way out and decided to continue with a post on how to identify the white violets of the Mid Atlantic region. <br />
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One of the first identification points to look for when identifying violets is to see whether the plant is stemmed or unstemmed. Stemmed means that the flower and leaves share the same stem. Unstemmed means that the flower and leaves have their own individual stems. Of the nine white violets that grow in our region only two species are stemmed.<br />
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<b><i>Viola canadensis</i> (Canadian White Violet)</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfSY6ghnkiU/T7QwwVfZtpI/AAAAAAAADlc/DtqPOtGNXlY/s1600/Viola+canadensis3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LfSY6ghnkiU/T7QwwVfZtpI/AAAAAAAADlc/DtqPOtGNXlY/s640/Viola+canadensis3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola canadensis</i>, Gravitywave</div>
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<i>Viola canadensis</i> is a stemmed violet that is very easy to identify. It is one of the taller violets, ranging in size from 6 -14". The yellow center of the flower is diagnostic as is the purplish coloration on the back of the top petals.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkw_0dEnWbE/T7Qx7cPaf0I/AAAAAAAADlk/5VAMtUMRzEA/s1600/TallWhiteVioletpurplishbackpetal.AviltonLaconingRd.052211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkw_0dEnWbE/T7Qx7cPaf0I/AAAAAAAADlk/5VAMtUMRzEA/s640/TallWhiteVioletpurplishbackpetal.AviltonLaconingRd.052211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola canadensis</i>, Jim Brighton</div>
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<i>Viola canadensis</i> is absent from the coastal plain but can be found in the piedmont and mountains of all the states in the Mid Atlantic region. It is endangered in New Jersey.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxDYi1ghHjQ/T7QyqQ5qD6I/AAAAAAAADls/eQ04McYxC8g/s1600/VICA4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxDYi1ghHjQ/T7QyqQ5qD6I/AAAAAAAADls/eQ04McYxC8g/s400/VICA4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map for <i>Viola canadensis</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aTZfe8po-M/T7Qy9RHfmBI/AAAAAAAADl0/5_VrVNC17b8/s1600/Viola+canadensis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aTZfe8po-M/T7Qy9RHfmBI/AAAAAAAADl0/5_VrVNC17b8/s640/Viola+canadensis1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola canadensis</i>, Kent McFarland</div>
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<b><i>Viola striata</i> (Striped Cream Violet)</b></div>
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<i>Viola striata</i> is our other stemmed white violet. It is easy to identify because the flowers are heavily bearded and do not have yellow centers or purplish backs to the top petals.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_NnEDB-NJw/T7Q0irNMBFI/AAAAAAAADl8/34s0VdEBF4o/s1600/CreamyViolet2(Viola+striata).GreenridgeSP.042310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_NnEDB-NJw/T7Q0irNMBFI/AAAAAAAADl8/34s0VdEBF4o/s640/CreamyViolet2(Viola+striata).GreenridgeSP.042310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola striata</i>, Jim Brighton</div>
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<i>Viola striata</i> is very uncommon on the coastal plain and becomes more common in the piedmont and mountains throughout the Mid Atlantic region.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDOHn4cpuzI/T7Q1ZpDYzOI/AAAAAAAADmE/AY6N8q_viKk/s1600/VIST3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDOHn4cpuzI/T7Q1ZpDYzOI/AAAAAAAADmE/AY6N8q_viKk/s400/VIST3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map of <i>Viola striata</i></div>
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The remaining species of violets are unstemmed. We will start out with the two toughest species to identify <i>Viola blanda</i> and <i>Viola macloskeyi</i>. These violets are very similar with only slight differences.</div>
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<b><i>Viola blanda</i> (Sweet White Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sad300Y-W5M/T7Q3K9a0LEI/AAAAAAAADmU/cw9kyi78KWE/s1600/Viola+blanda3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sad300Y-W5M/T7Q3K9a0LEI/AAAAAAAADmU/cw9kyi78KWE/s640/Viola+blanda3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola blanda</i>, Stan Lockwood</div>
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<i>Viola blanda</i> is a small unstemmed violet that grows in rich woodlands throughout the Mid Atlantic. The small white flowers typically have the top two petals reflexed and twisted. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt56A5V0eVk/T7Q4D99ebuI/AAAAAAAADmc/-DxINlEAr7s/s1600/Viola+blanda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt56A5V0eVk/T7Q4D99ebuI/AAAAAAAADmc/-DxINlEAr7s/s640/Viola+blanda1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola blanda</i>, Squamatologist</div>
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Another important identification point is that the stem of <i>Viola blanda</i> is usually reddish. The leaves of <i>Viola blanda</i> are cordate. Cordate means heart-shaped unlike the leaves of <i>Viola macloskeyi</i> which are more ovate to orbicular. Ovate means shaped like an egg and orbicular means very rounded. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzOhrmoWEnw/T7Q6fSFvK2I/AAAAAAAADmo/UblhqGYZveA/s1600/VIBL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rzOhrmoWEnw/T7Q6fSFvK2I/AAAAAAAADmo/UblhqGYZveA/s400/VIBL.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map for <i>Viola blanda</i>.</div>
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<i>Viola blanda</i> can be found sporadically on the coastal plain and becomes more common in the piedmont and mountains throughout the Mid Atlantic.</div>
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<b><i>Viola macloskeyi</i> (Northern White Violet)</b></div>
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As stated above, <i>Viola macloskeyi</i> and <i>Viola blanda</i> are very similar. <i>Viola macloskeyi</i> is very small, unstemmed, and typically grows in wetter environments than <i>Viola blanda</i>. It is a violet of bog edges and the website Northern Ontario Flora states that this violet especially likes to grow in wet alder thickets.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KmWTYiD72Q/T7Q8PaZ_UaI/AAAAAAAADmw/kfDclXEDTw0/s1600/Viola+macloskeyi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KmWTYiD72Q/T7Q8PaZ_UaI/AAAAAAAADmw/kfDclXEDTw0/s640/Viola+macloskeyi1.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola macloskeyi</i>, Tom Palmer</div>
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Unlike <i>Viola blanda</i>, the stems of <i>Viola macloskeyi </i>are mostly green but they can have red hints. The upper flower petals of <i>Viola macloskeyi</i> are not twisted but can be reflexed. The leaves of <i>Viola macloskeyi</i> are more ovate/orbicular than cordate, meaning the leaves are more egg-shaped/circular than heart-shaped.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0w5r1xUtPEU/T7Q9koaDkdI/AAAAAAAADm4/NGrEsyUIcYU/s1600/Viola+macloskeyi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0w5r1xUtPEU/T7Q9koaDkdI/AAAAAAAADm4/NGrEsyUIcYU/s640/Viola+macloskeyi2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola macloskeyi</i>, Tom Palmer</div>
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<i>Viola macloskeyi</i> is found throughout the Mid Atlantic region. In North Carolina and Virginia it is restricted to the mountainous regions. North of the Mason Dixon Line it can be found from the coastal plain through to the mountains.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3iu0sXohSA/T7RQbLn-WfI/AAAAAAAADow/OUiD9KKH_iY/s1600/VIMA2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3iu0sXohSA/T7RQbLn-WfI/AAAAAAAADow/OUiD9KKH_iY/s400/VIMA2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map of <i>Viola macloskeyi</i></div>
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<b><i>Viola renifolia</i> (Kidney-leaved Violet)</b></div>
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<i>Viola renifolia</i> is another small unstemmed violet that is very similar to the previous two species. But, <i>Viola renifolia</i> has one characteristic that sets it apart. It has hairy leaves. Sometimes only the underside of the leaf is hairy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHro7twMaPo/T7RCKjKrLVI/AAAAAAAADnE/vDTdkf2uwrw/s1600/Viola+renifolia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHro7twMaPo/T7RCKjKrLVI/AAAAAAAADnE/vDTdkf2uwrw/s640/Viola+renifolia1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola renifolia</i>, Cindy Kilpatrick</div>
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In the Mid Atlantic region <i>Viola renifolia</i> is only found in Pennsylvania and New York. The USDA website lists this violet as extirpated in Pennsylvania, but on the PA Natural Heritage website they list the violet as endangered.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXeB3vulM1c/T7RErpQWafI/AAAAAAAADnQ/8M8_wDtaAMU/s1600/VIRE2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXeB3vulM1c/T7RErpQWafI/AAAAAAAADnQ/8M8_wDtaAMU/s400/VIRE2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map for <i>Viola renifolia</i></div>
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<b><i>Viola lanceolata</i> (Lance-leaved Violet, Bog White Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnjymBiOaWM/T7RFkASIjII/AAAAAAAADnY/JmZq9RyBmLk/s1600/Viola+lanceolata2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnjymBiOaWM/T7RFkASIjII/AAAAAAAADnY/JmZq9RyBmLk/s640/Viola+lanceolata2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola lanceolata</i>, Corey Raimond</div>
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<i>Viola lanceolata</i> is really easy to identify. The leaf shape, long and narrow, is a diagnostic feature that easily separates this species from all the other white violets in our region.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWBqeCAJqSI/T7RGSuKCSrI/AAAAAAAADng/W6dziNjldLg/s1600/Viola+lanceolata3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWBqeCAJqSI/T7RGSuKCSrI/AAAAAAAADng/W6dziNjldLg/s640/Viola+lanceolata3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola lanceolata</i>, Andy Firk</div>
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This plant is always found growing in wet areas such as bogs and ditch edges. It is most common on the coastal plain, but can also be found in the piedmont and mountains from Virginia north into New England.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4CishGf21Q/T7RHePX66WI/AAAAAAAADno/1Y1C8poi35Q/s1600/VILA4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4CishGf21Q/T7RHePX66WI/AAAAAAAADno/1Y1C8poi35Q/s400/VILA4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map for <i>Viola lanceolata</i></div>
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<b><i>Viola x primulifolia</i> (Primrose-leaved Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz2aZQ0tqXY/T7RIY7A3kBI/AAAAAAAADnw/atHpaBQdMTQ/s1600/Primrose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz2aZQ0tqXY/T7RIY7A3kBI/AAAAAAAADnw/atHpaBQdMTQ/s640/Primrose1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola x primulifolia</i>, Anita363</div>
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The Primrosed-leaved Violet is a common hybrid of <i>Viola lanceolata</i> x <i>Viola macloskeyi</i>. It is often found in the same habitats as <i>Viola lanceolata</i>. The distinguishing characteristic of the hybrid are the shape of the leaves. The leaves are always longer than wide and typically narrowly egg-shaped with a wedge-shaped (cuneate) base. This leaf shape is diagnostic and will easily differentiate this hybrid from the other white violets.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVuRnzq109I/T7RJuC1-q1I/AAAAAAAADn4/dZIcuK1Qags/s1600/Primrose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVuRnzq109I/T7RJuC1-q1I/AAAAAAAADn4/dZIcuK1Qags/s640/Primrose2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola x primulifolia</i>, Patrick Coin</div>
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<i>Viola x primulifolia</i> is found throughout the Mid Atlantic from the coastal plain to the mountains.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms7S1jbW0FQ/T7RKdBNH8kI/AAAAAAAADoA/SoUO6ezfzbY/s1600/VIPR4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms7S1jbW0FQ/T7RKdBNH8kI/AAAAAAAADoA/SoUO6ezfzbY/s400/VIPR4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map of <i>Viola x primulifolia</i></div>
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The last two species of violets are typically not white but have white forms that are occasionally found.</div>
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<b><i>Viola sororia abliflora</i> (White form of Common Blue Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPHF1ejxobw/T7RLOhLx73I/AAAAAAAADoI/fQSCND1ENfI/s1600/Viola+sororia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPHF1ejxobw/T7RLOhLx73I/AAAAAAAADoI/fQSCND1ENfI/s640/Viola+sororia1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola sororia albiflora</i>, Frank Mayfield</div>
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The white form of the Common Blue Violet is occasionally found among the more common blue forms of the flower. This violet can easily be differentiated from all the other white violet by looking at the small spur in back of the flower (shown in the photo below).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83VUhvQHVpI/T7RMAS4pcdI/AAAAAAAADoQ/O0nSplQ1yoU/s1600/Viola+sororia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83VUhvQHVpI/T7RMAS4pcdI/AAAAAAAADoQ/O0nSplQ1yoU/s640/Viola+sororia2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola sororia</i>, Amadej Trnkoczy</div>
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As you can see in the photo, the spurs of the violet are reddish green. The spur is the reddish rounded part of the above flowers. In all the other white violets the spur is white or whitish yellow. <i>Viola sororia</i> is found throughout the Mid Atlantic and is one of our most common violets.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMI59Mgz7ug/T7RM8gUnFRI/AAAAAAAADoY/MGN-tLfvi50/s1600/VISO.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMI59Mgz7ug/T7RM8gUnFRI/AAAAAAAADoY/MGN-tLfvi50/s400/VISO.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map of <i>Viola sororia</i></div>
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<b><i>Viola pedata</i> <i>form alba</i> (Bird's-foot Violet)</b></div>
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<i>Viola pedata</i> is another violet that can come in many different colors including pure white. It is a large violet often found in dry areas where other violets do not typically grow.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBGB6QutkcM/T7RNguhxX9I/AAAAAAAADog/y0y0TLNBf-s/s1600/Viola+pedata1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBGB6QutkcM/T7RNguhxX9I/AAAAAAAADog/y0y0TLNBf-s/s640/Viola+pedata1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: <i>Viola pedata</i>, Peter Gorman</div>
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The leaves of this violet easily differentiate it from all the other white violet species. The leaves are typically divided into four or more lobes and resemble a bird's foot. This violet is found from North Carolina through to Pennsylvania. In New York it is very rare with only a few populations.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANoa-QafnSU/T7RO2wqXaHI/AAAAAAAADoo/lfmU4DlDpx0/s1600/VIPE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANoa-QafnSU/T7RO2wqXaHI/AAAAAAAADoo/lfmU4DlDpx0/s400/VIPE.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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USDA state map of <i>Viola pedata</i></div>
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I would like to thank all the photographers who made this post possible. Please go to their websites and check out all their cool photos.</div>
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Peter Gorman -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52421717@N00/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/52421717@N00/</a></div>
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Amadej Trnkoczy -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/atrnkoczy/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/atrnkoczy/</a></div>
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Frank Mayfield -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmayfield10/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmayfield10/</a></div>
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Patrick Coin -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcoin/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcoin/</a></div>
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Anita363 -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anitagould/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/anitagould/</a></div>
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Andy Firk -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andyfirk/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/andyfirk/</a></div>
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Corey Raimond -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28511931@N07/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/28511931@N07/</a></div>
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Cindy Kilpatrick -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindy_k/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindy_k/</a></div>
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Tom Palmer -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ophis/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/ophis/</a></div>
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Squamatologist -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/squamatologist/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/squamatologist/</a></div>
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Stan Lockwood -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sklockwood/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/sklockwood/</a></div>
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Kent McFarland -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtebird/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtebird/</a></div>
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Gravitywave -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gravitywave/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/gravitywave/</a></div>
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The USDA website where I procured the maps for this post can be found here.</div>
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<a href="http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VIOLA">http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VIOLA</a></div>
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The BONAP website was also used to glean geographic information for each of the species in the post.</div>
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<a href="http://www.bonap.org/BONAPmaps2010/Viola.html">http://www.bonap.org/BONAPmaps2010/Viola.html</a></div>
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<br /></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-80730441624105243442012-05-08T16:11:00.000-07:002012-05-08T16:11:25.408-07:00A Birders Guide to Somerset County, MD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWNUhFQZ9WM/T6mhrlUYtNI/AAAAAAAADlQ/Diaox3DdMrc/s1600/rumbly_point_so_md_20091025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWNUhFQZ9WM/T6mhrlUYtNI/AAAAAAAADlQ/Diaox3DdMrc/s640/rumbly_point_so_md_20091025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Rumbly Point, Bill Hubick</div>
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Maryland's Somerset County is arguably the most under birded county in the state even though it has very high potential for finding rarities. In the past amazing state birds like Tropical Kingbird and Lazuli Bunting have been found. For birders looking for out of the way pristine habitats and good birds, Somerset County is the place to go.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87AFxB4kBx4/T6mQEr4s6SI/AAAAAAAADk0/NHzV2sixKAQ/s1600/maryland-county-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87AFxB4kBx4/T6mQEr4s6SI/AAAAAAAADk0/NHzV2sixKAQ/s640/maryland-county-map.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Somerset County is located about three hours from the Washington DC/Baltimore corridor on the southwestern side of the Maryland's Eastern Shore. It has many different habitat types including cypress swamps, massive salt marshes, and the Chesapeake Bay. Marsh birds are the specialties of Somerset and if you go to the right places birds like Saltmarsh Sparrow and American Bittern can be easy to see.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjkRs-u4mcw/T6mQ68mPxKI/AAAAAAAADk8/bb2UhiNDqjo/s1600/american_bittern_do_md_20081130_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjkRs-u4mcw/T6mQ68mPxKI/AAAAAAAADk8/bb2UhiNDqjo/s640/american_bittern_do_md_20081130_02.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Photo: American Bittern, Bill Hubick</div>
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Many birders forget that there is an interior to Somerset County with cypress swamps and large wooded areas that hold many interesting birds like Red-headed Woodpecker and Prothonotary Warbler. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tOrS-sFtJw/T6mSfSaiP2I/AAAAAAAADlE/OePKtKULwZw/s1600/prothonotary_warbler_charles_md_20090509_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tOrS-sFtJw/T6mSfSaiP2I/AAAAAAAADlE/OePKtKULwZw/s640/prothonotary_warbler_charles_md_20090509_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Prothonotary Warbler, Bill Hubick</div>
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For this post I will provide a google map that has pin points to many of the areas that I bird regularly in the county. If you click on one of the points a box will pop on the screen that will give a brief description of what birds can be expected at that location. Obviously, I can't list every spot, so if you have a special place in Somerset County that I may not know about please name the location and give a description in the comment section at the end of the blog post so other birders can use your intel.<br />
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To access my google map to Somerset County birding locations just click the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212361986840010228907.0004bf6602e987eaf958f&msa=0">Somerset County Birding Locations</a><br />
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I would like to thank Bill Hubick for letting me use his photos for this post. Bill has an amazing website full of outstanding nature photography that can be viewed at <a href="http://www.billhubick.com/">www.billhubick.com/</a></div>
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</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-19396147972775036132012-04-29T15:58:00.002-07:002012-04-29T16:12:25.017-07:00How to Identify the Yellow Violets of the Mid Atlantic RegionOne of the joys of Spring are the wildflowers and no flower is more emblematic of the season than a violet. The family <i>Violaceae</i> is an extremely large family with over 90 species found throughout the United States and Canada. For this post we are going to explore the yellow violets of the Mid Atlantic region. Of the 33 species of violet that grow from New York to North Carolina only four have a yellow flower: <i>Viola hastata</i> (Halberd-leaved Violet), <i>Viola pubescens</i> (Downy Yellow Violet), <i>Viola rotundifolia</i> (Round-leaved Yellow Violet), and <i>Viola tripartita</i> (Threepart Violet).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0TxNRs8Wmo/T51XSc0WoXI/AAAAAAAADh8/qcg3GGMgdp4/s1600/Hastata5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u0TxNRs8Wmo/T51XSc0WoXI/AAAAAAAADh8/qcg3GGMgdp4/s640/Hastata5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola hastata, Tom Ward</div>
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In the Mid Atlantic region violets can be found in most habitats, from the dry shale barrens of the Appalachians to the marshy areas of the coastal plain. The yellow violets are typically found growing in moist soils often along stream banks and river plains. Bloom time depends on location, but it can be safely said that from late March into mid May is the time to keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful flowers.</div>
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<b><i>Viola rotundifolia</i> (Round-leaved Yellow Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlySz_V8fds/T51djV1MadI/AAAAAAAADiI/DyjD0p3bgGA/s1600/Rotundifolia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlySz_V8fds/T51djV1MadI/AAAAAAAADiI/DyjD0p3bgGA/s640/Rotundifolia2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola rotundifolia, Blue Ridge Kitties</div>
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<i>Viola rotundifolia</i> is one of the most common and the smallest of our of the yellow violets. This is the only yellow violet in the east where the flower and the leaves grow on separate stems. In botanical terms this is referred to as the flower being unstemmed or acaulescent. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-bCfs1eo58/T51fznEYoQI/AAAAAAAADiQ/ewZQehfQkVE/s1600/Rotundifolia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-bCfs1eo58/T51fznEYoQI/AAAAAAAADiQ/ewZQehfQkVE/s640/Rotundifolia3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola rotundifolia, Blue Ridge Kitties</div>
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The range of the Round-leaved Violet in the United States is from Maine south into Pennsylavania and New Jersey. South of PA and NJ the plant is typically restricted to the Appalachian Mountains with scattered populations reaching into the piedmont. In the Mid Atlantic region there a only a few populations that touch the coastal plain north of the Mason-Dixon line.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgcJvXIRppE/T51hfpV9GEI/AAAAAAAADiY/yYYHRr4AC2E/s1600/VIRO2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgcJvXIRppE/T51hfpV9GEI/AAAAAAAADiY/yYYHRr4AC2E/s400/VIRO2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Map of Viola rotundifolia, USDA Plant Database</div>
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Identification of the Round-leaved Yellow Violet is very easy. As stated above, this is the only unstemmed yellow violet in the east. This, along with the small size and rounded leaves makes for an easy id.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mreveArODhQ/T51i2dFv_gI/AAAAAAAADig/GIhuR6A5d6o/s1600/Rotundifolia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mreveArODhQ/T51i2dFv_gI/AAAAAAAADig/GIhuR6A5d6o/s640/Rotundifolia1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola routndifolia, Jason Hollinger</div>
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<b><i>Viola pubescens</i> (Downy Yellow Violet/Smooth-leaved Yellow Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjwQjtS8KdM/T51ksdpqMFI/AAAAAAAADio/7Lu8KsUu7aU/s1600/pubescens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjwQjtS8KdM/T51ksdpqMFI/AAAAAAAADio/7Lu8KsUu7aU/s640/pubescens2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola pubescens, Pearl Pirie</div>
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The Downy Yellow Violet is another common yellow violet that grows throughout the Mid Atlantic region. The current taxonomy of <i>Viola pubescens</i> is somewhat muddy. <i>Viola pensylvanica</i> used to be a species called Smooth-leaved Yellow Violet. These plants were discovered to produced hybrids with <i>Viola pubescens</i> when there were populations of both species present in the same area. This hybridization caused some concern over the validity of the <i>Viola pensylvanica</i>, which resulted in the species being lumped into Viola pubescens. The end result is that there are two varieties of <i>Viola pubescens</i>:<i> Viola pubescens var. pubescens </i>and<i> Viola pubescens var. scabriuscula</i>. Fortunately, it is not difficult to tell the two varieties apart and it is still very easy to differentiate either of <i>Viola pubescens</i> varieties from all the other yellow violet species in our region.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAS7LBZUreE/T51taGsP6QI/AAAAAAAADjI/0NaO3aKX3_Y/s1600/pubescens1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAS7LBZUreE/T51taGsP6QI/AAAAAAAADjI/0NaO3aKX3_Y/s640/pubescens1.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola pubescens var. pubescens, Nicholas T.</div>
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<i>Viola pubescens var. pubescens</i> can be identified by the hairiness of the plant's stem and leaves. Unlike the Round-leaved Yellow Violet, <i>Viola pubescens</i> is stemmed, meaning that the leaves and flower share the same stem. Along with being hairy, the leaves of the Downy Yellow Violet are heart-shaped or cordate. The photograph below is an example of a cordate shaped leaf.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITrSQasTAzQ/T51qef4mtnI/AAAAAAAADi8/11YI0kIhihk/s1600/Cordate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITrSQasTAzQ/T51qef4mtnI/AAAAAAAADi8/11YI0kIhihk/s640/Cordate.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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Photo: cordate shaped leaf, Zen Sutherland</div>
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<i>Viola pubescens var. scariuscula</i> is virtually identical to <i>Viola pubescens var. pubescens</i> except that the top of the leaves of <i>var. scariuscula</i> are not hairy but smooth. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBGWoD7eho8/T51usN2x_iI/AAAAAAAADjQ/ZBdh6GlBjkA/s1600/SmoothYellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBGWoD7eho8/T51usN2x_iI/AAAAAAAADjQ/ZBdh6GlBjkA/s640/SmoothYellow.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola pubescens var. scariuscula, Dan Mullen</div>
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This is the only yellow violet in our area that regularly grows on the coastal plain. It is found throughout all the states of our region except the coastal plain of North Carolina and the southern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula. Below are two maps from the USDA Plant Database that show the state ranges of the two varieties of <i>Viola pubescens</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9HqsbFxh7Y/T51vbOor5DI/AAAAAAAADjg/ZY2M6SD4MJA/s1600/VIPUP2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9HqsbFxh7Y/T51vbOor5DI/AAAAAAAADjg/ZY2M6SD4MJA/s400/VIPUP2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Map of Viola pubescens var. pubescens, USDA Plant Database</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5U3ur98DSU/T51vqtEJNHI/AAAAAAAADjo/S5x3o70rKN0/s1600/VIPUS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5U3ur98DSU/T51vqtEJNHI/AAAAAAAADjo/S5x3o70rKN0/s400/VIPUS.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Map of Viola pubescens var. scariuscula, USDA Plant Database</div>
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<b><i>Viola hastata</i> (Halberd-leaved Violet)</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjzNVv6fPYY/T526bLwmQEI/AAAAAAAADkM/p2ky5ONZtJs/s1600/Hastata2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjzNVv6fPYY/T526bLwmQEI/AAAAAAAADkM/p2ky5ONZtJs/s640/Hastata2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola hastata, Jason Hollinger</div>
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<i>Viola hastata</i> is not as common as the previous two species. This stemmed yellow violet is easily recognized by it halberd shaped leaves.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiaSK8qGT5w/T524eQIvawI/AAAAAAAADj0/UZG-9CyvqdY/s1600/Hastata4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RiaSK8qGT5w/T524eQIvawI/AAAAAAAADj0/UZG-9CyvqdY/s640/Hastata4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola hastata, SWG101</div>
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While the leaves are still considered cordate, they are much longer and pointer than the previously mentioned violets. The leaves of <i>Viola hastata</i> can also have silvery mottling like in the above photo. The yellow flowers of the Halberd-leaved Violet usually have a purplish wash to the back of the top petals.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGxVNkvaiCQ/T525sxOXSlI/AAAAAAAADkE/Bwj-Q2b0hXc/s1600/Hastata3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sGxVNkvaiCQ/T525sxOXSlI/AAAAAAAADkE/Bwj-Q2b0hXc/s640/Hastata3.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola hastata, Jason Hollinger</div>
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<i>Viola hastata</i> is almost completely restricted to the Appalachian Mountains except in northwestern Pennsylvania and southwestern New York and it also grows in the piedmont of North Carolina.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XG5HijrqJgE/T527dSLTc1I/AAAAAAAADkU/W6_gvB_JYF8/s1600/VIHA2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XG5HijrqJgE/T527dSLTc1I/AAAAAAAADkU/W6_gvB_JYF8/s640/VIHA2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Map of Viola hastata, USDA Plant Database</div>
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<b><i>Viola tripartita</i> (Three-parted Violet)</b></div>
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The Three-parted Violet is the rarest of the Mid Atlantic regions four species of yellow violets. One of the reasons for the plants rarity might be because it is difficult to identify because of the variability of the plants leaves. I could only get one photo of <i>Viola tripartita</i> to use in the blog, so I am going to give links to various websites to help give examples of the plants structure.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_U2sUaOYx0/T528wMNaBcI/AAAAAAAADkc/e3YAzAahF5k/s1600/tripartita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_U2sUaOYx0/T528wMNaBcI/AAAAAAAADkc/e3YAzAahF5k/s640/tripartita.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Viola tripartita, William Tanneberger</div>
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<i>Viola tripartita</i> at first glance closely resembles <i>Viola hastata</i>. There is one major difference between the two species. <i>Viola hastata's</i> leaves are always cordate, while <i>Viola tripartita's</i> leaves are always cuneate (wedge-shaped). On the website Alabama Plants, there is a photo showing the cuneate leaves of the Three-parted Violet. It can be seen here <a href="http://www.alabamaplants.com/Yellowalt/Viola_tripartita_page.html">ALABAMA PLANTS.</a> So if you find a yellow violet with halberd shaped leaves make sure you check tthe base of a leaf to see if the leaf is cuneate or cordate. This will give you the correct identity of the flower. Another website that gives more information on this species is Native and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas & Georgia. There are more photos and some more technical info on Viola tripartita. It can be viewed here <a href="http://www.namethatplant.net/plantdetail.shtml?plant=1933">Plants of the Carolinas & Georgia.</a> There seems to be two varieties of <i>Viola tripartita</i>, although there seems to be no consensus among botanists. The two varieties are separated by leaf structure. <i>Viola tripartita var. glaberrima</i> has cuneate leaves like we have discussed above and seems to be the more common variety in the Mid Atlatnic region. <i>Viola tripartita var. tripartita</i> has deeply divided leaves typically in three lobes. <i>Var. tripartita</i> seems to be the less common of the two varieties. More information and a photo of the leaves of <i>Viola tripartita var. tripartita</i> can be viewed at the website Wildflowers of the United States. It can be viewed here <a href="http://uswildflowers.com/detail.php?SName=Viola%20tripartita">Wildflowers of the United States.</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlqBX8PPsa0/T53CZNTMAxI/AAAAAAAADko/3qzd87ykCio/s1600/VITR4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlqBX8PPsa0/T53CZNTMAxI/AAAAAAAADko/3qzd87ykCio/s640/VITR4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Map of Viola tripartita, USDA Plant Database</div>
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<i>Viola tripartita</i> seems to be extremely local throughout its range and seems to become increasingly rare in the northern portions of its range. In the Mid Atlantic it is found exclusively in Appalachian Mountains except for populations that grow in the piedmont of North Carolina. Since the above map has been published the plant has been found in Virginia and has become extirpated in Pennsylvania.</div>
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I would like to thank all the photographers who made this post possible, especially William Tanneberger who supplied the only only photo of the Three-parted Violet. Please go and check out their photo sites.</div>
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William Tanneberger -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanneberger/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanneberger/</a></div>
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Jason Hollinger -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/</a></div>
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SWG101 -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34746251@N05/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/34746251@N05/</a></div>
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Dan Mullen -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8583446@N05/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/8583446@N05/</a></div>
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Zen Sutherland -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zen/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/zen/</a></div>
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Nicholas T. -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas_t/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas_t/</a></div>
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Pearl Pirie -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearlpirie/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearlpirie/</a></div>
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Blue Ridge Kitties -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueridgekitties/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/blueridgekitties/</a></div>
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Tom Ward -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/taroman/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/taroman/</a></div>
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Maps were provided by the USDA Plant Database -- <a href="http://plants.usda.gov/java/">http://plants.usda.gov/java/</a></div>
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County level maps are available for all species at the Biota of North America -- <a href="http://www.bonap.org/">http://www.bonap.org/</a></div>
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There doesn't seem to be any books that have been published in the past 20 tears that are exclusive to the wild violets of North America. If anyone knows of any books that I might have overlooked please let us know by putting the title and brief description in the comments section.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-71357206218127436832012-04-22T16:36:00.002-07:002012-04-22T16:54:38.745-07:00The Coppers (Lycaena) of the Mid Atlantic RegionOne of my favorite families of butterflies are the Coppers. Coppers belong to the family Lycaena. They are a world wide family with sixteen species represented in the United States. The Mid Atlantic region has three representatives of the family; American Cooper, Bronze Copper, and Bog Copper. Coppers are not terribly common in our region, but with an understanding of habitat it's not that difficult to find all three species.<br />
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<b>American Cooper </b>(<b>Lycaena phlaeas</b>)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yvwy2KVr_M/T5RpIn0tu4I/AAAAAAAADgU/V0Dki0CVKFE/s1600/AmericanCopper.ChinoFarms2.060510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yvwy2KVr_M/T5RpIn0tu4I/AAAAAAAADgU/V0Dki0CVKFE/s640/AmericanCopper.ChinoFarms2.060510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: American Copper, Jim Brighton</div>
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American Copper is the most common of the three copper species in the Mid Atlantic region. They are well represented throughout the region. From New York to Virginia and West Virginia they are found through out, but in North Carolina they seem to be absent from the coastal plain. American Coppers are often found in disturbed areas like road sides, fields, and barren areas.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhfyKuOZ8xM/T5RrQqp1iFI/AAAAAAAADgc/lMMxKiNC6Ng/s1600/AmericanCopper.ChinoFarms.060510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhfyKuOZ8xM/T5RrQqp1iFI/AAAAAAAADgc/lMMxKiNC6Ng/s640/AmericanCopper.ChinoFarms.060510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: American Copper, Jim Brighton</div>
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Strangely, the American Copper's hostplants are non-native buckwheats like Sheep Sorrel and Curled Dock. A hostplant is the type of plant that a butterfly species will lay her eggs on. Once the eggs hatch into caterpillars, the caterpillars use the hostplant as food. Some experts feel that since the hostplants of the species are not native that it is possible this butterfly was an early colonizer that came from Europe with early settlers (American Copper is found throughout Europe and Asia). Other scientist's disagree, and point out that other butterfly species have changed their hostplants to alien species and argue that there isn't enough supportive evidence to prove the theory. Below are photos of Sheep Sorrel and Curly Dock, the most common hostplant of American Copper.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEo34iGfCRU/T5RvAM_ji-I/AAAAAAAADgk/3HaPJypNih8/s1600/sheepsorrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEo34iGfCRU/T5RvAM_ji-I/AAAAAAAADgk/3HaPJypNih8/s640/sheepsorrel.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Photo: Sheep Sorrel, Moosicorn</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGaOSdvK6fc/T5Rv0sNJCPI/AAAAAAAADgs/WeIx8jt6hUc/s1600/curlydock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGaOSdvK6fc/T5Rv0sNJCPI/AAAAAAAADgs/WeIx8jt6hUc/s640/curlydock.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photo: Curly Dock, Roy Randall</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmYv3nR0nic/T5RwtJ0pZrI/AAAAAAAADg0/wlOFTiRa_J4/s1600/AmericanCopper.SidlingCreekNatureAreaWashingtonCo.052111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmYv3nR0nic/T5RwtJ0pZrI/AAAAAAAADg0/wlOFTiRa_J4/s640/AmericanCopper.SidlingCreekNatureAreaWashingtonCo.052111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: American Copper, Jim Brighton</div>
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<b>Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus)</b></div>
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Bronze Coppers are much larger than American Coppers and they are typically found in different environments. Bronze Coppers prefer moist to wet weedy meadows, pond and ditches with tall grassy edges, and freshwater marsh edges. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmGj3R5NWxk/T5RyyCin0HI/AAAAAAAADg8/hUOzN0hLylQ/s1600/BronzedCopper.HickoryPtWOCO.082005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmGj3R5NWxk/T5RyyCin0HI/AAAAAAAADg8/hUOzN0hLylQ/s640/BronzedCopper.HickoryPtWOCO.082005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Bronze Copper, Jim Brighton</div>
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Unfortunately, Bronze Coppers have been disappearing from many of their known locations. Disturbance and destruction of much of their habitat in the east is definitely one of the reasons this beautiful butterfly is becoming scarce. In the Mid Atlantic region they are found from New York, south through to Maryland and West Virginia. Although I believe there are records for Virginia, I don't believe there are any extant populations. In the <i>Butterflies and Moths of North American</i> website they only have two records for Virginia, one on the Eastern Shore and one near Manassas. Bronze Copper has not been recorded in North Carolina.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KkQIplqrtqk/T5R0vPER_5I/AAAAAAAADhE/3dVHi8Z5HSk/s1600/BronzeCopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KkQIplqrtqk/T5R0vPER_5I/AAAAAAAADhE/3dVHi8Z5HSk/s640/BronzeCopper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Bronze Copper, Eric Haley</div>
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Like the American Copper, Bronze Copper also uses docks as hostplants. Our native Water Dock is the preferred hostplant, but Curly Dock and knotweeds have also been reported as hostplants.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgHnAGEixps/T5R4whA8RqI/AAAAAAAADhM/qYihF9FeOkg/s1600/WaterDock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgHnAGEixps/T5R4whA8RqI/AAAAAAAADhM/qYihF9FeOkg/s400/WaterDock.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Photo, Water Dock, Phillip Merritt</div>
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The Bronze Copper is considered endangered in New Jersey and is threatened in West Virginia. I know of a few populations in Queen Anne's County and Dorchester County, Maryland. They seem to be doing quite well over the five years that I have been checking on them.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK2tkmTdPxU/T5R-Zn-BQfI/AAAAAAAADhU/qlSCYRSACT0/s1600/BzCopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nK2tkmTdPxU/T5R-Zn-BQfI/AAAAAAAADhU/qlSCYRSACT0/s640/BzCopper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Bronze Copper's mating, J. Ward</div>
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<b>Bog Copper (Lycaena epixanthe)</b><br />
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Bog Copper is by far the rarest of the Mid Atlantic regions coppers. Bog Coppers are only found in acidic bogs that have cranberries. Maryland and West Virginia have a disjunct population that is separated from the population that lives from New Jersey north into New England. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUWN_wthQPc/T5SNJLoY7NI/AAAAAAAADhc/-qCgu3HXnN0/s1600/BogCopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUWN_wthQPc/T5SNJLoY7NI/AAAAAAAADhc/-qCgu3HXnN0/s640/BogCopper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Bog Copper, Bill Boughton</div>
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Bog Coppers are smaller coppers that spend the entirety of their lifespan in the same bog where they were born as caterpillars. They are very weak fliers and spend much of their lives sitting on their hostplant. Their flight season in the southern portion of their range is in late June and early July while farther north they can fly into August.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpOt02VrNYY/T5SOEAZ86gI/AAAAAAAADhk/hexUsw7KkkI/s1600/BogCopper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpOt02VrNYY/T5SOEAZ86gI/AAAAAAAADhk/hexUsw7KkkI/s640/BogCopper2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Bog Copper, Bill Boughton</div>
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The hostplant for Bog Coppers is cranberry. In the southern portion of the copper's range the species of cranberry is Vaccinium microcarpa (Large Cranberry) and in the north it is Vaccinium oxycoccos (Small Cranberry). </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Gp3yCrKOCk/T5SP1O77OfI/AAAAAAAADhs/Fd8OPXzraoM/s1600/cranberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Gp3yCrKOCk/T5SP1O77OfI/AAAAAAAADhs/Fd8OPXzraoM/s640/cranberry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Photo: Large Cranberry, In Awe of God's Creation</div>
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Because acidic bogs with cranberries are rare in Maryland, I only know of one population. Thankfully, the bog is protected, so hopefully this population of Bog Copper will continue to thrive. New Jersey seems to be a good place to view Bog Coppers because of the many abandoned cranberry bogs where they used to harvest the berries for commercial use. Bog Coppers are considered endangered in Maryland and West Virginia and it is listed in Pennsylvania as vulnerable.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBp6JswaI6o/T5SUkal1l6I/AAAAAAAADh0/bdTTS0yexKE/s1600/BogCoppersmating.1000AcreHeathMaine.070410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBp6JswaI6o/T5SUkal1l6I/AAAAAAAADh0/bdTTS0yexKE/s640/BogCoppersmating.1000AcreHeathMaine.070410.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Photo: Bog Copper's mating, Jim Brighton</div>
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I would like to thank the photographers who made this post possible.<br />
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Bill Bouton <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/</a><br />
Eric Haley <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38686613@N08/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/38686613@N08/</a><br />
Jane Ward <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkwithme2/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkwithme2/</a><br />
Moosicorn Ranch <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosicorn/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosicorn/</a><br />
Roy Randall <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeroy/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeroy/</a><br />
Phillip Merritt <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillipmerritt/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillipmerritt/</a><br />
In Awe of God's Creations <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nhoulihan/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/nhoulihan/</a><br />
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Some books that might be of interest to those who might want to pursue butterflies of the Mid Atlantic region.<br />
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Butterflies of the East Coast: An Observer's Guide. Cech and Tudor.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Butterflies-East-Coast-Observers-Guide/dp/0691090564/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335138392&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Butterflies-East-Coast-Observers-Guide/dp/0691090564/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335138392&sr=8-1</a><br />
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Butterflies through Binoculars: The East A Field Guide to The Butterflies of Eastern North America. Glassberg<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Butterflies-through-Binoculars-Eastern-America/dp/0195106687/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335138469&sr=8-2">http://www.amazon.com/Butterflies-through-Binoculars-Eastern-America/dp/0195106687/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335138469&sr=8-2</a><br />
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Butterflies of North America. Kaufman and Brock.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Butterflies-North-America-Kaufman-Guides/dp/0618768262/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335138560&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Butterflies-North-America-Kaufman-Guides/dp/0618768262/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335138560&sr=8-1</a><br />
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Here are a couple websites that pertain to butterflies of our region<br />
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Butterflies of America <a href="http://www.butterfliesofamerica.com/index.htm">http://www.butterfliesofamerica.com/index.htm</a><br />
Butterflies and Moths of North America <a href="http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/">http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/</a><br />
Rick Borchelt's Butterfly Blog is awesome. Use Rick's long list of resources. Hours of fun can be had here. <a href="http://leplog.wordpress.com/">http://leplog.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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<br /></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-18967873683305342652012-04-19T04:15:00.000-07:002012-04-19T04:15:27.999-07:00Mid Atlantic Nature Goes International!On Monday Mid Atlantic Nature had two milestones. The blog received its 4000th hit and recorded its 50th different country visitation. To celebrate I am going to post a bunch of photos of wildlife from said country. From looking at the photos see if you can guess what country was Mid Atlantic Nature's 50th country hit. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uu8xACwULOg/T49nJkEp0_I/AAAAAAAADd8/cff7uvbRLgs/s1600/Monk+Seal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uu8xACwULOg/T49nJkEp0_I/AAAAAAAADd8/cff7uvbRLgs/s400/Monk+Seal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Mediterranean Mon Seal, Eltpics'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAHIoN7NU6c/T49naZUrrfI/AAAAAAAADeE/BAbM6C1vsDw/s1600/Smew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nAHIoN7NU6c/T49naZUrrfI/AAAAAAAADeE/BAbM6C1vsDw/s400/Smew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Smew, Tee Time Tony</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_uw3KJoWQs/T49nk8bkHNI/AAAAAAAADeM/3Ae-vJ6KifA/s1600/Pied+Avocet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_uw3KJoWQs/T49nk8bkHNI/AAAAAAAADeM/3Ae-vJ6KifA/s400/Pied+Avocet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Pied Avocets, Davis Kwan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6mgUpjuSGk/T49nx2SzkoI/AAAAAAAADeU/9KTxLFYBvUY/s1600/Greenwoodpecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6mgUpjuSGk/T49nx2SzkoI/AAAAAAAADeU/9KTxLFYBvUY/s400/Greenwoodpecker.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Green Woodpecker, Lutz-R. Frank</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7Up_YjiQRU/T49oBSnjXXI/AAAAAAAADec/a8I6_qSB8ZI/s1600/Ural+Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7Up_YjiQRU/T49oBSnjXXI/AAAAAAAADec/a8I6_qSB8ZI/s400/Ural+Owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Ural Owl, Sergey Yeliseev</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ3HD7F3LV4/T49oR_kdBDI/AAAAAAAADek/ONcmPvU6duk/s1600/hoopoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ3HD7F3LV4/T49oR_kdBDI/AAAAAAAADek/ONcmPvU6duk/s400/hoopoe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Hoopoe, S. Fitzgerald</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_5kvrIt8rc/T49odq--RrI/AAAAAAAADes/4t0b4uBwK64/s1600/Bearded+Tit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0_5kvrIt8rc/T49odq--RrI/AAAAAAAADes/4t0b4uBwK64/s400/Bearded+Tit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Bearded Tit, Tony Sutton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiVIAeyuWI4/T49onsaTD3I/AAAAAAAADe0/CFA35igL5J0/s1600/Fire+Salamander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aiVIAeyuWI4/T49onsaTD3I/AAAAAAAADe0/CFA35igL5J0/s400/Fire+Salamander.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Fire Salamander, Only Point Five</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TLdLu8WTX4/T49oyQCYY1I/AAAAAAAADe8/1sX65JLUIRI/s1600/Fire-bellied+Toad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TLdLu8WTX4/T49oyQCYY1I/AAAAAAAADe8/1sX65JLUIRI/s400/Fire-bellied+Toad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Fire-bellied Toad, Roberto Verzo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRXb0LcKrWU/T49o9PzNsaI/AAAAAAAADfE/r0wAnVv41Ug/s1600/GreenLizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRXb0LcKrWU/T49o9PzNsaI/AAAAAAAADfE/r0wAnVv41Ug/s400/GreenLizard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Green Lizard, Frederic Saunier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-QQUZxCg28/T49pLUBcPpI/AAAAAAAADfM/-TPZ9qFzvYM/s1600/Purple-edged+Copper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-QQUZxCg28/T49pLUBcPpI/AAAAAAAADfM/-TPZ9qFzvYM/s400/Purple-edged+Copper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Purple-edged Copper, Frank Vassen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABavsN9F2uE/T49pVmDpMyI/AAAAAAAADfU/8lRO36lKDj0/s1600/Alcon+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABavsN9F2uE/T49pVmDpMyI/AAAAAAAADfU/8lRO36lKDj0/s400/Alcon+Blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Alcon Blue, A. Sancheza</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkQf_KDKtJQ/T49plLaquoI/AAAAAAAADfc/JwED63kQJ10/s1600/Southern+Festoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkQf_KDKtJQ/T49plLaquoI/AAAAAAAADfc/JwED63kQJ10/s400/Southern+Festoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Southern Festoon, Thijs Calu</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OytrovrsEpc/T49pu3r67aI/AAAAAAAADfk/f4Kvxqwz7Ns/s1600/BumblebeeOrchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OytrovrsEpc/T49pu3r67aI/AAAAAAAADfk/f4Kvxqwz7Ns/s400/BumblebeeOrchid.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Bumblebee Orchid, Sonnentau</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMEXYPvXdZA/T49p5ulVfQI/AAAAAAAADfs/_HZ5HWxVUVQ/s1600/ophrys+lutea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMEXYPvXdZA/T49p5ulVfQI/AAAAAAAADfs/_HZ5HWxVUVQ/s400/ophrys+lutea.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Orphys lutea, Copepodo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPXd9CUnCRg/T49qFY5cASI/AAAAAAAADf0/Awjk-Nn7nWg/s1600/Lizard+Orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPXd9CUnCRg/T49qFY5cASI/AAAAAAAADf0/Awjk-Nn7nWg/s400/Lizard+Orchid.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Lizard Orchid, Natural England</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wZKDGCKI9I/T49v7x-7YGI/AAAAAAAADf8/cxbggeajQ40/s1600/PlitviceLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wZKDGCKI9I/T49v7x-7YGI/AAAAAAAADf8/cxbggeajQ40/s400/PlitviceLake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Landscape, B. Monginoux</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oInzSpm-lSw/T49wOB2h87I/AAAAAAAADgE/Xeep6Ew6NOM/s1600/5066670525_1281b3c3b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oInzSpm-lSw/T49wOB2h87I/AAAAAAAADgE/Xeep6Ew6NOM/s400/5066670525_1281b3c3b9_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Landscape, Roman Avdagic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NbczoUMrrM/T49wmEL1IJI/AAAAAAAADgM/mPLAeV6IPAw/s1600/Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NbczoUMrrM/T49wmEL1IJI/AAAAAAAADgM/mPLAeV6IPAw/s400/Mountains.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Landscape, Happy Fellus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you figure out what country it is?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to thank all the photographers for helping me make this post. All photos were gleaned from Flickr Creative Commons.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-66132850020249557892012-04-07T15:47:00.001-07:002012-04-07T17:48:47.197-07:00Chasing Venus Flytraps: A One Day Trip to Southeastern North Carolina, Pt. 2 The AnimalsThe last post described the plants that Tom Feild, Jared Satchell, and I found on a short trip to southern North Carolina to find Venus Flytraps. This post is going to be on the animals we saw during the trip. Because our trip focused mainly on plants, we didn't get as many animal photographs. For the purpose of this post, I have used a few photos to illustrate the species we saw, even though the photos may not have been taken on the trip. If there is an asterisk by the photo description, it means that the photo was not taken during the trip.<br />
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Most of our day was spent exploring the Nature Conservancy Preserve at Green Swamp in Brunswick County. This area is dominated by Longleaf Pine savannas that are periodically burned to reduce understory flora that if allowed to grow would block the rare plants that are prevalent in this type of habitat. It was still early in the spring season so animal life was sparse, but we did see a few very cool species.<br />
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When we pulled into the Nature Conservancy's parking lot in the predawn the first bird songs we heard were coming from Bachman's Sparrows. Bachman's Sparrows are residents of Longleaf Pine savannas and can be tricky to spot. We were lucky to have four birds singing all around our car. Once it got light we were able to get fairly close to one singing bird.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjHnmMdZkOI/T35VsrkNF-I/AAAAAAAADc8/LqzoTecMS3c/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjHnmMdZkOI/T35VsrkNF-I/AAAAAAAADc8/LqzoTecMS3c/s640/photo-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Photo: Bachman's Sparrow, Jared Satchell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though birds were not our main priority, you couldn't help noticing all the singing birds. Pine and Yellow-throated Warbler songs were being heard from almost every pine tree.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FyxgqbxALY/T35Xv722VBI/AAAAAAAADdE/E2FwPUtQ4Bo/s1600/yellow-throated_warbler_dominica_charles_md_20090509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FyxgqbxALY/T35Xv722VBI/AAAAAAAADdE/E2FwPUtQ4Bo/s640/yellow-throated_warbler_dominica_charles_md_20090509.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Photo: Yellow-throated Warbler, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the birds we saw or heard were fairly common species. When we walked through an Atlantic White Cedar swamp later in the day there were a few Black-throated Green Warblers singing. I believe that these birds were the <i>waynei </i>subspecies that breed on the coastal plain from southern Virginia through South Carolina. They are a disjunct population from the nominate population that breed in the conifer forests of the northeastern United States and Appalachian Mountains. The <i>waynei</i><i> </i>subspecies is smaller and has a shorter bill than the nominate population. Since most of the Atlantic White Cedar swamps, which the birds seem to favor, have been lost to logging and urbanization, the subspecies is in serious decline. Alligator River NWR in North Carolina is considered by many to be the last area where there is a large breeding population of this unusual bird. I couldn't find any photos of the <i>waynei </i>Black-throated Green Warbler to use in the blog, so I am going to use one of Bill Hubick's great photographs that shows the nominate race of the Black-throated Green Warbler.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Y-MfTAR08/T35f1LW1kTI/AAAAAAAADdM/WruxwcF9Us0/s1600/black_throated_green_warbler02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Y-MfTAR08/T35f1LW1kTI/AAAAAAAADdM/WruxwcF9Us0/s640/black_throated_green_warbler02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Black-throated Green Warbler, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Other neotropical migrants that we heard or saw included White-throated Vireo, Northern Parula, and Black-and-white Warbler.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When we arrived predawn at the Nature Conservancy's Preserve at Green Swamp there was a frog calling from the small pond by the parking area. Tom called it out right away, Southern Cricket Frog. When it got light we went down to the wet area and tried to find one of the small frogs. We were lucky. Tom was able to catch one and it sat nice and still for a photograph.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwd4RsPN_Bw/T35iR20inEI/AAAAAAAADdU/tsCwNx02frE/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xwd4RsPN_Bw/T35iR20inEI/AAAAAAAADdU/tsCwNx02frE/s640/IMG_4874.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Southern Cricket Frog, Jim Brighton</div><div><br />
Southern Cricket Frogs reached their northern limit in southeastern Virginia. In the Mid Atlantic region they are exclusive to the coastal plain. Below is a range map for Southern Cricket Frog provided by the USGS National Amphibian Atlas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56d0IzH8dhw/T4Cv3mVSFII/AAAAAAAADdc/dff99h38tLE/s1600/Acris_gryllus.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56d0IzH8dhw/T4Cv3mVSFII/AAAAAAAADdc/dff99h38tLE/s400/Acris_gryllus.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Map: Southern Cricket Frog, USGS National Amphibian Atlas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just after a period of heavy rain had ended Tom heard a Squirrel Tree Frog and we also heard Little Glass Frogs calling. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see these two species.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other than viewing the Venus Flytraps, the highlight of the trip was an Eastern Glass Lizard that we were able to catch and photograph. We were fortunate to be walking in the pine savanna when an Eastern Glass Lizard decided to slither across the trail right at our feet. Tom was able to scoop him up without damaging the lizard's tail. Glass Lizards are so named because they have a defense mechanism that causes their tails, which make up half their body length, to easily break off, often into several pieces. The lost tail will grow back over the months. The other cool thing about Glass lizards is they do not have any legs or feet. They look like a snake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZJr3cqEWOk/T4CzA70mIdI/AAAAAAAADdk/jJXkoilWOm0/s1600/IMG_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZJr3cqEWOk/T4CzA70mIdI/AAAAAAAADdk/jJXkoilWOm0/s640/IMG_4791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Eastern Glass Lizard, Jim Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lIGXdSkXfI/T4Czsf-YzQI/AAAAAAAADds/H6PNkMnbUIc/s1600/IMG_4785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lIGXdSkXfI/T4Czsf-YzQI/AAAAAAAADds/H6PNkMnbUIc/s640/IMG_4785.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Tom Feild holding an Eastern Glass Lizard, Jim Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the above photo you can get an idea of the length of the lizard. It was probably around 18" long. It was not mean and never tried to bite. Eastern Glass Lizards reach their northern limit along the Virginia / North Carolina border. They are limited to the coastal plain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Neas89XxQvk/T4C1vSwYJWI/AAAAAAAADd0/KB9wcNYXYu4/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Neas89XxQvk/T4C1vSwYJWI/AAAAAAAADd0/KB9wcNYXYu4/s640/IMG_4805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Eastern Glass Lizard, Jim Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div>Butterflies, while not numerous, were found flying in a few locations. The most numerous species was Red-banded Hairstreak.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxMquxCUW24/T34PK9v0gpI/AAAAAAAADbE/ppwzL8i6a5I/s1600/IMG_4530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxMquxCUW24/T34PK9v0gpI/AAAAAAAADbE/ppwzL8i6a5I/s640/IMG_4530.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Red-banded Hairstreak, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the Red-banded Hairstreaks we saw were nectaring on a flowering shrub that I think is a type of Vaccinium (blueberry), but I'm not positive of the shrub's identification.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1EAVpa65DY/T34QmW0usyI/AAAAAAAADbM/129zRR0x1p4/s1600/IMG_4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1EAVpa65DY/T34QmW0usyI/AAAAAAAADbM/129zRR0x1p4/s640/IMG_4547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Vaccinium sp? (blueberry), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Red-banded Hairstreaks are a fairly common spring hairstreak on the coastal plain and piedmont from New Jersey south through the Mid Atlantic into Florida and into the Mid West.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In each of the pine savannas there was usually one or two Palamedes Swallowtails flying about. Like most swallowtails, we never saw one land so no photos were obtained.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmvS1QYINOY/T34falm0pqI/AAAAAAAADb8/AHYUZv-pU-Y/s1600/palamedes_swallowtail_nc01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmvS1QYINOY/T34falm0pqI/AAAAAAAADb8/AHYUZv-pU-Y/s640/palamedes_swallowtail_nc01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Palamedes Swallowtail, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Palamedes Swallowtails are limited to the coastal plain. They reach their northern range in Worcester County, Maryland and continue south into Florida and the gulf states.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cloudless Sulphurs were also observed flying. We were lucky enough to watch one land on a small shrub. We were amazed at how well the butterfly was camouflaged. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ2qUuCx12g/T34Z2PbXRuI/AAAAAAAADbc/D3CqU-QFdQ8/s1600/IMG_4634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ2qUuCx12g/T34Z2PbXRuI/AAAAAAAADbc/D3CqU-QFdQ8/s640/IMG_4634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Cloudless Sulphur, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cloudless Sulphurs are the largest sulphur of the Mid Atlantic region. The are very common on the coastal plain and become incresaingly rare from the piedmont into the mountains. The farther south you go the more common they become.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another common butterfly that we saw flying in the pine savannas were Azures. The Azure complex is a very confusing group of species that are all very similar but have different food plants and flight times along with minute structural and scale color differences. I photographed this azure resting on an <i>ilex</i> sp? (holly species). I expect that this is an American Holly Azure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtjeZpUYkdE/T34cBUA_KzI/AAAAAAAADbk/p9lOWGvNcqc/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtjeZpUYkdE/T34cBUA_KzI/AAAAAAAADbk/p9lOWGvNcqc/s640/IMG_4824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: American Holly Azure, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We also observed a few Pearl Crescents. These crescents are very common throughout the Mid Atlantic region. Here is a photo of a Pearl Crescent that I took on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SvVpNjTKM/T34c9EYriSI/AAAAAAAADbs/bngG5muAsrg/s1600/PearlCrescent.BearSwampRdWicomicoCo.042906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4SvVpNjTKM/T34c9EYriSI/AAAAAAAADbs/bngG5muAsrg/s640/PearlCrescent.BearSwampRdWicomicoCo.042906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Pearl Crescent, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once we left the pine savannas and began exploring some of the roadsides, we found a few more butterfly species. Along a small road that ran through an Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, Jared spotted an Eastern Pine Elfin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFV0mbfaPDs/T34fuyAUdjI/AAAAAAAADcE/4u0eeKGi2ZA/s1600/eastern_pine_elfin01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFV0mbfaPDs/T34fuyAUdjI/AAAAAAAADcE/4u0eeKGi2ZA/s640/eastern_pine_elfin01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Eastern Pine Elfin, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When it wasn't raining we occasionally saw an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail flying along the roadside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQB4pm008HA/T34ez99NBWI/AAAAAAAADb0/iGLh4jiovTg/s1600/Eastern+Tiger+Swallowtail+Nassawango+area,+Worcester+County+--7-15-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQB4pm008HA/T34ez99NBWI/AAAAAAAADb0/iGLh4jiovTg/s640/Eastern+Tiger+Swallowtail+Nassawango+area,+Worcester+County+--7-15-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We observed a single Silver-spotted Skipper feeding on a flowering Sweetleaf Tree.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj5wFX0Y4cA/T34gQi0lR2I/AAAAAAAADcM/NBr7iw3lFq8/s1600/silver-spotted_skipper_closed_wing_ga_md_20070608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj5wFX0Y4cA/T34gQi0lR2I/AAAAAAAADcM/NBr7iw3lFq8/s640/silver-spotted_skipper_closed_wing_ga_md_20070608.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Silver-spotted Skipper, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The last butterfly of the day was observed nectaring along the roadside by a small creek. I was surprised to identify the bug as a Clouded Skipper. In Maryland, I normally do not see Clouded Skippers until the end of summer and into fall.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnzJ7ur4FxQ/T34hsUfrjJI/AAAAAAAADcU/Oi2PrtVov7g/s1600/5634897734_bb72c80a14_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnzJ7ur4FxQ/T34hsUfrjJI/AAAAAAAADcU/Oi2PrtVov7g/s640/5634897734_bb72c80a14_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Clouded Skippers mating, Lynette Schimming</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even with the cloudy cool weather we were able to observe a few dragonflies and a single damselfly. At the parking lot to the Nature Conservancy Preserve there was a pond with a few boggy areas where we saw Blue Corporals flying and a single Fragile Forktail damselfly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FaZworQ74ZE/T34itzm2ctI/AAAAAAAADcc/RbWl-zXfItk/s1600/blue_corporal_female_charles_md_20090509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FaZworQ74ZE/T34itzm2ctI/AAAAAAAADcc/RbWl-zXfItk/s640/blue_corporal_female_charles_md_20090509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Blue Corporal, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ElfKMKk3s/T34kAi1I2aI/AAAAAAAADcs/A0YNyw9-yQQ/s1600/fragile_forktail_male_cl_md_20070617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ElfKMKk3s/T34kAi1I2aI/AAAAAAAADcs/A0YNyw9-yQQ/s640/fragile_forktail_male_cl_md_20070617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Photo: Fragile Forktail, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At a small stream we were able to finally get decent enough looks to identify a flying Stream Cruiser.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7URt8i3LNw/T34jN5LaKiI/AAAAAAAADck/Uw_Z2qLLSiQ/s1600/stream_cruiser_garrett_20060701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7URt8i3LNw/T34jN5LaKiI/AAAAAAAADck/Uw_Z2qLLSiQ/s640/stream_cruiser_garrett_20060701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Stream Cruiser, Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To round out the insects, we saw a single tiger beetle, which turned out to be the very common Six-spotted Tiger Beetle. Often, when a lot of time is spent in sandy areas, tiger beetles can be very common. I was shocked that we didn't see more, but the weather might have been a factor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfiExT-dY4M/T34k6FTW3UI/AAAAAAAADc0/EvooPbed3_M/s1600/green_six-spotted_tiger_beetle_ga_md_20110612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfiExT-dY4M/T34k6FTW3UI/AAAAAAAADc0/EvooPbed3_M/s640/green_six-spotted_tiger_beetle_ga_md_20110612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Photo: Six-spotted Tiger Beetles (mating), Bill Hubick</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I would like to thank the photographers who made this post possible.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bill Hubick: <a href="http://www.billhubick.com/">http://www.billhubick.com/</a><br />
Jared Satchell: <a href="http://www.jaredsatchell.smugmug.com/">www.jaredsatchell.smugmug.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lynette Schimming: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25980517@N03/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/25980517@N03/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The map I used for the Southern Cricket Frog was obtained through the USGS National Amphibian Atlas. Lots of great amphibian information can be found on their website. It can be viewed at</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://igsaceeswb00.er.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/">http://igsaceeswb00.er.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There isn't a ton of information out there on the Green Swamp area. Here are a few websites I used to plan the trip.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nature Conservancy Green Swamp Preserve: <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northcarolina/placesweprotect/green-swamp-preserve.xml">http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northcarolina/placesweprotect/green-swamp-preserve.xml</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nature Conservancy Boiling Spring Lake Preserve: <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northcarolina/placesweprotect/boiling-spring-lakes.xml">http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/northcarolina/placesweprotect/boiling-spring-lakes.xml</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Orchid Conservation Coalition: <a href="http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/hl/greenswampnc.html">http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/hl/greenswampnc.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-26499200687151196722012-03-27T19:42:00.000-07:002012-03-27T19:42:40.961-07:00Chasing Venus Flytraps: A One Day Trip to Southeastern North Carolina, Pt. 1 The PlantsLast Saturday (3/24/12), Tom Field, Jared Satchell, and myself drove down to southeastern North Carolina to see if we could find Venus Flytraps. Tom and I have been talking about this trip for years and we finally made it happen. We left Tom's house in Laurel, MD at 11:30pm Friday night and drove the seven hours to a Nature Conservancy property in the Green Swamp of North Carolina. I had done a little research and this spot sounded like it would give us our best chance at seeing flytraps.<br />
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We arrived in the parking area for The Nature Conservancy's Green Swamp Preserve about a half hour before dawn. When we got out of the car we were serenaded by the predawn songs of Bachman's Sparrows and Southern Cricket Frogs. The Green Swamp Nature Conservancy Preserve is made up of Long-leaf Pine savannas that are separated by pocosins which are swampy areas with heavy undergrowth of tall shrubs and Pond Pine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DVlUlQBC2U/T3I3ibN0OQI/AAAAAAAADWs/d_04s6yCCx4/s1600/IMG_4561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DVlUlQBC2U/T3I3ibN0OQI/AAAAAAAADWs/d_04s6yCCx4/s640/IMG_4561.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Green Swamp Long-leaf Pine savanna, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once it got light we headed into the savanna by following a well marked trail. I had very simple directions to where the flytraps were supposed to be and fortunately for us they were spot on. After about 10 minutes of searching, I stumbled upon a small patch of Venus Flytraps.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrFMkvPfDIY/T3I-6JpKc9I/AAAAAAAADW0/WdX-nW2qdEY/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrFMkvPfDIY/T3I-6JpKc9I/AAAAAAAADW0/WdX-nW2qdEY/s640/IMG_4352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Venus Flytrap, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Venus Flytrap is native to an extremely small area in North Carolina and South Carolina. If you drew a 60 mile radius around Wilmington, NC this would be the range in its entirety. Flytraps only grow in soils that are low in nitrogen and phosphorous. This type of soil is often found in bogs and wet pine savannas. In my opinion, Venus Flytraps are one of the strangest and coolest plants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GT01mJbBSR4/T3JBlGoxK2I/AAAAAAAADW8/fzkFkHwlSYc/s1600/IMG_4336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GT01mJbBSR4/T3JBlGoxK2I/AAAAAAAADW8/fzkFkHwlSYc/s640/IMG_4336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Venus Flytraps, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn0jVV2XQtI/T3JC1b8UdaI/AAAAAAAADXE/mzDG0M9Rz_k/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn0jVV2XQtI/T3JC1b8UdaI/AAAAAAAADXE/mzDG0M9Rz_k/s640/IMG_4347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Venus Flytrap, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With our main target checked off the list, we went and explored some of the farther reaches of the preserve. Because they burn the pine woods regularly, the understory of the savanna consisted mainly of wire grass (Aristida stricta) and small shrubs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SO9lNXkztfg/T3JF3RP1-LI/AAAAAAAADXM/PU8ojcANcqc/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SO9lNXkztfg/T3JF3RP1-LI/AAAAAAAADXM/PU8ojcANcqc/s640/IMG_4756.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Burned Long-leaf Pines, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fire is very important because it kills the undergrowth. In a pine savanna habitat most of the plant species require direct sunlight. The heavier the understory, the less sunlight plants like Venus Flytraps and pitcher plants receive, eventually causing them to die. Long-leaf Pines are fire resistant and fire is an important part of the pines ecology. A young Long-leaf Pine doesn't resemble a tree, but looks more like grass.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1xxV_qM1Bg/T3JIa_F3WjI/AAAAAAAADXU/8eyrw4B0TCo/s1600/IMG_4641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1xxV_qM1Bg/T3JIa_F3WjI/AAAAAAAADXU/8eyrw4B0TCo/s640/IMG_4641.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: young Long-leaf Pine, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even in this stage the young pine is very fire resistant. The needles will burn, but the stem will remain alive. On the University of Florida's School of Forest Research and Conservation website, they describe the young stage of Long-leaf Pines, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Unlike most conifers, the first 3 to 7 years of longleaf pine growth do not involve stem elongation. Rather, it remains a fire resistant, stemless, dense cluster of needles resembling tufts of grass. During this stage, seedlings are developing a deep taproot system below the ground and are capable of sprouting from the root collar if the top is damaged." </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOWf8qxLo6o/T3JzIxtj-KI/AAAAAAAADa8/kxsdWxATLAg/s1600/IMG_5048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOWf8qxLo6o/T3JzIxtj-KI/AAAAAAAADa8/kxsdWxATLAg/s640/IMG_5048.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: young burned Long-leaf Pine, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">With a dense understory the young pines would not have enough sunlight to grow, especially since it takes the tree almost 10 years to gain any real height. </span>Controlled burns conducted by the Nature Conservancy and the state are held on the preserve every couple years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We saw many cool plants. Below are the three species of Pitcher Plants that we observed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DrLsQbmRFg/T3JPMGD6jlI/AAAAAAAADXc/ytpKJC1OZps/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DrLsQbmRFg/T3JPMGD6jlI/AAAAAAAADXc/ytpKJC1OZps/s640/IMG_4711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sarracenia rubra (Sweet Pitcher Plant), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfbo5XM0WX8/T3JP0nge-xI/AAAAAAAADXk/JalcG3GmBcM/s1600/IMG_4588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfbo5XM0WX8/T3JP0nge-xI/AAAAAAAADXk/JalcG3GmBcM/s640/IMG_4588.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sarracenia purpurea (Purple Pitcher Plant), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JptzVmlZYpM/T3JQicZRrdI/AAAAAAAADXs/hblN35mbP2w/s1600/IMG_4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JptzVmlZYpM/T3JQicZRrdI/AAAAAAAADXs/hblN35mbP2w/s640/IMG_4592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sarracenia purpurea (Purple Pitcher Plant), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C35JGO5SjQw/T3JRmx4UBLI/AAAAAAAADX0/262lSx0rTqg/s1600/IMG_4739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C35JGO5SjQw/T3JRmx4UBLI/AAAAAAAADX0/262lSx0rTqg/s640/IMG_4739.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sarracenia flava (Yellow Pitcher Plant), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmqtj5mvl04/T3JR56ivobI/AAAAAAAADX8/zvnku_P6xh4/s1600/IMG_4890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmqtj5mvl04/T3JR56ivobI/AAAAAAAADX8/zvnku_P6xh4/s640/IMG_4890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Sarracenia flava (Yellow Pitcher Plant), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We saw another type of carnivorous plant called Yellow Butterwort (Pinguicula lutea). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpBGx7hlhno/T3JT15XwJwI/AAAAAAAADYE/JH8uYUb2pjw/s1600/IMG_4512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpBGx7hlhno/T3JT15XwJwI/AAAAAAAADYE/JH8uYUb2pjw/s640/IMG_4512.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pinguicula lutea (Yellow Butterwort), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxeqeuM0G1M/T3JUHzj8g5I/AAAAAAAADYM/-65sLl3olnQ/s1600/IMG_4503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxeqeuM0G1M/T3JUHzj8g5I/AAAAAAAADYM/-65sLl3olnQ/s640/IMG_4503.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pinguicula lutea (Yellow Butterwort), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAX76SYA5xY/T3JUVBkQetI/AAAAAAAADYU/uBINMjuokMo/s1600/IMG_4504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAX76SYA5xY/T3JUVBkQetI/AAAAAAAADYU/uBINMjuokMo/s640/IMG_4504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pinguicula lutea (Yellow Butterwort), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Butterworts trap small insects with globs of sticky material that sit on the tip of fine hairs that grow on the plants leaves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the other pine savanna specialties that we saw was the Pineland Daisy (Chaptalia tomentosa). It is one of the few asters that bloom in the spring.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bey4W1OmycI/T3JXZZgK7tI/AAAAAAAADYc/ALDWZ_svgtc/s1600/IMG_4427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bey4W1OmycI/T3JXZZgK7tI/AAAAAAAADYc/ALDWZ_svgtc/s640/IMG_4427.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Chaptalia tomestosa (Pineland Daisy), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We saw two species of violets Viola lanceolata (Bog White Violet), Viola septemloba (Southern Coastal Violet), and one hybrid violet, Viola x primulifolia)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3nJOrpXSOw/T3JbGxdyZFI/AAAAAAAADYk/ME0j8IOtfgI/s1600/IMG_4598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3nJOrpXSOw/T3JbGxdyZFI/AAAAAAAADYk/ME0j8IOtfgI/s640/IMG_4598.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Viola septemloba (Southern Coastal Violet), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5_KIqOkvaU/T3JbhGJbavI/AAAAAAAADY0/HWAW3zhnuIk/s1600/295416187_ih7Pc-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5_KIqOkvaU/T3JbhGJbavI/AAAAAAAADY0/HWAW3zhnuIk/s640/295416187_ih7Pc-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Viola x primulifolia (Primrose-leaved Violet), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We found a small patch of Common Pixie-moss (Pyxidanthera barbulata).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-268PfDQuvfc/T3JcdFZc5-I/AAAAAAAADY8/doxxUrQaGo8/s1600/IMG_4818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-268PfDQuvfc/T3JcdFZc5-I/AAAAAAAADY8/doxxUrQaGo8/s640/IMG_4818.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pyxidanthera barbulata (Common Pixie-moss), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), a flowering vine, was growing everywhere. It was by far the most abundant flowering plant that we saw during our trip.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pSrOI34_7I/T3JeAvpLsgI/AAAAAAAADZE/0s9pYasaZJo/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pSrOI34_7I/T3JeAvpLsgI/AAAAAAAADZE/0s9pYasaZJo/s640/IMG_4830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jessamine), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqXYyr6LJlY/T3JecKqvt7I/AAAAAAAADZM/RrPm2uaIxTU/s1600/IMG_4838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqXYyr6LJlY/T3JecKqvt7I/AAAAAAAADZM/RrPm2uaIxTU/s640/IMG_4838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jessamine), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeOZ6EQbtoc/T3JeqqTudFI/AAAAAAAADZU/b-7XR5Kv4M4/s1600/IMG_4849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeOZ6EQbtoc/T3JeqqTudFI/AAAAAAAADZU/b-7XR5Kv4M4/s640/IMG_4849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jessamine), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The preserve wasn't only Long-leaf Pine savanna. In between the savannas there existed dense thickets of small trees and shrubs called pocosins. Luckily there was a trail through the pocosins or we might not have ever found the pine savannas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uidjrJHW1xM/T3Jgq53dNcI/AAAAAAAADZc/fo2qcSQ0uY0/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uidjrJHW1xM/T3Jgq53dNcI/AAAAAAAADZc/fo2qcSQ0uY0/s640/IMG_4707.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trail through a pocosin, Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pond Pine (Pinus serotina) is a pine that is often found growing in or near pocosins. You can easily tell Pond Pine by the many needles growing out of the trunk. The needles are the size of Loblolly Pine needles (7" long) which made it easy to differentiate from the Long-leaf Pine whose needles are typically 13" long.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2n-THKocZ-M/T3Jh3ggyrwI/AAAAAAAADZk/aPyZ-TzZfqk/s1600/IMG_4928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2n-THKocZ-M/T3Jh3ggyrwI/AAAAAAAADZk/aPyZ-TzZfqk/s640/IMG_4928.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pinus serotina (Pond Pine), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the dominant shrubs in the pocosins was Inkberry (Ilex glabra). Inkberry belongs to the Holly family and like its name the berries are black.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YXZvmK45FQ/T3JjgNhEBLI/AAAAAAAADZs/G4QXEIzBHus/s1600/IMG_4522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YXZvmK45FQ/T3JjgNhEBLI/AAAAAAAADZs/G4QXEIzBHus/s640/IMG_4522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ilex glabra (Inkberry), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In one of the pocosins we found a Myrtle Holly (Ilex myrtifolia). This is a holly that grows on the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Its leaves are only about an inch long.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TcvB7Z-9x4/T3JlR7POXTI/AAAAAAAADZ0/YVNf6isdAOM/s1600/IMG_4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TcvB7Z-9x4/T3JlR7POXTI/AAAAAAAADZ0/YVNf6isdAOM/s640/IMG_4487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ilex myrtifolia (Myrtle Holly), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Netted Chain Ferns (Woodwardia aureolata) and Virginia Chain Fern (Woodwardia virginica) were both found growing in the pocosins.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jyt0av1cNg/T3JnrCSwodI/AAAAAAAADZ8/UKDt262tUmU/s1600/IMG_4813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jyt0av1cNg/T3JnrCSwodI/AAAAAAAADZ8/UKDt262tUmU/s640/IMG_4813.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Woodwardia virginica (Virginia Chain Fern), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bracken Fern (Pterdium aquilinum) was growing in the dry sandy areas in the pine savanna.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWmfQFE4jr4/T3JoaTm7wdI/AAAAAAAADaE/O4uzVEmWUQY/s1600/IMG_4323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWmfQFE4jr4/T3JoaTm7wdI/AAAAAAAADaE/O4uzVEmWUQY/s640/IMG_4323.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Pterdium aquilinum (Bracken Fern), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had been skirting thunderstorms all day. Luckily, they had been moving north of us, but in the early afternoon they hit our area hard. We decided to drive the back roads of Brunswick County and see what we could find. One of the common roadside plants was Yellow Thistle (Cirsium horridium).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxdnl6wMGoA/T3JrD_2o06I/AAAAAAAADaM/n4jddESj_L8/s1600/IMG_4995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxdnl6wMGoA/T3JrD_2o06I/AAAAAAAADaM/n4jddESj_L8/s640/IMG_4995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Cirsium horridium (Yellow Thistle), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GE8Cy_kNB8/T3Jrh7Um1TI/AAAAAAAADaU/qhM3AQpCDwo/s1600/IMG_5015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GE8Cy_kNB8/T3Jrh7Um1TI/AAAAAAAADaU/qhM3AQpCDwo/s640/IMG_5015.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cirsium horridium (Yellow Thistle), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMqAm3Dji2Q/T3Jrx_w49fI/AAAAAAAADac/eRX3iQzUtiA/s1600/IMG_5005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMqAm3Dji2Q/T3Jrx_w49fI/AAAAAAAADac/eRX3iQzUtiA/s640/IMG_5005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Cirsium horridium (Yellow Thistle), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">During a brief break in the rain we spotted a flowering tree growing in a boggy area along the road. We eventually figured out that it was Common Sweetleaf (Simplocos tinctoria). This is the host-plant for King's Hairstreak. Unfortunately, we didn't find any nectaring hairstreaks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqIBFhpdBEg/T3JtcTB7csI/AAAAAAAADak/VoIY2mpwzAk/s1600/IMG_5025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqIBFhpdBEg/T3JtcTB7csI/AAAAAAAADak/VoIY2mpwzAk/s640/IMG_5025.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Simplocos tinctoria (Common Sweetleaf), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With the rain still coming down we decided to head towards the coast to the Nature Conservancy's Preserve at Boiling Spring Lake. After a one hour drive we pulled into the preserve's parking lot. Immediately, we viewed white flowers that seemed to be growing everywhere along the parking lot and trail. The white flowers turned out to be Sand Myrtle (Leiophyllum buxifollium), a rare plant that grows in sandy barrens in the Carolinas and New Jersey.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE5kk78mfWM/T3Jv0XTqvcI/AAAAAAAADas/Gen2jDdB98g/s1600/IMG_5038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xE5kk78mfWM/T3Jv0XTqvcI/AAAAAAAADas/Gen2jDdB98g/s640/IMG_5038.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Leiophyllum buxifolium (Sand Myrtle), Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was getting very late and we were losing light. Most of the habitat along the path at Boiling Lake Springs Preserve had been recently burned, but with the last rays of light we identified a few more uncommon plants. Two southern oaks were common in the preserve, American Turkey Oak (Quercus laevis) and Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), but the highlight was finding a small patch of Dwarf Woodland Iris (Iris verna). These flowers were only a couple inches high and they were growing in a dry sandy upland habitat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIiLRAZMveM/T3JyNsXlLGI/AAAAAAAADa0/IDP2wU7hdA0/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIiLRAZMveM/T3JyNsXlLGI/AAAAAAAADa0/IDP2wU7hdA0/s640/photo-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Iris verna (Dwarf Woodland Iris), Jared Satchell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With the day over we got back to the car and headed for home. We left Boiling Springs Lake at 8pm and Jared and I got back to Easton, MD at 4:35am Sunday morning. What a day! The next post is going to be on the animals that we saw on our trip. There were lots of cool finds, like Eastern Glass Lizard!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-49666438881286849262012-03-19T18:46:00.002-07:002012-03-21T03:45:51.723-07:00Trilliums of the Mid Atlantic Region: Pt. 4 The Non-nodding Pedicellate Trilliums<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">For the final post on the trilliums of the Mid Atlantic region we are going to investigate the non-nodding pedicellate trilliums. These trilliums typically have their flowers standing erect on pedicels, only rarely will the flower droop beneath the leaves. The species treated below are some of the most confusing of the trilliums. Many of these trilliums hybridize and often the casual observer will not be able to get a flower to species. Because some of the species are very similar in appearance and botanical structure habitat, odor, and flower shape are needed for correct identification. Below is a drawing that shows the different flower parts that are discussed in the species treatments below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6h-0OlLvT0/T2fNO_tNfVI/AAAAAAAADWc/diszEfBXFJ8/s1600/Anthers+and+botanical+chart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6h-0OlLvT0/T2fNO_tNfVI/AAAAAAAADWc/diszEfBXFJ8/s400/Anthers+and+botanical+chart1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drawing: Jim Brighton</div><br />
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<b>Trillium erectum (Red Trillium, Stinking Benjamin, Stinking Willie, Purple Trillium, Beth Root, Indian Balm, Wake Robin Trillium, Birthwort)</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HIpVIsNvX8/T2VD7FNUBQI/AAAAAAAADUs/kb15-zaHe-M/s1600/Trillium+erectum.cwohlers.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HIpVIsNvX8/T2VD7FNUBQI/AAAAAAAADUs/kb15-zaHe-M/s320/Trillium+erectum.cwohlers.flickr.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium erectum, Charles Wohlers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium erectum is the one trillium that I have been dreading. It is arguably the most common trillium of the east and is also the most variable. Many of the non-nodding pedicellate trilliums are closely related to Trillium erectum and hybridization is common, so sometimes a correct identification cannot be made. Trillium erectum is found throughout the piedmont and mountains of all the states of the Mid Atlantic region. It can be found growing in moist rich woods with neutral to acidic soils. The plant typically grows up to 20" tall. The flower of Trillium erectum is usually a dark red but can be purple, white, and sometimes pale yellow. The white form of Trillium erectum has been given varietal status and is labeled Trillium erectum var. album.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHaj3pGGjeU/T2fTWygwgVI/AAAAAAAADWk/qoW7pMQ6QGY/s1600/Trillium+erectum.ejhogbin.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHaj3pGGjeU/T2fTWygwgVI/AAAAAAAADWk/qoW7pMQ6QGY/s320/Trillium+erectum.ejhogbin.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium erectum, Emma Hogbin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium erectum in its red phase is almost identical to Trillium sulcatum (Southern Red Trillium). I have no experience with Trillium sulcatum and can find no definitive identification marks that make the separation of the two species easy. That said, with some research, here is what I've found about trying to identify the two species. First of all, in the Mid Atlantic region the two species only grow together in West Virginia and in the mountains of southwestern Virginia and extreme northwestern North Carolina. Trillium erectum is supposed to have a shorter pedicel. On the <i>Flora of North America</i> website they give the measurement of the pedicel for Trillium erectum as 1 to 10 cm. For Trillium sulcatum the measurement is 6 to 11 cm. So, if the pedicel is less than 6cm you can safely assume you have a Trillium erectum. The main way that most people seem to identify Trillium erectum is that typically the flowers and sepals open flat unlike Trillium sulcatum which when viewed from the side has a bell shaped / candle snuffer appearance (the flower and sepals do not typically open flat) and the sepals are normally curled on the edges giving a canoe shaped look. Another difference for those that have a great sense of smell is the two species odors. Trillium erectum smells like rotten meat and Trillium sulcatum smells faintly musty. The <i>Flora of North America</i> website says the Trillium sulcatum smells, "...faintly musty like fresh fungus." The odor of Trillium erectum is used to draw beetles and flies that are the flowers main pollinators. Native Americans often used the plant to induce labor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium sulcatum (Southern Red Trillium, Barksdale Trillium, Furrowed Wakerobin)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wc1uulAVvZk/T2Z5F3oIKkI/AAAAAAAADVE/0ecVuqZ8Skc/s1600/Trillium+sulcatum.cpbotanist.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wc1uulAVvZk/T2Z5F3oIKkI/AAAAAAAADVE/0ecVuqZ8Skc/s320/Trillium+sulcatum.cpbotanist.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium sulcatum, CPBotanist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium sulcatum is mainly found on the Cumberland Plateau. In the Mid Atlantic region it is found in West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and extreme northwestern North Carolina. Trillium sulcatum favors rich woods and is often found growing on moist north and east facing slopes. It also grows on stream banks. This trillium can be almost identical to Trillium erectum. As I noted above in the Trillium erectum treatment, the way that most references use to separate the two species is the shape of the flower and sepals. Trillium sulcatum's flower, when viewed from the side, has a candle snuffer appearance, whereas Trillium erectum's flower and sepals are typically flat. Trillium sulcatum's sepals are often curled giving them a canoe appearance. The odor is also different between the two species with Trillium sulcatum smelling like fresh fungus and Trillium erectum smelling like rotten meat. To make things even more tricky, Trillium sulcatum can have white flowers as well as purple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dztnHWFwCrw/T2Z5CX0hFFI/AAAAAAAADU8/bWwjzhCQVyc/s1600/Trillium+sulcatum+alboutescens.+NCOrchid.Flicker+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dztnHWFwCrw/T2Z5CX0hFFI/AAAAAAAADU8/bWwjzhCQVyc/s320/Trillium+sulcatum+alboutescens.+NCOrchid.Flicker+.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium sulcatum, NC Orchid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even in its white form the candle snuffer flower shape and curled sepals will help differentiate the species from all other white trilliums. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium simile (Sweet White Trillium, Confusing Trillium, Jeweled Wakerobin)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWUhcMyHUoA/T2aCgabuFFI/AAAAAAAADVM/ojEkpRhCyfU/s1600/Trillium+simile.Plantgirlsquad.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWUhcMyHUoA/T2aCgabuFFI/AAAAAAAADVM/ojEkpRhCyfU/s320/Trillium+simile.Plantgirlsquad.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium simile, Plantgirlsquad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium simile is a white flowered trillium that in the Mid Atlantic region is only found in the mountains of southern North Carolina. This plant grows in rich mature woods often near rhododendron thickets. It is very similar to the white form of Trillium erectum and offers a true identification challenge. The best way to identify the two species is by their smell. Trillium simile has a slight sweet smell that the <i>Flora of North America</i> says is applelike. Trillium erectum smells like rotten meat. The anthers of Trillium simile are often longer than Trillium erectum, but there is some overlap. The Flora of North America website lists the length of the anthers of Trillium simile as 6 - 20mm. Trillium erectum's anthers are listed as 5 -12mm. So if the anthers are 13 - 20mm the plant can be positively identified as Trillium simile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium, Great White Trillium, White Wakerobin, Large-flower Wakerobin, Large White Trillium)</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPim8qvEDHw/T2aOi4fjViI/AAAAAAAADVc/1AJa31iXRRE/s1600/Trillium+grandiflorum.Charles+de+Martigny.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPim8qvEDHw/T2aOi4fjViI/AAAAAAAADVc/1AJa31iXRRE/s320/Trillium+grandiflorum.Charles+de+Martigny.flickr.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Trillium grandiflorum, Plant Girl Squad</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Trillium grandiflorum is a large trillium that grows over most of the piedmont and mountains of the Mid Atlantic region from New York to North Carolina. This trillium grows in rich woods and river/stream floodplains. This trillium typically grows between between 12 - 18". It has a large odorless white flower that turns pink as the flower ages. The petals of the flowers are large and overlap unlike the petals of Trillium erectum or the other white trilliums. Another difference between the flower of Trillium grandiflorum and the other white trilliums is that the edges of the petals are wavy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6P2X6JuzDU/T2aRFVcfuHI/AAAAAAAADVk/TFwHkQG_Bwg/s1600/Trillium+grandiflorum.nordique.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w6P2X6JuzDU/T2aRFVcfuHI/AAAAAAAADVk/TFwHkQG_Bwg/s320/Trillium+grandiflorum.nordique.flickr.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium grandiflorum, Peter Stevens</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEr0mLbzwOk/T2aRZmt8WVI/AAAAAAAADVs/K-2RNANEbNk/s1600/Trillium+grandiflorum.Matt+N+Charlotte.Flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEr0mLbzwOk/T2aRZmt8WVI/AAAAAAAADVs/K-2RNANEbNk/s320/Trillium+grandiflorum.Matt+N+Charlotte.Flickr.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium grandiflorum (older flower), Matt & Charlotte Fletcher</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Trillium pusillum (Dwarf Trillium, Least Trillium, Little Trillium, Dwarf Wakerobin)</b></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Av3sFX6LcCs/T2aWuKeTu7I/AAAAAAAADWE/LB1yvKXbVME/s1600/Trillium+pusillum.NCOrchid.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Av3sFX6LcCs/T2aWuKeTu7I/AAAAAAAADWE/LB1yvKXbVME/s400/Trillium+pusillum.NCOrchid.flickr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium pusillum, NC Orchid</div><div><br />
</div><div>Trillium pusillum is the only trillium species in the Mid Atlantic region that grows on the coastal plain. It can be found growing on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, Tidewater region of Virginia, and a few populations on the coastal plain of North Carolina. Trillium pusillum also grows in the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, but these are in small very scattered populations. There are two distinct varieties of Trillium pusillum. Each variety has its own characteristics and habitat preferences. In the Mid Atlantic region we have both varieties. Trillium pusillum var. virginianum is found in the swamps of the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, Tidewater area of Virginia, the coastal plain of North Carolina, and the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia. Trillium pusillum var. pusillum is found in the mountains of North Carolina. The <i>Flora of North America</i> says that Trillium pusillium var. virginianum grows in "Acidic soils in low, swampy woodlands along streams, Red Maple swamps that are very wet in spring, plants often grouped on hummocks, possibly with sphagnum moss."<br />
the website goes on to say about the habitat of Trillium pusillum var. pusillum, "Low swampy woodlands, sometimes sphagnous, mixed deciduous forests, often associated with cherty rock or decomposing shale in beech and oak forests."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGiBBt7j-Po/T2fAIQsEoUI/AAAAAAAADWU/-UpQUrCLYNc/s1600/Trillium+pusillum.travel_stuffies.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGiBBt7j-Po/T2fAIQsEoUI/AAAAAAAADWU/-UpQUrCLYNc/s320/Trillium+pusillum.travel_stuffies.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium pusillum, Travel Stuffies</div><br />
Trillium pusillum is a small trillium that typically grows between 6 - 10". The flowers are white, but as they age they can turn pinkish. Trillium pusillum var. virginianum has a very short pedicel that causes the flower to look sessile. Trillium pusillum var. pusillum typically doesn't appear sessile with a longer pedicel. The small size of the plant makes identification unmistakeable. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Trillium nivale (Snow Trillium, Dwarf White Trillium)</b></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6_kdkGiNWM/T2aK71GPZhI/AAAAAAAADVU/d4xMyvqAgdc/s1600/Trillium+nivale.Aposematic+herpetologist.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6_kdkGiNWM/T2aK71GPZhI/AAAAAAAADVU/d4xMyvqAgdc/s400/Trillium+nivale.Aposematic+herpetologist.flickr.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium nivale, Aposematic Herpetologist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium nivale is the smallest trillium in the Mid Atlantic region. It is native, but not common, in western Pennsylvania, western Maryland, northeastern West Virginia, and western Virginia. In the <i>Flora of North America</i> it says that Trillium nivale grows in, "Forested limestone-derived soils, alkaline glacial drift or loess, creeping soils at head of ledges, talus of cliff bases, crevices in limestone cliffs, gravelly deposits on higher floodplain riverbanks." Trillium nivale only grows between 2 - 4" tall. This separates it from all other white trilliums. It has a very sweet fragrance and is one of the first trilliums to bloom in early March through early April.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium undulatum (Painted Trillium, Painted Lady)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrZV756M52g/T2aSglm2E4I/AAAAAAAADV0/1nWukF7oGCY/s1600/Trillium+undulatum.NCOrchid.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrZV756M52g/T2aSglm2E4I/AAAAAAAADV0/1nWukF7oGCY/s400/Trillium+undulatum.NCOrchid.flickr.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium undulatum, NC Orchid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium undulatum is a beautiful small trillium that grows throughout the mountains of the Mid Atlantic region from New York to North Carolina. Trillium undulatum can be found growing in both coniferous and deciduous forests often near rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets. This trillium prefers deep shade and can be found growing in limestone soils or acidic humus. The white flower with its deep pink center easily differentiates this species from all other trilliums. In my opinion it is by far the prettiest of all the trilliums.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7bK1NR5QZI/T2aUV9ug4II/AAAAAAAADV8/98H6QWLlGjg/s1600/Trilliumundulatum.pellaea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7bK1NR5QZI/T2aUV9ug4II/AAAAAAAADV8/98H6QWLlGjg/s640/Trilliumundulatum.pellaea.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium undulatum, Jason Hollinger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were many websites that I researched to write these posts on trilliums of the Mid Atlantic region.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flora of North America -- <a href="http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=133668">http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=133668</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The above link is to the trillium family page. All the technical information on the genus trillium can be found here along with a key to all the trillium species of North America.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">USDA -- <a href="http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRILL">http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRILL</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The above link is to the USDA website. Every species of North American trillium is represented with range maps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Susan Farmer's Trillium site -- <a href="http://www.goldsword.com/sfarmer/Trillium/">http://www.goldsword.com/sfarmer/Trillium/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Susan Farmer's site has tons of information and lots of up to date taxonomical data. Highly recommended.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">North Carolina Native Plant Societies trillium page <a href="http://www.ncwildflower.org/index.php/plants/trilliums/">http://www.ncwildflower.org/index.php/plants/trilliums/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The North American Rock Garden Society has a lot of photos and information on different trillium species and hybrids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://nargs.org/nargswiki/tiki-browse_gallery.php?galleryId=65&offset=0&sort_mode=created_desc">http://nargs.org/nargswiki/tiki-browse_gallery.php?galleryId=65&offset=0&sort_mode=created_desc</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There aren't many books that focus solely on trilliums. The go to text is by Roberta and Fredrick Case, titled <i>Trilliums. </i>Below is the Amazon link for the book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trilliums-Roberta-B-Case/dp/1604690755/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332205447&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Trilliums-Roberta-B-Case/dp/1604690755/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332205447&sr=8-1</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The blog <i>Get Your Botany On </i>has a wealth of information and is really fun to read</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://getyourbotanyon.blogspot.com/">http://getyourbotanyon.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would also like to thank the photographers who made this post possible. Please go to their websites and check out their photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charles Wohlers -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cwohlers/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/cwohlers/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emma Hogbin -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmajane/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmajane/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CPBotanist -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30645054@N08/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/30645054@N08/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">NC Orchid -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncorchid/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncorchid/</a> NC Orchid has some fabulous plant photos. I spent a long time perusing his flickr site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plant Girl Squad -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/smanda/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/smanda/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peter Stevens -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nordique/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/nordique/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Matt & Charlotte Fletcher -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_fletcher/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_fletcher/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Travel_Stuffies -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/oliviaandmike/">http://www.flickr.com/people/oliviaandmike/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aposematic Herpetologist -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38984611@N03/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/38984611@N03/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jason Hollinger -- <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/</a> If you are into lichens, go and check out Jason's Flickr site. Amazing lichens photography.</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-19238022020310731362012-03-15T17:20:00.000-07:002012-03-15T17:20:51.463-07:00Trilliums of the Mid Atlantic Region: Pt. 3 The "Nodding" Trilliums<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Part 2 of this post I wrote on how to identify the sessile type trilliums. For Part 3, the "nodding" trilliums are going to be discussed. The 'nodding' trilliums belong in the pedicellate group. Pedicellate means that there is a pedicel that connects the flower to the stem unlike the sessile type trilliums whose flowers lack pedicels. The trilliums in the "nodding" group typically have their flowers on long pedicels causing the flower to fall to the side of the plant and often hanging under the leaves. While it is possible for almost any of the pedicellate trilliums to have their flowers "nodding," for the next four species discussed it is typical for the flower to droop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASfLkFV9n-w/T2FADZb_WhI/AAAAAAAADTM/EGP3C4PYmCs/s1600/Kestrel360.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASfLkFV9n-w/T2FADZb_WhI/AAAAAAAADTM/EGP3C4PYmCs/s320/Kestrel360.flickr.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium catesbaei, Kestrel360</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium catesbaei (Catesby's Trillium, Bashful Wakerobin, Rosy Wakerobin, Trinity Flower, Rosy Trillium)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium catesbaei is normally found in open woods with minimal understory. This plant likes acidic soil and is often found near laurel and rhododendron thickets. In the Mid Atlantic region it is only found in central and western North Carolina. Typically, the plants grow from 12 - 16" tall. The flower color can be white to pinkish. The petals are strongly recurved usually past the sepals. The flower typically droops below the leaves. The only trillium that may cause problems with identification of Trillium catesbaei is Trillium rugelii which grows in the same area. Fortunately, telling the two species apart is not difficult. The easiest way to differentiate between the two species is by the color of the anthers. Trillium catesbaei's anthers are yellow and are strongly recurved. Trillium rugelii's anthers are straight and dark purple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOG1jbGoXO0/T2FE8L-E7rI/AAAAAAAADTU/lrMfOBnE9TE/s1600/CatesbysTrillium.squamatologist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOG1jbGoXO0/T2FE8L-E7rI/AAAAAAAADTU/lrMfOBnE9TE/s320/CatesbysTrillium.squamatologist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium catesbaei, Squamatologist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium cernuum (Nodding Wakerobin, Whip-poor-will Flower)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5Ms2VOGhXE/T2FHVntUFWI/AAAAAAAADTc/pme9djGiaeQ/s1600/qmnonic.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5Ms2VOGhXE/T2FHVntUFWI/AAAAAAAADTc/pme9djGiaeQ/s320/qmnonic.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium cernuum, Matt MacGillivray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium cernuum is a widespread northern trillium found from northeastern Canada south through Virginia and into the midwest. In the Mid Atlantic region it is found in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Typically growing in rich deciduous forest in the southern part of it range, it can also be found in swampy coniferous woodland in the north. The plant can grow from 10 - 20" tall. The white (rarely pink) flower typically droops below the leaves. The petals of the flower are recurved past the sepals. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oF_rRFDDmw/T2FLDjZOwAI/AAAAAAAADTk/xF9tg1dNzd4/s1600/Anthers+and+botanical+chart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oF_rRFDDmw/T2FLDjZOwAI/AAAAAAAADTk/xF9tg1dNzd4/s320/Anthers+and+botanical+chart1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drawing: Jim Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium cernuum is very similar to Trillium flexipes. Since the two species do grow together in certain areas they offer a fine identification challenge. The Ohio DNR website says the best way to tell the two species apart is by the length of the flower filaments. In Trillium cernuum the filaments are at least 2/3 as long as the anthers. In Trillium flexipes the filaments are less than half as long as the anthers. Another definitive difference between the two species is the length of the pedicel. The pedicel of Trillium cernuum is only 1.5 to 3 centimeters in length and Trillium flexipes pedicel is 4 to 12 centimeters long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EZNRwMMYl0/T2FL30csgqI/AAAAAAAADTs/Qfub5XGVxmY/s1600/Vilb.Vilma+Bharatan.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3EZNRwMMYl0/T2FL30csgqI/AAAAAAAADTs/Qfub5XGVxmY/s320/Vilb.Vilma+Bharatan.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium cernuum, Vilma Bharatan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium flexipes (Nodding Wakerobin, White Trillium, Bent Trillium, Declined Trillium)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hC_LkRbga44/T2FM-y9FKqI/AAAAAAAADT0/ZZ4vmV85iIw/s1600/Jason+Sturner+72.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hC_LkRbga44/T2FM-y9FKqI/AAAAAAAADT0/ZZ4vmV85iIw/s320/Jason+Sturner+72.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium flexipes, Jason Sturner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium flexipes grows in rich forests and floodplains with lots of limestone. Trillium flexipes is mostly a midwestern trillium. In the Mid Atlantic there are scattered populations in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and southwestern Virginia. Typical plants are from 8 - 19" tall. The flower of Trillium flexipes is usually drooping below the leaves but can be held horizontally across the leaves and rarely held upright. The flower should never be facing upwards. The creamy white flower petals are slightly recurved. This plant is very similar to Trillium cernuum. The differences in the two species are noted in the description for Trillium cernuum above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8JoBjADUYI/T2FQmFHbwXI/AAAAAAAADT8/SBXfFKoS5_0/s1600/Buckeye98.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8JoBjADUYI/T2FQmFHbwXI/AAAAAAAADT8/SBXfFKoS5_0/s320/Buckeye98.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium flexipes, Keith Robinson</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium rugelii (Southern Nodding Trillium, Ill-scented Wakerobin)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pws24YLuxQU/T2FVfORFRUI/AAAAAAAADUM/C1RbTvaAZZM/s1600/NCOrchid.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pws24YLuxQU/T2FVfORFRUI/AAAAAAAADUM/C1RbTvaAZZM/s400/NCOrchid.flickr.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium rugelii, NC Orchid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the Mid Atlantic region Trillium rugelii is only found in central and western North Carolina where is grows on forested hillsides and along stream banks and river plains. The plant typically grows to 12" tall. The flower of Trillium rugelii usually droops beneath the leaves. The petals are typically white and are recurved. The straight purple anthers make it easy to tell apart from Trillium catesbaei which has yellow recurved anthers. According to the Flora of North America website, "Trillium rugelii has been much confused with Trillium cernuum in the past and it is the taxon upon which most reports of Trillium cernuum south of Virginia are based."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Trillium vaseyi (Vasey's Trillium, Sweet Beth, Sweet Trillium, Sweet Wakerobin)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuD7Nze27a8/T2FWH5IMvrI/AAAAAAAADUU/odn59n-CUL4/s1600/Trilliumvaseyi.Squamatologist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuD7Nze27a8/T2FWH5IMvrI/AAAAAAAADUU/odn59n-CUL4/s400/Trilliumvaseyi.Squamatologist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium vaseyi, Squamatologist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trillium vaseyi grows in the mountains on steep wooded slopes and ravines of the southeast. In the Mid Atlantic region it is only found in North Carolina. The deep red sweet smelling flower of Trillium vaseyi is very large and typically droops below the leaves. Trillium erectum is the only other red flowering trillium that grows in the same area as Trillium vaseyi. The large drooping flower coupled with its sweet odor makes it easy to differentiate between the two species. Trillium erectum has a foul odor. Another difference between the two species is in their bloom times. Trillium vaseyi blooms much later than Trillium erectum which has an early spring bloom. Trillium vaseyi can bloom as late as June. Trillium vaseyi frequently hybridizes with Trillium rugelii. The photo below shows typical flowers of the two species with a hybrid flower in the middle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWdwWYAcjjU/T2FY5zJlVcI/AAAAAAAADUc/JMofyKu5I6k/s1600/Trilliumhybrids.JasonHollinger.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWdwWYAcjjU/T2FY5zJlVcI/AAAAAAAADUc/JMofyKu5I6k/s400/Trilliumhybrids.JasonHollinger.flickr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium rugellii (left), Trillium vaseyi (right), hybrid of the two species (center), Jason Hollinger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4U6cr6RZjg/T2FZylPfb0I/AAAAAAAADUk/6dGqrPmLDGo/s1600/JasonHollinger.flicker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4U6cr6RZjg/T2FZylPfb0I/AAAAAAAADUk/6dGqrPmLDGo/s400/JasonHollinger.flicker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium vaseyi, Jason Hollinger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to thank all the photographers who made this post possible</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kestrel360 -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/8343980@N06/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Squamatologist -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/squamatologist/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Matt Macgillivray -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/qmnonic/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Vilma Bhataran -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/16454146@N06/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jason Sturner -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/50352333@N06/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keith Robinson -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjrob/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">NC Orchid -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncorchid/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jason Hollinger -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/ Jason's flickr site is awesome. Some of the coolest lichen photos on the web.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The regular pedicellate trilliums are up next. Stay tuned!</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-16010185013251075792012-03-13T14:19:00.000-07:002012-03-13T14:19:03.587-07:00Trilliums of the Mid Atlantic Region: Pt. 2 The Sessile TrilliumsAs I mentioned in the previous post trilliums can be divided into two groups, the sessile trilliums and the pedicellate trilliums. Sessile trilliums have flowers that lack pedicels. The pedicel acts like a stem that attaches the flower to the main stem or a branch of a plant. Because sessile trilliums lack pedicels, the flower sits erect on top of the leaves. The photo below is a Trillium luteum and is an example of a sessile type trillium.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Agwo9YVSMfc/T15_gMpgjEI/AAAAAAAADQ4/CM58r7tIGNI/s1600/Trilliumluteum.squamatologist.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Agwo9YVSMfc/T15_gMpgjEI/AAAAAAAADQ4/CM58r7tIGNI/s320/Trilliumluteum.squamatologist.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium luteum, Squamatologist<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Notice how the flower is sitting erect on top of the leaves. This is the basic look for all sessile type trilliums. Often the sessile trilliums have mottled leaves, but this feature can be variable. There are four species of sessile type trilliums found in the Mid Atlantic: Trillium cuneatum, Trillium discolor, Trillium luteum, and Trillium sessile. Of these four species, only Trillium sessile is found north of North Carolina.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trillium cuneatum (Little Sweet Betsy, Cuneate Trillium, Large Toadshade, Purple Toadshade, Bloody Butcher)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1i3yWmbGzM/T16CoqQ04pI/AAAAAAAADRA/dC_hkULkYEc/s1600/SweetBetsy.Larry+WFU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1i3yWmbGzM/T16CoqQ04pI/AAAAAAAADRA/dC_hkULkYEc/s320/SweetBetsy.Larry+WFU.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium cuneatum, Larry WFU</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Trillium cuneatum grows in rich upland woods with limestone based soils. It is the largest of the sessile type trilliums and can grow as high as 17" tall. In the Mid Atlantic it only grows in the mountains and piedmont of North Carolina. Flowers are sessile, standing erect above the leaves and can range in color from the usual purple to rarely yellow. The leaves of Trillium cuneatum are typically mottled. Trillium cuneatum is very difficult to separate from Trillium sessile. To get a proper id you have to look at the anthers of the plant. Below is a drawing I made showing basic flower structure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dysei9nmZKE/T16F5FiucrI/AAAAAAAADRc/QwWMcdj4Cvc/s1600/Anthers+and+botanical+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dysei9nmZKE/T16F5FiucrI/AAAAAAAADRc/QwWMcdj4Cvc/s400/Anthers+and+botanical+chart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drawing: Jim Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can tell from the drawing, the anthers are connected to the filament. Anthers are the part of the stamen that contain pollen. In the blog <i>Get Your Botany On</i>, the author Scott Namestnik, gives a great description of the differences in the anthers of the two species,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Trillium cuneatum may be confused with Trillium sessile, but the anther dehiscense is latrose in the former and introse in the latter..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">According to wikipedia, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">Dehiscence is the spontaneous opening at maturity of a plant structure, such as a fruit, anther, or sporangium, to release it contents.” Anther dehiscense operates by an exact spot on the anther wall breaking and causing pollen to be released. If the pollen is released from the inner side of the anther it is called introse dehiscence. If the split is on the side of the anther positioned towards the other anthers rather than towards the inside or outside of the flower, it is called latrose dehiscence.</span></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a drawing I made showing the different dehiscence.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHr_b-r4EPY/T16IuYe7fYI/AAAAAAAADRk/4cUrfe2VDNs/s1600/Anthers+and+botanical+chart_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHr_b-r4EPY/T16IuYe7fYI/AAAAAAAADRk/4cUrfe2VDNs/s400/Anthers+and+botanical+chart_0001.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drawing: Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So basically, where the anther splits and the pollen is released is totally different on the two species. Namestnik also comments on the length of the connectives. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">The connective, according to the Dictionary of Botany, “is the tissue that joins the pollen sacs in the anther. It is a continuation of the filament…” Below is a drawing that shows where the connective is located on the stamen.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_crhrzzo1c/T16KHfLVkqI/AAAAAAAADRs/JHz0fjFF3e8/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_crhrzzo1c/T16KHfLVkqI/AAAAAAAADRs/JHz0fjFF3e8/s400/IMG_0001.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drawing: Jim Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">From the Flora of North America website, I compared the length of the connectives of Trillium cuneatum and Trillium sessile and here is how each species connective is described: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Trillium cuneatum: …connectives straight, scarcely (0.5mm or less) if at all extended beyond anther sacs.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Trillium sessile: …connectives purplish brown, straight, projecting 2 – 5mm beyond the anther sacs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Supposedly, an easier way to separate the two species is by the leaf tip. On Trillium cuneatum the leaf tip is very pointed, whereas the leaf tips of Trillium sessile are more rounded. A word of caution, leaf tips can be extremely variable and this identification point should only be used as a secondary form of id. Another separation between Trillium cuneatum and Trillium sessile is their odor. Trillium cuneatum has a pleasant faint spicy smell. Trillium sessile's odor is like the smell of rotten meat. Luckily, in the Mid Atlantic region the two species do not overlap, but learning the differences of the two species makes for good practice in learning botanical structure definition. Plus, if you ever go to Kentucky and see a purple colored sessile type trillium, you are going to need the above information.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ykXYkEVKQ8/T16ZbK4EmmI/AAAAAAAADSE/Z3RRPEwMqMQ/s1600/UGArdener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ykXYkEVKQ8/T16ZbK4EmmI/AAAAAAAADSE/Z3RRPEwMqMQ/s400/UGArdener.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">Photo: Trillium cuneatum, UGArdener</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> <b>Trillium sessile (Toadshade, Sessile Trillium, Sessile-flowered Wakerobin, Toad Trillium)</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uR6iulz0UI/T16crMjqaCI/AAAAAAAADSM/fWsFr1AK2pM/s1600/5611712355_59b5206e4b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uR6iulz0UI/T16crMjqaCI/AAAAAAAADSM/fWsFr1AK2pM/s320/5611712355_59b5206e4b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">Photo: Trillium sessile, Jim Pater</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;">Trillium sessile is found in rich woods and river plains. I have observed this plant growing along the Potomac in the piedmont of Maryland. It is found much further north than Trillium cuneatum. In the Mid Atlantic region this is the only red sessile type trillium found north of North Carolina. A mature plant is typically around 12" tall. The flowers of Trillium sessile are held erect above the leaves and are typically a deep red. Rarely the flower color can be a greenish yellow. The leaves are usually mottled green. The plant has an unpleasant odor like that of rotten meat. The odor attracts beetles and flies that are the plants main pollinators. Trillium sessile can be easily confused with Trillium cuneatum. The differences in the two species are treated in the above treatment of Trillium cuneatum. Unless traveling outside of the Mid Atlantic region readers should not have to deal with this perplexing identification challenge.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trillium luteum (Yellow Wakerobin, Yellow Toadshade, Wax Trillium) </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VcLgQSMBgw/T16e2MmXscI/AAAAAAAADSc/Fpp_igdvTts/s1600/jsorbieus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VcLgQSMBgw/T16e2MmXscI/AAAAAAAADSc/Fpp_igdvTts/s400/jsorbieus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium luteum, Jim Sorbie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yellow Trillium is found in rich deciduous forests with a calcareous (high in calcium) substrate. It is often found growing along rocky streams. In the Mid Atlantic region Trillium luteum is only found in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina near the Tennessee border. A mature plant can grow to 15" tall. Flowers are held erect and have a pleasant lemony odor. Trillium luteum may be confused with the yellow form of Trillium cuneatum. In a few places along the North Carolina / Tennessee border the two species grow together. Once again, you have to get fairly technical to separate the two species. The easiest way to tell the species apart is to look at the color of the stigma. The stigma is the part of the flower that gets pollen from pollinators like insects. The drawing below shows where the stigma is located compared to the other flower parts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlB_EaGjbFM/T16i8jJjbCI/AAAAAAAADSk/YKTFAZTKs8s/s1600/Anthers+and+botanical+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlB_EaGjbFM/T16i8jJjbCI/AAAAAAAADSk/YKTFAZTKs8s/s400/Anthers+and+botanical+chart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drawing: Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The stigma of Trillium luteum is greenish white, while the stigma color of Trillium cuneatum is purplish gray. The filaments of the two species are also different colors. The filaments of Trillium luteum are greenish white and those of Trillium cuneatum are brownish purple.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mGXceXi6jA/T16nxNOx4wI/AAAAAAAADS8/8YPSleFahzY/s1600/YellowTrillium.Jason+Sturner+72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mGXceXi6jA/T16nxNOx4wI/AAAAAAAADS8/8YPSleFahzY/s320/YellowTrillium.Jason+Sturner+72.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium luteum, Jason Sturner</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trillium discolor (Pale Yellow Trillium, Mottled Wakerobin, Faded Trillium, Small Yellow Toadshade)</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAarGnjJy2s/T16oXiNwejI/AAAAAAAADTE/x6n4QSmmE1A/s1600/4588439413_89789ac1f4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zAarGnjJy2s/T16oXiNwejI/AAAAAAAADTE/x6n4QSmmE1A/s640/4588439413_89789ac1f4_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium discolor, NCOrchid</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Trillium discolor is only found in the upper drainage of the Savannah River in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The plants are often found in deciduous forests near stream banks or on slopes near streams. Typically, Trillium discolor is smaller than Trillium luteum. Plants are typically no more than 8" tall. Trillium luteum's flowers are pale yellow and held erect above mottled colored leaves. A easy way to differentiate between Trillium discolor and all other yellow sessile type trilliums is the shape of the flower petals. The petals of Trillium discolor are spatulate which means that they are broader at the tip than the base. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnPwfeOK1hc/T16nZV0FyBI/AAAAAAAADS0/HMudXmXZhYw/s1600/PaleYellowTrillium.NCOrchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnPwfeOK1hc/T16nZV0FyBI/AAAAAAAADS0/HMudXmXZhYw/s400/PaleYellowTrillium.NCOrchid.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Trillium discolor, NC Orchid</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I would like to thank the photographers who made this post possible.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Squamatologist -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/squamatologist/</div><div style="text-align: left;">Larry WFU -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrywfu/</div><div style="text-align: left;">UGArdener -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ugardener/</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jim Pater -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/paterjt/</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jim Sorbie -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/jsorbie/</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jason Sturner -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/50352333@N06/</div><div style="text-align: left;">NC Orchid -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncorchid/</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I would also like to thank the blog <i>Get Your Botany On. </i>http://getyourbotanyon.blogspot.com/</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Part 3 is going to be on the "Nodding" Trilliums. Stay tuned!</div></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-84808450580781522192012-03-11T16:24:00.000-07:002012-04-30T15:39:57.514-07:00Trilliums of the Mid Atlantic Region: Pt.1 An Introduction<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml_khkgDuwU/T1rMkoBy2tI/AAAAAAAADQg/exKby0xzMJU/s1600/trillium.joseph+erlewein.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml_khkgDuwU/T1rMkoBy2tI/AAAAAAAADQg/exKby0xzMJU/s320/trillium.joseph+erlewein.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo: Trillium grandiflorum, Joseph Erlewein</div>
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Trilliums are a spring ephemeral (ephemeral means the part of the plant above the ground will die off by summer and disappear) wildflowers that grace the woodlands of North America and Eastern Asia. Depending on whose taxonomy you follow there are between 40 – 45 trillium species worldwide. I follow the taxonomy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program) that says there are 40 species native to North America. The largest concentration of trillium species is in the southeastern United States with 26 species. The Mid-Atlantic Region contains 16 species. In the next few blog posts I will be giving a complete identification treatment for all the trillium found in the Mid Atlantic Region.</div>
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As I mentioned above, the taxonomy of the genus Trillium is in a state of flux. Most botany texts say that trilliums belong to the Lily Family, Liliaceae. The genus has been included in other families like Trilliaceae or Melanthiaceae. Below is the classification for the genus according to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture):</div>
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Kingdom – Plantae (Plants)</div>
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Subkingdom – Tracheobionta (Vascular Plants)</div>
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Superdivision – Spermatophyta (Seed Plants)</div>
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Division – Magnoliophyta (Flowering Plants)</div>
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Class – Liliopsida – (Monocotyledons)</div>
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Subclass – Liliidae</div>
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Order – Liliales</div>
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Family – Lilaceae (Lily Family)</div>
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Genus – Trillium</div>
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The United States Forest Service gives a great description of trillium physiology, </div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Trillium plants produce no true leaves or stems above ground. The “stem” is actually just an extension of the horizontal rhizome [an underground stem]and produces small, scale-like leaves called cataphylls [a leaf whose primary function is something other than photosynthesis]. These highly modified leaves surround the flowering scape (the above ground plant) as it pushes up through soil in early spring. The leaf-like structures are technically bracts underneath the flower. Despite their morphological origins, the bracts have external and internal structure similar to that of a leaf, function in photosynthesis, and most authors refer to them as leaves.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kclelhgOM8/T10JPqHj6RI/AAAAAAAADQw/nl9evFs-MB4/s1600/Trilliumdrawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kclelhgOM8/T10JPqHj6RI/AAAAAAAADQw/nl9evFs-MB4/s320/Trilliumdrawing.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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Drawing: Jim Brighton</div>
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Unfortunately, to identify a few trillium species we’ll have to get technical with the botanical terms. I will always try to explain the unusual terminology and I’m even going to debut my artistic skills (said tongue in cheek) to the public with drawings that will help any reader who is not familiar with botanical terms.</div>
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Trilliums are typically divided into two groups: The sessile flowering trilliums and the pedicellate trilliums. The sessile trilliums have flowers that lack pedicels. A pedicel is the part of the flower that acts like a stem that attaches the flower to the main stem or a branch of a plant. Because sessile trillium flowers lack a pedicel, the flower sits erect on top of the leaves. Pedicellate trilliums have flowers with pedicels. Because the flowers have pedicels they often hang to the side of the plant or even underneath the leaves. Below are two photos showing a sessile style trillium and a pedicellate trillium.<br />
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Photo: Toadshade (sessile type trillium), Jim Pater</div>
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Catesby's Trillium (pedicellate type trillium), Rskoon</div>
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Trilliums are usually found in mature forests without a heavy understory. River plains, moist coves, and rocky bluffs are other habitats where trilliums can be found. Many species require certain soil types with lots of lime or calcium. Certain types of trillium often grow clumped together forming dense carpets of plants like the photo below of a carpet of Trillium grandiflorum. Trilliums are pollinated by ants, gnats, beetles, and other insects. Many species have a fetid oder of rotten meat that draws bugs to the plant to help spread pollen.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUhlOqStJOk/T1lzQrl56ZI/AAAAAAAADQI/9T6VyKO-zts/s1600/Trillimpatch.David+DeHoey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUhlOqStJOk/T1lzQrl56ZI/AAAAAAAADQI/9T6VyKO-zts/s320/Trillimpatch.David+DeHoey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo: Trillium grandeflorum carpet, David De Hoey<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snwKLxiMLK0/T1rI4zZhluI/AAAAAAAADQY/_Le_aU1zSyw/s1600/Fungus+gnats.dogtooth77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-snwKLxiMLK0/T1rI4zZhluI/AAAAAAAADQY/_Le_aU1zSyw/s320/Fungus+gnats.dogtooth77.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Photo: Gnats on a Trillium erectum, Dogtooth77</div>
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Many trillium species are very rare and of the 16 species found in the Mid Atlantic region many are state threatened or endangered. Below is a list of endangered and threatened trillium species by state.</div>
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New York -- Trillium sessile (Toadshade), endangered</div>
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Trillium cernuum (Nodding Trillium), exploitably vulnerable</div>
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Trillium erectum (Red Trillium), exploitably vulnerable</div>
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Trillium grandiflorum (White Trillium), exploitably vulnerable</div>
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Trillium undulatum (Painted Trillium), exploitably vulnerable</div>
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Pennsylvania -- Trillium nivale (Snow Trillium), state rare</div>
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Maryland -- Trillium flexipes (Nodding Wakerobin), endangered</div>
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Trillium nivale (Snow Trillium), endangered</div>
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Trillium pusillum (Dwarf Trillium), threatened</div>
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North Carolina -- Trillium discolor (Pale Yellow Trillium), threatened</div>
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Trillium pusillum (Dwarf Trillium), endangered</div>
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Loss of habitat is the leading cause of trillium disappearance. Another problem for trillium and many other native plants is the explosion in the White-tailed Deer population. Deer love to eat trillium and there have been studies that prove that over grazing by White-tailed Deer have seriously endangered certain stands of trillium and wiped out entire populations. Another problem is human harvesting. We need to leave these flowers alone and enjoy them in their natural surroundings. Trilliums can be beautiful in a garden setting. Getting seed or plant stock from a reputable dealer who breeds cultivated plants is always preferable than trying to transplant wild stock into your garden.</div>
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Identification of trillium species can sometimes be difficult. Certain species readily hybridize with other species creating hybrids that can baffle even the experts. Below is a photo of Trillium simile and Trillium vaseyi and what happens when the two species hybridize.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEtqrfcPHX0/T1qoQhCl1ZI/AAAAAAAADQQ/DopBuQLN_oA/s1600/Trilliumhybrids.JasonHollinger.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEtqrfcPHX0/T1qoQhCl1ZI/AAAAAAAADQQ/DopBuQLN_oA/s320/Trilliumhybrids.JasonHollinger.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo: (from the left) Trillium simile, hybrid Trillium simile x vaseyi, Trillium vaseyi, Jason Hollinger</div>
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Many times getting a plant to species level is just impossible because certain plants don't play by the rules. Plants that are typically red can have white forms. Plants whose flowers typically droop can have their flowers standing erect. That said, I am going to give as precise as possible information on how to identify all 16 species of Trillium from the Mid Atlantic region. The treatment will be in four sections based on plant structure and color. I hope to inspire everyone to get out in the woods and cultivate a relationship with our native species.<br />
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Thanks to all the photographers who made this post possible<br />
Joseph Erlewein -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/jre/<br />
Jim Pater -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/paterjt/<br />
Rskoon -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/68137880@N00/<br />
David DeHoey -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviddehoey/<br />
Dogtooth77 -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/53817483@N00/<br />
Jason Hollinger -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/</div>
</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-4610776802882391982012-03-08T04:31:00.002-08:002012-03-08T15:40:21.555-08:00Spring, It's right around the corner<div class="MsoNormal">With the warm south breeze blowing today, I was easily reminded that spring is almost here. In the past week there has been steady flights of geese heading north and the mockingbird in my yard has started making noise a couple hours before dawn. March is when we see our first migrants arrive in the Mid Atlantic region and many of our winter residents begin to depart to their breeding grounds to the north. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifq-nJ14mWI/T1gAQzatNNI/AAAAAAAADOw/jFeVLALa7iA/s1600/Snowgeese.Strykerimages.flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifq-nJ14mWI/T1gAQzatNNI/AAAAAAAADOw/jFeVLALa7iA/s320/Snowgeese.Strykerimages.flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> Photo: Snow Geese, Stryker Images</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">By the middle of March most of the large flocks of Snow Geese and Tundra Swans have left the region along with the Northern Pintails and Fox Sparrows. But with one species departure to the north another species from the south takes it place. Ospreys, Purple Martins, and Pine Warblers are three of our first spring migrants to arrive. Laughing Gulls and Chipping Sparrows also begin making their presence known in March. Herons, like Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Glossy Ibis once again take up residency in the marshes, while Eastern Phoebes and Louisiana Waterthrushes start staking out breeding territories in the forests and wood edges.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKtkHZUZKew/T1gA_sUngyI/AAAAAAAADO4/F4lM_-WLBIY/s1600/louisiana_waterthrush_md_20070520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKtkHZUZKew/T1gA_sUngyI/AAAAAAAADO4/F4lM_-WLBIY/s1600/louisiana_waterthrush_md_20070520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKtkHZUZKew/T1gA_sUngyI/AAAAAAAADO4/F4lM_-WLBIY/s320/louisiana_waterthrush_md_20070520.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">Photo: Louisiana Waterthrush, Bill Hubick</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Taking a walk down an isolated road might give you a chance on seeing a Mourning Cloak. They are one of the first spring butterflies to appear in March. Question Mark butterflies also are early fliers. Lucky is the observer who gets a prolonged look at a Question Mark that isn’t on the wing. Common Green Darners are our only dragonfly that is expected in March, although in the southern Mid Atlantic like North Carolina other species of odonates can be expected.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUitObBO2a0/T1gBjd0q8HI/AAAAAAAADPA/5tjpNDvFAd4/s1600/mourning_cloak_bath_va_20090606_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUitObBO2a0/T1gBjd0q8HI/AAAAAAAADPA/5tjpNDvFAd4/s320/mourning_cloak_bath_va_20090606_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Mourning Cloak, Bill Hubick</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D20KOR6TWSM/T1io7rh9drI/AAAAAAAADPw/fIwab65-JGo/s1600/question_mark_ch_md_20070701_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D20KOR6TWSM/T1io7rh9drI/AAAAAAAADPw/fIwab65-JGo/s320/question_mark_ch_md_20070701_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Photo: Question Mark, Bill Hubick<br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">By now Skunk Cabbage blooms are beginning to poke out of the muck of spring seeps and the Harbinger-of-spring is about to blossom.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjGgzLUXKTo/T1gB22aY2CI/AAAAAAAADPI/v8gh5Yh6I1Y/s1600/836062101_oRhDC-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjGgzLUXKTo/T1gB22aY2CI/AAAAAAAADPI/v8gh5Yh6I1Y/s320/836062101_oRhDC-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Skunk Cabbage, Jim Brighton</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXl-asssIfQ/T1gCCb0lidI/AAAAAAAADPQ/UjjhuQqbTQk/s1600/HOS-Elizabeth+Nicodemusflickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXl-asssIfQ/T1gCCb0lidI/AAAAAAAADPQ/UjjhuQqbTQk/s320/HOS-Elizabeth+Nicodemusflickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Harbinger-of-spring, Elizabeth Nicodemus</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">By the end of March Virginia Bluebells, Spring Beauties, and Bloodroot will dot the forest floor and river plains of the piedmont.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AoFWFc-vj7s/T1gCR2dsLLI/AAAAAAAADPY/VW0LoSz4yP4/s1600/837244059_Kd3v3-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AoFWFc-vj7s/T1gCR2dsLLI/AAAAAAAADPY/VW0LoSz4yP4/s320/837244059_Kd3v3-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Photo: Virginia Bluebells, Jim Brighton</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Since spring is right around the corner, I thought I would write a post on one of my favorite wildflower genera, the Trilliums. Over the next week I am going to post a detailed treatment on how to identify all 16 species of trillium that grow in the Mid Atlantic region. Unfortunately, some species of trillium are very difficult to differentiate from one another, so there is going to be some fairly technical botanical jargon used. Don’t let it scare you off. I’ll be sure to explain all the terms, supply some of my own drawings (don’t laugh) to help illustrate certain id points, and there will be plenty of great photos that will show the beauty of the plants. So stay tuned, lots of wildflowers are on the way…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CY7C2c49Esw/T1gC-sF82lI/AAAAAAAADPo/cnqdd-4xxvA/s1600/895839408_QXwLu-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CY7C2c49Esw/T1gC-sF82lI/AAAAAAAADPo/cnqdd-4xxvA/s320/895839408_QXwLu-XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Painted Trillium, Jim Brighton</div></div><br />
I would like to thanks the photographers who made this post possible.<br />
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Bill Hubick -- www.billhubick.com<br />
Stryker Images -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/strykerimages/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Elizabeth Nicodemus -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/ecarey</span><br />
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</span></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-57980487130511888592012-03-01T19:16:00.000-08:002012-03-01T19:16:21.914-08:00Winter Waterfowl of Ocean City InletThe Maryland Ornithological Society's annual conference was held last weekend in Ocean City, Maryland. It was a fabulous time with many great birds observed. On Sunday I spent three hours at the Ocean City Inlet helping birders see some of the inlet's specialties like Harlequin Duck and Common Eider. I thought it would be fun to do some data mining and present a post on what waterfowl birders can expect to see on a trip to the inlet. I also want to show some of the rarer species that might be observed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LyCT9gUHAA/T1A1vDkEX0I/AAAAAAAADOo/_O3beWJSzAc/s1600/MDocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LyCT9gUHAA/T1A1vDkEX0I/AAAAAAAADOo/_O3beWJSzAc/s320/MDocean.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The above map represents the Ocean City, Maryland area. The inlet can be observed separating Ocean City to the north from Assateague Island to the south. Sinepuxent Bay meets the inlet at its north end and Assawoman Bay meets the inlet at its south end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>For purposes of the post I am going to organize the waterfowl into four categories: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Less than five records. Below is a brief description of what each category means.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Common -- Expected to be seen on a winter trip to the inlet</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Uncommon -- Not to be expected but should be observed at least once if a few trips are taken over the winter</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rare -- Not observed every year at the inlet</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Less than five records -- There are only a five or fewer records ever from the inlet</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div>Most of my data mining was gleaned from ebird. Ebird is a Cornell University database where anyone can post their bird sightings. The data entered is then used in many ways to further our knowledge of birds and their movements. While the data on ebird isn't a complete representation of a certain species presence or scarcity, it does give a good view of the overall trend of where species can be expected. </div><br />
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The data shows that there have been 29 species of waterfowl observed at Ocean City Inlet. <br />
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<b>COMMON</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyr4jL5il_g/T07qDXDYsxI/AAAAAAAADKw/oEssBnS3TMo/s1600/atlantic_brant10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Atlantic Brant -- During the winter season Brant flocks can often be observed at the inlet. They are usually seen feeding along the rocks of the jetties.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyr4jL5il_g/T07qDXDYsxI/AAAAAAAADKw/oEssBnS3TMo/s1600/atlantic_brant10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyr4jL5il_g/T07qDXDYsxI/AAAAAAAADKw/oEssBnS3TMo/s320/atlantic_brant10.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">American Black Duck -- This is the only dabbler other than Mallard that is common in the inlet. Like Brant, American Black Ducks can often be observed feeding along the jetties.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XD0VBCSS4xY/T07rC4attZI/AAAAAAAADK4/rTbHpFhre5s/s1600/american_black_duck02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XD0VBCSS4xY/T07rC4attZI/AAAAAAAADK4/rTbHpFhre5s/s320/american_black_duck02.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mallard -- Mallards, although not as common as American Black Duck, can usually be observed at the inlet. They are normally viewed around the south jetty or flying down the bay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90t3pcagq90/T07yPGjHgyI/AAAAAAAADLw/TDP8_XJ-OkA/s1600/mallard_drake_do_md_20080210_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90t3pcagq90/T07yPGjHgyI/AAAAAAAADLw/TDP8_XJ-OkA/s320/mallard_drake_do_md_20080210_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bufflehead -- Bufflehead are often viewed feeding in the inlet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-r8GsxUYuE/T07ravEYkJI/AAAAAAAADLA/zg7wtXm3CLI/s1600/bufflehead_hen_plsp_sm_md_20090101_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-r8GsxUYuE/T07ravEYkJI/AAAAAAAADLA/zg7wtXm3CLI/s320/bufflehead_hen_plsp_sm_md_20090101_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Black Scoter -- Although not as common as Surf Scoters, Black Scoters can be observed feeding at the mouth of the inlet. Often there is a large mixed flock of scoters at the inlet that contain all three scoter species. If a little time is spent watching the ocean, scoter flocks can be observed flying off the coast. Black Scoters, with the diagnostic head shape can often be picked out of these flying flocks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNvQ0miyDh4/T07sf66fraI/AAAAAAAADLI/mfb9lIuHp_w/s1600/black_scoter_ta_md_20060822_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNvQ0miyDh4/T07sf66fraI/AAAAAAAADLI/mfb9lIuHp_w/s320/black_scoter_ta_md_20060822_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Surf Scoter -- Surf Scoters are very common at the inlet. Flocks of these beautiful birds can be seen feeding and flying off the coast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vfuW-fPzfk/T07s7MWWjrI/AAAAAAAADLQ/rNP6itsIanU/s1600/surf_scoter_black_walnut_md_20090907_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vfuW-fPzfk/T07s7MWWjrI/AAAAAAAADLQ/rNP6itsIanU/s320/surf_scoter_black_walnut_md_20090907_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
White-winged Scoter -- Of the three scoter species, White-winged Scoter is the most uncommon, although a few individuals are usually present at the inlet. When observing scoter flocks flying over the ocean look for the birds with white in the wing. This is an easy identification point since both Black and Surf Scoter wings are black.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09AQDVD-wX0/T1AyXRQbUtI/AAAAAAAADOg/fkI5pbU1URY/s1600/white-winged_scoter_oc_md_20100109_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09AQDVD-wX0/T1AyXRQbUtI/AAAAAAAADOg/fkI5pbU1URY/s320/white-winged_scoter_oc_md_20100109_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Red-breasted Merganser -- Red-breasted Merganser is the only expected merganser at the inlet. These birds become very common towards the end of winter and spring migration (February/March).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmwM3vjcCz4/T07tfV3eK-I/AAAAAAAADLY/f9fEhqHtmNM/s1600/red-breasted_merganser_drake_wo_md_20080106_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmwM3vjcCz4/T07tfV3eK-I/AAAAAAAADLY/f9fEhqHtmNM/s320/red-breasted_merganser_drake_wo_md_20080106_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long-tailed Duck -- A Long-tailed Duck flock is often present at the mouth of the inlet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrRnlPBWZ58/T07u6FydcfI/AAAAAAAADLg/Hj3t4yN1xLg/s1600/5609594381_da0c43d4ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrRnlPBWZ58/T07u6FydcfI/AAAAAAAADLg/Hj3t4yN1xLg/s320/5609594381_da0c43d4ec_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Photo: Andrew Reding</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>UNCOMMON</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Canada Goose -- Canada Geese are uncommon at the inlet. Usually sightings are recorded as flocks flying down the bay instead of out on the ocean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqvLA5GgwHY/T07v0YVHrnI/AAAAAAAADLo/b7F4Nb1wVw4/s1600/canada_goose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqvLA5GgwHY/T07v0YVHrnI/AAAAAAAADLo/b7F4Nb1wVw4/s320/canada_goose2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greater Scaup -- Greater Scaup are normally only viewed at the inlet during migration while flocks of scaup are flying off the coast. Both Lesser and Greater Scaup can be very common on Sinepuxent and Assawoman Bays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcGC19HhUCE/T0710rtidII/AAAAAAAADMI/MQnSPQzhG_8/s1600/greater_scaup_wi_20070304_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcGC19HhUCE/T0710rtidII/AAAAAAAADMI/MQnSPQzhG_8/s320/greater_scaup_wi_20070304_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lesser Scaup -- Like Greater Scaup, birders don't usually see scaup on the water in the inlet. Usually scaup are observed in flocks flying off the coast. Just off the inlet in the coastal bays both scaup species can be very common.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWRQfVrhpI8/T072d3Quh3I/AAAAAAAADMQ/UyfffYkgCAA/s1600/lesser_scaup_do_md_20080210_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWRQfVrhpI8/T072d3Quh3I/AAAAAAAADMQ/UyfffYkgCAA/s320/lesser_scaup_do_md_20080210_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Harlequin Duck -- Harlequin Ducks are one of the specialty birds at Ocean City Inlet. Harlequins are almost annual but they can be surprisingly difficult to observe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDByKoSFND4/T1AQ7IGVRNI/AAAAAAAADMY/byGog_uft28/s1600/harlequin_duck_wo_md_20080106_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDByKoSFND4/T1AQ7IGVRNI/AAAAAAAADMY/byGog_uft28/s320/harlequin_duck_wo_md_20080106_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Common Eider -- Another inlet specialty. Common Eiders have increased in numbers in recent years. On January 23, 2010 Hans Holbrook counted an amazing 86 Common Eiders. Counts in the 20s and 30s are not unusual. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GFuKnFUv-8/T1ASI21dXqI/AAAAAAAADMg/rWjQD4cGA_w/s1600/common_eider_hen_wo_md_20071104_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GFuKnFUv-8/T1ASI21dXqI/AAAAAAAADMg/rWjQD4cGA_w/s320/common_eider_hen_wo_md_20071104_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>RARE</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tundra Swan -- In ebird there are only ten sightings of Tundra Swan at Ocean City Inlet from 1968 to 2011. At least three of these sightings were flocks migrating over the ocean and five of the ten sightings were recorded in November. The high count goes to Bill Hubick and friends who viewed a flock of 35 flying north of the ocean on November 11, 2011.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opJiqjVNS-A/T1AU_h682SI/AAAAAAAADMo/PS0zg97FrVk/s1600/tundra_swan_pt_lookout_20090101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opJiqjVNS-A/T1AU_h682SI/AAAAAAAADMo/PS0zg97FrVk/s320/tundra_swan_pt_lookout_20090101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Snow Goose -- When viewed at the inlet most Snow Geese are observed in flocks flying to the west over the mainland. There are only 12 sightings for Snow Geese in ebird recorded from the inlet. On January 18, 2010 Jim Stasz and friends saw 10,000 Snow Geese!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWIm5mThBLY/T1AWVz8n1II/AAAAAAAADMw/-kvbOIcB_08/s1600/snow_goose03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWIm5mThBLY/T1AWVz8n1II/AAAAAAAADMw/-kvbOIcB_08/s320/snow_goose03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Northern Pintail -- The majority of the 12 records are from February and March when Pintails migrate north. The high count belongs to Mary Gustafson who observed a flock of 100 birds on February 27,1994.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmllwwfjKF4/T1AZXWc5xcI/AAAAAAAADM4/jvEWPMFntlk/s1600/northern_pintal_gilbert_az_200070106_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmllwwfjKF4/T1AZXWc5xcI/AAAAAAAADM4/jvEWPMFntlk/s320/northern_pintal_gilbert_az_200070106_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">American Wigeon -- The ten records in ebird range from early November through the end of February, with no real visible trend. The high count was on November 7, 2009 when Bill Hubick and friends observed five birds flying south over the ocean with eight American Black Ducks and a Blue-winged Teal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2P03BvJUYo/T1AbVGIVg7I/AAAAAAAADNA/OrbLyewVXLQ/s1600/american_wigeon_drake_do_md_20080210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G2P03BvJUYo/T1AbVGIVg7I/AAAAAAAADNA/OrbLyewVXLQ/s320/american_wigeon_drake_do_md_20080210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Common Goldeneye -- Common Goldeneye are notoriously difficult to find in the Ocean City area. It is not surprising to note that there are only ten records from the inlet. All of these records are single birds. Since 2000 there has only been six records.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl7CUKOCBXU/T1AqdMQB2xI/AAAAAAAADOQ/CTUU1tJWTLo/s1600/6796554319_01c04ef532_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl7CUKOCBXU/T1AqdMQB2xI/AAAAAAAADOQ/CTUU1tJWTLo/s320/6796554319_01c04ef532_b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> Photo: US Fish and Wildlife</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">King Eider -- King Eiders may be common one year and absent the next. The winter of 2008/2009 was the last season when King Eiders were viewed with any regularity at the inlet, although there were scattered reports from 2010 and 2011. On February 7, 1998 Sam Dyke recorded 10 birds at the inlet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkLtwoPUXrE/T1AcgWAOBtI/AAAAAAAADNI/iPo1zDAY03I/s1600/5834034778_9139fe211d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KkLtwoPUXrE/T1AcgWAOBtI/AAAAAAAADNI/iPo1zDAY03I/s320/5834034778_9139fe211d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Photo: Martha de Jong-Lantink</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hooded Merganser -- Most of the 13 records in ebird are from the end of December through February. Kathy Braeuninger recorded 10 birds on February 18, 2007.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miSqEPZQ6GQ/T1Ad74BQ1ZI/AAAAAAAADNQ/1hFPuTYIEqA/s1600/hooded_merganser_wo_md_20100221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miSqEPZQ6GQ/T1Ad74BQ1ZI/AAAAAAAADNQ/1hFPuTYIEqA/s320/hooded_merganser_wo_md_20100221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>LESS THAN 5 RECORDS</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mute Swan -- Mute Swans are extremely rare in the Ocean City area. There is only one record from the inlet when Rob Ostrowski and friends observed one bird on February 6, 2011.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKcxQI6NGuI/T1AiCtbIRoI/AAAAAAAADNY/AU3I9Z-1-94/s1600/mute_swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eKcxQI6NGuI/T1AiCtbIRoI/AAAAAAAADNY/AU3I9Z-1-94/s320/mute_swan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wood Duck -- There are three records from the inlet. All of the sightings were during migration. Two observations were made in November and one from the end of February. On November 29, 2009 Bill Hubick and friends observed two birds in flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDrm9xHWEr0/T1AjE8zxvII/AAAAAAAADNg/dR3YtJmWS6E/s1600/wood_duck_drake_de_200704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDrm9xHWEr0/T1AjE8zxvII/AAAAAAAADNg/dR3YtJmWS6E/s320/wood_duck_drake_de_200704.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Green-winged Teal -- There are 4 records in ebird for Green-winged Teal from the inlet. On November 7, 2009 Bill Hubick and friends observed 93 birds flying south over the ocean. In his checklist notes Bill writes that there were many small flocks flying south.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWx0qzca6AM/T1AkfRstnNI/AAAAAAAADNo/dOeLNHAuE40/s1600/4359774146_d600401596_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWx0qzca6AM/T1AkfRstnNI/AAAAAAAADNo/dOeLNHAuE40/s320/4359774146_d600401596_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Photo: Jason Crotty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Northern Shoveler -- There are five records for Northern Shoveler from the inlet. On January 22, 2003 Sam Dyke observed four birds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uur8IoFdgOs/T1AlLIOCLsI/AAAAAAAADNw/kru6tooG5HQ/s1600/northern_shoveler_do_md_20080210_01_zoomed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uur8IoFdgOs/T1AlLIOCLsI/AAAAAAAADNw/kru6tooG5HQ/s320/northern_shoveler_do_md_20080210_01_zoomed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blue-winged Teal -- There is one record for Blue-winged Teal in ebird from the inlet. Bill Hubick and friends saw one bird flying south with a flock of eight American Black Ducks and five American Wigeon on November 7, 2009.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-au1BvgGTBC8/T1AlrquY1_I/AAAAAAAADN4/T80rgi1SrFY/s1600/blue-winged_teal_green_cay_fl_20100226_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-au1BvgGTBC8/T1AlrquY1_I/AAAAAAAADN4/T80rgi1SrFY/s320/blue-winged_teal_green_cay_fl_20100226_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Canvasback -- There are five records for Canvasback from the inlet on ebird. It is interesting to note that when looking at a map of Canvasback records on ebird, there are surprisingly few along the coast. There are the stand outs where flocks are known to winter like Silver Lake in Rehobeth, Delaware and West Ocean City Pond in Maryland but south of Ocean City they become very scarce. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PL4r81VKrkI/T1AnYBI8pMI/AAAAAAAADOA/vVuJzdKBErE/s1600/canvasback_drake_do_md_20080202_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PL4r81VKrkI/T1AnYBI8pMI/AAAAAAAADOA/vVuJzdKBErE/s320/canvasback_drake_do_md_20080202_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Redhead -- There are 5 records for Redhead at the inlet in ebird. On November 27, 1994 MaryAnn Todd saw eight Redhead at the inlet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-my7kvxsvU6Q/T1AoIOpncFI/AAAAAAAADOI/YFhvh4Q7BXo/s1600/redhead_drake_do_md_20080202_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-my7kvxsvU6Q/T1AoIOpncFI/AAAAAAAADOI/YFhvh4Q7BXo/s320/redhead_drake_do_md_20080202_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Common Merganser -- There is only one record of Common Merganser from the inlet in ebird. Jim Stasz recorded one bird on December 28, 2010. Common Mergansers are extremely rare along the coast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo0TEMt9pSw/T1ArL8_A-OI/AAAAAAAADOY/-zaF3SuhTO0/s1600/common_merganser_pair_ha_md_20070218_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo0TEMt9pSw/T1ArL8_A-OI/AAAAAAAADOY/-zaF3SuhTO0/s320/common_merganser_pair_ha_md_20070218_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to thank Bill Hubick who supplied all but four of the wonderful photographs. Bill also gave valuable input into the category placement for each of the waterfowl species. I like one of the statements Bill sent me in an email, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">Fall dabbler migration is similar to other East Coast seawatching areas, with small flocks readily detected over both the ocean and inland side of the barrier islands. Flocks are often mixed, and nearly any Maryland species can fall in with the abundant flocks of scoters. Like other sites along the coast, Green-winged Teal appears to be most common, but Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, and Wood Duck also deserve mention."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">With more observation during migration, I'm sure the records for most of these species would increase greatly. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to place emphasis once again that all my data was taken from ebird. For sure, there have been more records for every one of the species above and each species placement is purely my opinion. I encourage everyone who doesn't use ebird to give it a try. It is very easy to use and you don't have to be a birder to enjoy using this tool. Most of the waterfowl mentioned above can be identified by the casual observer, so why not try a little citizen science and give ebird a try. Take your kids out and look for ducks, write down what you see, then go home and together enter your sightings into ebird. It will be fun. I promise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To check out ebird go to -- www.ebird.org</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks again to Bill Hubick for allowing me to use his photographs. A few of the above photos were gleaned from Flicker Creative Commons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bill Hubick -- www. billhubick.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Andrew Reding -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/seaotter/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Martha de Jong-Lantick -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/marthaenpiet/ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Martha's Flickr site is amazing. I encourage everyone to go and check out her photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jason Crotty -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/46789814@N05/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-7916993329078239542012-02-22T17:58:00.000-08:002012-02-22T19:18:26.732-08:00Winners and Answers to the Assateague Island Biodiversity Quiz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would like to congratulate the top three winners of the Assateague Island Biodiversity Quiz. 1st place is a tie between Marshall Iliff and Matt Hafner who scored a whopping 38. 2nd place goes to Mikey Lutmerding who scored a close 37. Well done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone who participated. Here are the answers to the Assateague Biogeography quiz, many of which might be surprising!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">1. Tufted Titmouse - Rare/Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One of a suite of woodland residents that is very rare on the island: Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Red-shouldered Hawk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Consider the differences in habitat, including food sources, cover, and of course nesting challenges.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Times;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tItCLHgDyV8/T0WXlmT9LMI/AAAAAAAADJY/bZBRRHQexY4/s1600/tufted_titmouse_qa_md_20110618_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tItCLHgDyV8/T0WXlmT9LMI/AAAAAAAADJY/bZBRRHQexY4/s320/tufted_titmouse_qa_md_20110618_02.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">2. Spring Peeper - Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Not recorded on Maryland's barrier islands.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">3. Downy Woodpecker - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Common resident.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">4. Eastern Gray Squirrel - Rare/Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We know of just one sight record in recent history, but perhaps there is a pocket somewhere remote on the island.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">5. Eastern Cottontail - Regular. Common.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">6. White-tailed Deer - Regular. Common.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">7. Pileated Woodpecker - Rare/Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One of a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">suite of woodland residents that is very rare on the island: Tufted</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Woodpecker, and Red-shouldered Hawk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">8. Red Fox - Regular. Common. Predator of endangered beach nesting species.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">9. Yellow Warbler - Regular. Common breeder.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBN9HTx9XNU/T0WZfNcfXdI/AAAAAAAADJg/IFtpEVKUEA8/s1600/yellow_warbler_ai_md_20090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBN9HTx9XNU/T0WZfNcfXdI/AAAAAAAADJg/IFtpEVKUEA8/s320/yellow_warbler_ai_md_20090823.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">10. Yellow-throated Vireo - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Very rarely detected migrant on the island. Many serious Worcester birders lack records. The odd migrant sneaks through in May and September.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">11. Bobolink - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">A regular spring migrant and fall migrant. Occasionally abundant, especially when hundreds of *bink* calls are detected overhead in nocturnal migration.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">12. Rough Green Snake - Regular. An impressive pioneer of island habitats.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKuC58IJde8/T0WZyWhyTeI/AAAAAAAADJo/OzB7CucxmtY/s1600/rough_green_snake_wo_md_20080817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKuC58IJde8/T0WZyWhyTeI/AAAAAAAADJo/OzB7CucxmtY/s320/rough_green_snake_wo_md_20080817.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">13. Cliff Swallow - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">A very local breeder on the Eastern Shore and a very rare migrant on the coast.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">14. American Toad - Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Absent from the barrier islands. Fowler's Toads are abundant, supporting a population of toad-loving Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">15. Eastern Chipmunk - Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Very local on the Eastern Shore, favoring woodlands like Tuckahoe and Millington.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_G4kc-pHnE0/T0WaBrajnfI/AAAAAAAADJw/reATidghuG4/s1600/eastern_chipmunk_md01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_G4kc-pHnE0/T0WaBrajnfI/AAAAAAAADJw/reATidghuG4/s320/eastern_chipmunk_md01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">16. Northern Saw-whet Owl - Regular</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Regular migrant and wintering species.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">17. Hairy Woodpecker - Rare/Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One of a suite of woodland residents that is very rare on the island: Tufted</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Woodpecker, and Red-shouldered Hawk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">18. Cape May Warbler - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Uncommon spring migrant and common fall migrant. Occasional major fall flights, especially in October.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nph8zmKuaI/T0WaWeYi9XI/AAAAAAAADJ4/zCIUYBP41Gw/s1600/cape_may_warbler_ai_md_20111016_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nph8zmKuaI/T0WaWeYi9XI/AAAAAAAADJ4/zCIUYBP41Gw/s320/cape_may_warbler_ai_md_20111016_01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">19. Carolina Wren - Regular. Common resident.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">20. House Wren - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Common migrant and breeder. Often lingers into winter in small numbers</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">21. White-breasted Nuthatch - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">A very rare migrant on the island and in Ocean City.One of a suite of woodland residents that is very rare on the island.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">22. Eastern Box Turtle - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Jim Brighton and I have about 5 records for Assateague between us.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">23. Cooper's Hawk - Regular</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">24. Red-shouldered Hawk - Rare migrant/wintering species. Records concentrated in January/February, it seems.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">25. Merlin - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Common migrant and wintering species here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">26. Mute Swan - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Only a handful of reports for the county in the last few years. Very unpredictable appearances and many serious Worcester birders need it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">27. Red-breasted Merganser - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Very common migrant/wintering species.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Krapo3Tulxk/T0Wam-5hAdI/AAAAAAAADKA/IP4rHNIh6hg/s1600/red-breasted_merganser_hen_oc_md_20100124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Krapo3Tulxk/T0Wam-5hAdI/AAAAAAAADKA/IP4rHNIh6hg/s320/red-breasted_merganser_hen_oc_md_20100124.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">28. Red-backed Salamander - Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Absent from the Maryland barrier islands.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">29. Wood Turtle - Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Nearly absent from the Eastern Shore of Maryland.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">30. Common Merganser - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Local on the Eastern Shore, mostly on the upper Eastern Shore and Blackwater area. Rare anywhere in Worcester and especially so on the immediate coast.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxx2NelX_g0/T0Wa00hfIcI/AAAAAAAADKI/uF57wOReORQ/s1600/common_merganser_pair_ha_md_20070218_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxx2NelX_g0/T0Wa00hfIcI/AAAAAAAADKI/uF57wOReORQ/s320/common_merganser_pair_ha_md_20070218_01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">31. Surf Scoter - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Common to abundant migrant and wintering species.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FG-QzJBhNIQ/T0WbBlkAtYI/AAAAAAAADKQ/yYQx0x_CDP0/s1600/surf_scoter_black_walnut_md_20090907_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FG-QzJBhNIQ/T0WbBlkAtYI/AAAAAAAADKQ/yYQx0x_CDP0/s320/surf_scoter_black_walnut_md_20090907_03.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">32. Eastern Screech-Owl - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Common in coastal Worcester, but very rarely encountered on the island.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">33. Louisiana Waterthrush - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Very rarely detected as a migrant anywhere in Maryland, really, but especially rare on the immediate coast. Jim, John Hubbell and I had our one migrant on the island was 8/9/2009.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Perhaps more effort at the very first stirrings of "fall" migration would result in a few more records.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">34. Eastern Kingbird - Regular</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Common migrant and breeder. Vast majority gone by October.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHo3PaJ4hrM/T0WbOSiGMQI/AAAAAAAADKY/6x4Jys3Jx70/s1600/eastern_kingbird_wo_md_20110626_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHo3PaJ4hrM/T0WbOSiGMQI/AAAAAAAADKY/6x4Jys3Jx70/s320/eastern_kingbird_wo_md_20110626_01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">35. Chipping Sparrow - Regular. Common.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">36. American Tree Sparrow - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Uncommon on the Coastal Plain and rarer as you head east and south on the Eastern Shore. Very rare winter visitor to the island. A mini-irruption in February 2010 provided some rare records, most of our county birds.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wR9Vuqx6YCU/T0WbXw_c7YI/AAAAAAAADKg/5hiseYlRkxo/s1600/american_tree_sparrow01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wR9Vuqx6YCU/T0WbXw_c7YI/AAAAAAAADKg/5hiseYlRkxo/s320/american_tree_sparrow01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">37. Pine Warbler - Regular</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">38. Delmarva Fox Squirrel - Rare/Absent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We personally know of no recent records in the Maryland section of the island, but present on the Virginia side. Possibly present in remote patches.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMmACPQ7JTg/T0WbogwyXkI/AAAAAAAADKo/URj35vXFi20/s1600/delmarva_fox_squirrel01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMmACPQ7JTg/T0WbogwyXkI/AAAAAAAADKo/URj35vXFi20/s320/delmarva_fox_squirrel01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">39. Painted Bunting - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One record? 9/5/2003</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">40. Eastern Whip-poor-will - Rare</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Or at least very difficult to detect! Chuck-will's-widow is common.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I would like to thank Bill Hubick for creating a great post and supplying the wonderful photographs. More of Bill's photography can be viewed at www.billhubick.com. Once again, both Bill and I would like to thank everyone who participated.</span></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-509427630207134852012-02-16T15:58:00.000-08:002012-02-16T17:50:17.546-08:00Assateague Island Biogeography Quiz<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iExhXkLQE_M/Tz2xql6d-II/AAAAAAAADJQ/UEUBcXy_das/s1600/wild_turkeys_assateague_md_20111111_01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: left;">We have a couple firsts at Mid Atlantic Nature; our first guest post and our first quiz. Bill Hubick has written a great piece on Assateague Island and ends the post with a quiz. We encourage everyone to participate. I'll post the answers and the top three winners Monday evening.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); ">One of the true joys of nature study is becoming more intimately familiar with a place. Tuning into the subtle seasonal differences between local and regional patches might be the most rewarding aspect of being a naturalist. In addition to tapping into an endless source of fascination, you significantly increase the options for exciting finds on a given day. If you visit Assateague on a cold November morning and aren't excited about a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher or an American Redstart, it is a tragedy. You are ignoring the majority of potential rarities and the accompanying fun! The same applies to any other species that are locally or seasonally rare. Allow yourself to be intrigued by that Red-eyed Vireo in your yard in late June that hasn't been there since April. Be excited about a new species for your daily walk into work. I like knowing that Woodchuck (Groundhog) is uncommon and local on the Eastern Shore. I have seen it in 22 of Maryland's 23 counties and my still needing it in Somerset County is not due to a lack of looking. Grasshopper Sparrows seem to be local in the county as well. Are these two facts related? Listing games provide a framework for us to learn. Before month listing and eBird review, I had little reason to know that an April 28th Acadian Flycatcher is totally expected, while an April 21st Acadian Flycatcher should be photographed.<br /><br />Because of its unique characteristics, Assateague Island is perfect for considering distribution of species. For anyone not already familiar with Assateague, it is a 37-mile barrier island south of Ocean City that lines much of the Maryland coastline south to Virginia. </div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><br /></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5kBXoDl9gM/Tz2euVedAMI/AAAAAAAADJE/uiv_5W1TKyQ/s320/map-1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709894421451702466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 290px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;">Although it supports a variety of microhabitats, sandy beaches and dunes dominate the island landscape. Scrubby areas and loblolly pine woods support an impressive diversity of bird life, especially in migration. The island is a natural concentration point, and it is without question the top birding destination in Maryland. It has hosted many of Maryland's most outlandish rarities, including American Flamingo, Rock Wren, Sage Thrasher, and Smith's Longspur. It is most famous for its population of feral horses.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); "><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vFSSa8Pcz8/Tz2eadg4N3I/AAAAAAAADI4/le2tbz60N54/s320/assateague_north_end_ponies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709894080011974514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Bill Hubick<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:medium;">Ocean City as viewed from the north end of Assateague Island.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); ">For this quiz, try to sort the following 40 species (birds, mammals, and reptile/amphibians) into two columns, "Rare/Absent" or "Regular." As long as a species is seasonally regular, such as migrant Black-throated Blue Warblers or wintering White-throated Sparrows, you should file it as "Regular". The species we are calling "Rare/Absent" have been seen rarely or never by most of us who have visited Assateague compulsively for the last 10 years or so. Species seen in flight over the mainland from Assateague Island do not count. We recommend trying this without resources, as tools like eBird will make the birds rather easy. If you have never visited the island, make educated guesses! Consideration of the general geography and habitat, as well as the natural history of the listed species, will likely lead to many correct answers. </div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;">Please send your answers to Jim Brighton (<a href="mailto:jimbrighton3@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); ">jimbrighton3@gmail.com</a>) and Bill Hubick (<a href="mailto:bill_hubick@yahoo.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); ">bill_hubick@yahoo.com</a>). We'll post the answers next week!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><ol><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;">Tufted</span> Titmouse</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Spring Peeper</span></li><div><div class="im"><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span></span>Downy Woodpecker</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Gray Squirrel</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Cottontail</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>White-tailed Deer</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Pileated Woodpecker</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Red Fox</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Yellow Warbler</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Yellow-throated Vireo</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Bobolink<br /></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Rough Green Snake</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Cliff Swallow<br /></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>American Toad</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Chipmunk</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span></span><span>Northern Saw-whet Owl</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Hairy Woodpecker</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Cape May Warbler</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Carolina Wren</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>House Wren<br /></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>White-breasted Nuthatch</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Box Turtle</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Cooper's Hawk</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Red-shouldered Hawk</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Merlin</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Mute Swan</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Red-breasted Merganser</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Red-backed Salamander<br /></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Wood Turtle</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Common Merganser</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Surf Scoter</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Screech-Owl</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Louisiana Waterthrush</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Kingbird<br /></span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Chipping Sparrow</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>American Tree Sparrow</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Pine Warbler</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Delmarva Fox Squirrel</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Painted Bunting</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px; "><span>Eastern Whip-poor-will</span></li></div></div></ol></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Wildlife populations are dynamic. While the Northern Bobwhite population has crashed on Assateague Island, Wild Turkeys seem to have caught a foothold.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iExhXkLQE_M/Tz2xql6d-II/AAAAAAAADJQ/UEUBcXy_das/s320/wild_turkeys_assateague_md_20111111_01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709915247865624706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Photo: Bill Hubick </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Wild Turkeys on Assateague Island</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">"That’s how one learns avian status and distribution! Ditto the county-listing (and month-listing) fanatics on the state and provincial level; they are often the ones who know bird distribution in their home state better than anyone. If listing means knowledge, then it’s more than a game."<br />-- Paul Lehman (Birding, January 2012)</span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="yj6qo ajU" style="cursor: pointer; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; width: 22px; margin-top: 2px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></div></span></span></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-10766482331741784532012-02-08T17:13:00.000-08:002012-05-08T14:01:38.903-07:00Winter and Early Spring Vernal Pool Egg Mass Identification: Pt. 2 Salamanders<div style="text-align: left;">
Part two of our discussion on winter and early spring vernal pool egg mass identification is going to concentrate on Salamanders. Let's do a quick recap on how to differentiate between frog and salamander egg masses.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706938571085358658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIV7xpxC4fE/TzMeZMyEpkI/AAAAAAAADGc/3c2xH6_WXm8/s320/FrogEggs.RonniePuckett.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Photo: Ronnie Puckett</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Frog egg masses do not have the protective outer gelatinous layer. The outer edge of the mass is the eggs themselves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706939439809696210" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JnATkBU0zXU/TzMfLxCGEdI/AAAAAAAADGo/_L1rEUhYpr0/s320/Salamandereggs.RichardBonnett.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Photo: Richard Bonnett</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Salamander eggs have an outer gelatinous layer that completely surrounds the egg mass. Once you have determined whether you are looking at frog or salamander eggs you can begin to try to get the egg mass to species. Below I will outline how to identify salamander egg masses that are found in the Mid Atlantic region's vernal pools. I have included maps from the USGS National Amphibian Atlas that show ranges for each species to county level. The color codes are as follows: Dark Green = Museum record, Middle Green = Published record, Light Green = Presumed presence, no green = no known occurrence. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">There are three species of salamander that lay large egg masses in our area. All three salamanders belong to the genus <i>Ambystoma</i>. Members of this genus are usually only observed during the mating season because they spend most of their lives underground. </span></span></div>
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<b>Jefferson Salamander</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-weight: normal;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706941366901681154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVNSAIKlk5c/TzMg78AoLAI/AAAAAAAADG0/1lCiz6wRNEU/s320/JeffersonSalamander.ToddPierson.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal;">Photo: Todd Pierson</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal;">In the Mid Atlantic region Jefferson Salamanders are found from southern Virginia through New York. Mainly they are found on the piedmont or mountains. There are breeding populations on Long Island, NY which I believe is the only coastal plain population in our region.</span></b></div>
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Jefferson Salamanders breed from early February through April depending on location. Jefferson Salamander egg masses usually surround small submerged limbs like in the photo below.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706945084910934210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJcoYddLlqA/TzMkUWrHGMI/AAAAAAAADHM/Ic1a5YMQmWI/s320/JeffersonSalamandereggs.RichardBonnett.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Photo: Richard Bonnett</span></div>
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Females usually lay between 10 - 60 eggs per mass. As mentioned above the female will lay her eggs on a submerged stick. On one stick a female may lay more than one mass. As the egg masses age they will swell and merge looking as if it is one large egg mass when in actuality there are many. Jefferson Salamander egg masses are not firm. If you lift a stick with attached Jefferson Salamander eggs they will probably fall off as soon as the stick leaves the water.</div>
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<b>Spotted Salamander</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee; font-weight: normal;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706947939976062258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znRvj_y62tM/TzMm6inrpTI/AAAAAAAADHY/NiWHkPAOCgI/s320/Spotted%2BSalamander.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal;">Photo: Jim Brighton</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal;">Spotted Salamanders are our most common <i>Ambystoma</i>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><b> </b>They are located throughout the Mid Atlantic region. Uncommon on the coastal plain they become increasingly common through to the mountains.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706949261548536098" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCNpPwWOs-Y/TzMoHd3HQSI/AAAAAAAADHk/DU5jVOIYnsc/s320/spottedsalamandermap.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 228px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">In our region Spotted Salamanders breed from February through March. Like the Jefferson Salamander, Spotted Salamanders usually lay their eggs on submerged sticks. They usually consist of 50 - 250 eggs. Egg masses are normally an oblong rounded shape like in the photo below.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706952678064509122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-roW6AerIy80/TzMrOVX_0MI/AAAAAAAADHw/fueufsGSh5I/s320/SpottedSalamanderEggs.RichardBonnett.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Photo: Richard Bonnett</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">According to James Petranka in his book <i>Salamanders of the United States and Canada</i>, Spotted Salamander egg masses occur in three color types.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #33cc00;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">The egg masses of Spotted Salamanders consist of clear, white, and intermediate color morphs depending </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">on the presence of proteins in the outer jelly layers. Local pond populations often lay only clear egg masses; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">however, masses that are milky white in appearance can make up a high percentage of egg masses in some </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #009900;">populations. Intermediate forms are relatively uncommon.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 100%;">Spotted Salamander egg masses are firm. When taken out of the water they will usually retain their shape unlike the egg masses of Jefferson Salamanders.</span></div>
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<b>Eastern Tiger Salamander</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal;">Photo: Steve Collins</span></b></div>
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Eastern Tiger Salamanders are one of the Mid Atlantic regions rarest salamanders. They are almost completely limited to the coastal plain. Due to habitat destruction and introduction of fish into many of their breeding areas Tiger Salamanders in the east are becoming increasingly rare and are considered endangered in many states.</div>
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Tiger Salamanders are one of our earliest vernal pool breeders. Breeding can take place as early as November but the end of December and January are the norm. Tiger Salamanders often breed in more grassy open vernal pools. The photo below is an example of a type of vernal pool where Eastern Tigers breed.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706968222549022450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rmPSsaGnkOk/TzM5XJF6FvI/AAAAAAAADIg/s90tvIdjtVs/s320/Vernalpool.lindaruth.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Photo: Linda Ruth</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Eastern Tiger Salamander egg masses are smaller than Spotted Salamander masses. The mass usually contains around 50 eggs and is round or oblong in shape. Like the other <i>Ambystoma</i> discussed above, Eastern Tigers lay their eggs on submerged sticks and other debris. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Photo: Steve Collins</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Unlike Spotted Salamander egg masses which remain firm, Eastern Tiger Salamander egg masses loose their firmness as they age. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">There are other salamanders that lay their eggs in vernal pools like Blue-spotted Salamanders in the north and Mabee's Salamander in the south, but these salamanders lay their eggs singularly and never in large masses like those discussed above. Blue-spotted Salamanders hybridize with Jefferson Salamanders in some areas in the northern part of the Mid Atlantic. The hybrid egg mass looks like a Jefferson Salamander egg mass but there are usually many dud eggs in the mass which turn gray with age.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">I would like to thank Steve Collins for helping me out with the Tiger Salamander photos. I would also like to thank the other photographers whose photos were used under the Flickr Creative Commons License.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Steve Collins: http://www.flickr.com/photos/odephoto/</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Richard Bonnett: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonnyboy/</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;">Linda Ruth: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37822476@N04/</span></span></div>
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Ronnie Puckett: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kodacrome/</div>
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Todd Pierson: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twpierson/</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;">The range maps I used are found on the USGS National Amphibian Atlas website.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/" style="color: #a32823; text-decoration: none;">http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/</a></span></span></div>
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These are the books I used when doing my research.</div>
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White, James & Amy. <i>Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva</i>. Centerville: Tidewater Publishers, 2002.</div>
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Conant & Collins. <i>Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America</i>. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998.</div>
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Martof, Palmer, Bailey, Harrison. <i>Amphibians & Reptiles of the Carolinas & Virginia</i>. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1980.</div>
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Petranka, James. <i>Salamanders of the United States and Canada</i>. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian, 1998.</div>
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Amphibiaweb is an amazing website. Hours of fun exploration available!</div>
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<a href="http://amphibiaweb.org/" style="color: #a32823; text-decoration: none;">www.amphibiaweb.org</a></div>
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On the USGS website there is a page that has a field key to amphibian eggs of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Luckily, the Mid Atlantic region shares many of the same species. The key is really easy to use.</div>
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<a href="http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/amphibians/field_guide/figure2.html" style="color: #a32823; text-decoration: none;">www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/amphibians/field_guide/figure2.html</a></div>
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On Field Herp Forum there was a post that helped me greatly with this blog post. The photos are awesome and his egg mass descriptions are very clear and concise.</div>
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<a href="http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=272" style="color: #a32823; text-decoration: none;">www.fieldherpforum.com</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-80947073012175986912012-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:002012-01-31T15:42:18.751-08:00Winter and Early Spring Vernal Pool Egg Mass Identification: Pt. 1 Frogs<div style="text-align: left;">Vernal pools are teaming with life now that winter rains and snow have filled them with water.</div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHjCnD1dTBM/TyWTRkXIGNI/AAAAAAAADCI/qqHT0VFxF_U/s320/Vernalpool2.lindaruth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703126433162336466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Linda Ruth</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>These low areas that usually hold water from winter through early summer are very important ecosystems because this habitat allows certain frogs and salamanders to lay their eggs without the fear of their offspring being devoured by fish. Vernal pools also are the main breeding ground for many insects and fairy shrimp. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kb9UEhPl7pk/TyWTw-c0PdI/AAAAAAAADCU/ULI65LZvbxw/s320/FairyShrimp.LynnRuth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703126972741467602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Fairy Shrimp by Linda Ruth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>These animals are the main diet of amphibian larva. Many of these frogs and salamanders lay their eggs in mass. I am going to give information on how to identify amphibian egg masses that can be observed from winter into early spring.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>First of all, it is important to be able to differentiate between a frog egg mass and a salamander egg mass. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oM1_FBzwE8M/TyWVvLVFJaI/AAAAAAAADCg/KeORJ1zNGSs/s320/Salamandereggs.RichardBonnett.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703129140862199202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Salamander egg mass by Richard Bonnett</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the above photo you can see that these eggs have an outer layer of gelatinous material that encapsulates the egg mass. All salamander egg masses in vernal pools will have this outer layer of material.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WDiy5dajIo/TyWWgc5gulI/AAAAAAAADCs/wcHJZerfHXQ/s320/FrogEggs.RonniePuckett.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703129987391994450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Frog egg mass by Ronnie Puckett</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Frog egg masses do not have that outer protective layer like salamanders. The outer edge of the mass is made by the eggs. Once you have determined whether the eggs are from salamanders or frogs you can start to try to get the eggs to species. I have included maps from the USGS National Amphibian Atlas that show ranges for each species to county level. The color codes are as follows: Dark Green = Museum record, Middle Green = Published record, Light Green = Presumed presence, no green = no known occurrence.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>Wood Frog</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cx5MTnKP6x0/TyWaH-DUkCI/AAAAAAAADDE/dshUBJNk5i0/s320/WoodFrog.BillHubick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703133964841291810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Bill Hubick</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Wood Frogs are our earliest anuran breeder. They are very common in most wooded vernal pools. Wood Frogs are found in every state in the Mid Atlantic region.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy-knmUHgWI/TyWY6roUL6I/AAAAAAAADC4/F29rA5iAz_s/s320/Woodfrogmap.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703132637046255522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div>Egg masses of Wood Frogs will have anywhere from 500 to 2000 eggs and the mass is very cohesive, meaning that the egg mass structure will hold together when taken out of the water.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdJMUYMqiiw/TyWaePAo8GI/AAAAAAAADDc/jXCG97GLi3E/s320/WoodFrogeggs.RichardBonnett.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703134347350569058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Richard Bonnett</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Individual eggs, when young, will have a black and white coloration. The white coloring will slowly disappear as the larvae mature. In the above photo the middle eggs are the youngest while the egg mass on the left is the oldest. After the egg mass has been in the water for a few days the distance between the embryo and the edge of the egg starts to expand. You can age a Wood Frog egg mass by how large the distance is between the embryo and the outside of the egg. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Northern/Southern Leopard Frogs</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iZnGDjhQ8o/TyWfuEYJGGI/AAAAAAAADDo/5appD5LhsxY/s320/940191671_Eq37N-L.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703140116932401250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px; " /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Southern Leopard Frog by Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlebLV7A6W0/TyWvTFCE0DI/AAAAAAAADEw/Eexsy4lv5mI/s320/932775849_k6LyX-L.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703157245437857842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Northern Leopard Frog by Jim Brighton</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Leopard Frog eggs are easy to tell apart from Wood Frog eggs by the size of the egg and embryo. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuVUrVRS2E4/TyWhkUAi4xI/AAAAAAAADD0/SNBjN4V6IP4/s320/eggs_200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703142148352959250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: USGS Amphibian Site</div><div><br /></div><div>In a Leopard Frog egg mass there is usually twice as many eggs than in a Wood Frog egg mass, but the two species egg mass sizes are virtually the same. This means that a Leopard Frog egg is about twice as small as a Wood Frog egg. Their egg masses appear almost pure black because there isn't as much room between the embryo and the outside of the egg. Young eggs are the same color as Wood Frog eggs, black and white. Even though you can't tell by the above photo, Leopard Frog egg masses are not cohesive, meaning they will easily fall apart when taken out of the water. Often Leopard Frog eggs will be lower in the water than those of Wood Frogs. The eggs sometimes rest on the bottom of the vernal pools which means that the egg mass is often covered in silt and debris. Fortunately, Northern and Southern Leopard Frog ranges do not overlap that often, so getting your egg mass to species shouldn't be that difficult.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2P36oyG8h4/TyWlFrG1KXI/AAAAAAAADEA/NwvVnxf2-Vk/s320/Northern%2BLeopard%2BFrog.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703146020023904626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Northern Leopard Frog</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P133y-pRFr0/TyWlTABLtsI/AAAAAAAADEM/V2awQTVcU84/s320/Southern%2BLeopard%2BFrog.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703146248975660738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Southern Leopard Frog</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>Pickerel Frog</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gexGtWqAodo/TyWnoHt1jCI/AAAAAAAADEY/Pg89ISKqlyE/s320/177002711_5XXWo-L.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703148810842508322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Jim Brighton</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9xXG5Ry-J-c/TyWovrFqRgI/AAAAAAAADEk/4FcFhsE-I4M/s320/Pickerel%2BFrog.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703150040108385794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The egg mass of a Pickerel Frog is virtually identical to Leopard Frog eggs. Luckily for us there is one characteristic that saves us from lumping Pickerel Frog egg masses in with Leopard Frogs. The eggs of Pickerel Frogs are brown and yellow not black and white. Unfortunately, I do not have a photo to show the noticeable contrast in colors. There is a nice photograph on the Virginia Herp Atlas webpage that shows the brown coloration of the egg mass. It can be viewed here:</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/frogsandtoads/pickerel-frog/pickerel_frog.htm </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>American Toad</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xiXlKpHr96Q/TycLHi1KqVI/AAAAAAAADE8/vFQOMMj3FRI/s320/523658213_P2xu8-L.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703539677324814674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px; " /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal; ">Photo: Jim Brighton</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal; "><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ogf1V-QreTw/TycPVir-nmI/AAAAAAAADFg/Mx3biDpmV8g/s320/mapserv.exe.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703544315850956386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span></div><div>American Toad egg masses are the easiest of the anuran vernal pool breeders to identify. They are the only early spring amphibian breeders who lay their eggs in long strings. The egg mass often sits on the floor of the vernal pool resulting in the egg mass being covered in silt.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTRoc2a0as8/TycOf3T2GFI/AAAAAAAADFU/tjc6q7-54D8/s320/Robkirkland2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703543393673943122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Rob Kirkland</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DYuu-rM23VA/TycMgsfz2YI/AAAAAAAADFI/FwqVtY_cMk4/s320/RobKirkland.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703541208927951234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Rob Kirkland</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b>Southern Toad </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7bRpCtu-ag/TydIwTZAagI/AAAAAAAADF4/WSjtYcIePM4/s320/4578906464_65e823761d_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703607447764101634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Hunter Desportes</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Southern Toads only hit the Mid Atlantic region in the coastal plain of Virginia and North Carolina. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ub16Iy5mg/TydKinM1xOI/AAAAAAAADGE/_zDHavYBnfk/s320/mapserv.exe.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703609411586868450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like the American Toad, Southern Toads lay their eggs in long strings. I couldn't find much information on Southern Toad egg masses but the eggs and egg strings are usually smaller than American Toads. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IagMm0TBiNE/TydKvkolHUI/AAAAAAAADGQ/Jd1D_WzE8-o/s320/southern-toad-eggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703609634236210498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: USGS Amphibian Site</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">From photos, like the one above it seems that Southern Toads egg strings lay straighter than the curly strings of the American Toad, but this is just my observation from looking at photos and may not be accurate. Luckily, the ranges of the two species only overlap in a few areas so it shouldn't be to difficult to figure out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are a few more frog species whose ranges reach into North Carolina like the Crawfish Frog and various species of Chorus Frogs who also use vernal pools for reproduction. Chorus Frogs normally have very small loose egg masses of between 10 to 50 eggs. Crawfish Frog egg masses closely resemble Leopard Frog egg masses, but you'll only have to deal with separating these species in southern North Carolina. Spring Peepers also use vernal pools throughout the Mid Atlantic region during the late winter and early spring but they normally lay their eggs singularly and not in large masses.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the above photos were used under the Flickr Creative Commons license. I would like to thank all the photographers who made this post possible. Please visit their websites and peruse their wonderful photos.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Bill Hubick: <a>www.billhubick.com</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Linda Ruth: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37822476@N04/">www.flickr.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Richard Bonnett: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonnyboy/">www.flickr.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ronnie Puckett: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kodacrome/">www.flickr.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rob and Jane Kirkland: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jane_kirkland/">www.flickr.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hunter Desportes: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hdport/">www.flickr.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The range maps I used are found on the USGS National Amphibian Atlas website. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/">http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These are the books I used when doing my research.</div><div style="text-align: left;">White, James & Amy. <i>Amphibians and Reptiles of Delmarva</i>. Centerville: Tidewater Publishers, 2002.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Conant & Collins. <i>Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America</i>. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Martof, Palmer, Bailey, Harrison. <i>Amphibians & Reptiles of the Carolinas & Virginia</i>. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1980.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Petranka, James. <i>Salamanders of the United States and Canada</i>. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian, 1998.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amphibiaweb is an amazing website. Hours of fun exploration available!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://amphibiaweb.org/">www.amphibiaweb.org</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the USGS website there is a page that has a field key to amphibian eggs of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Luckily, the Mid Atlantic region shares many of the same species. The key is really easy to use.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/amphibians/field_guide/figure2.html"> www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/amphibians/field_guide/figure2.html</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">On Field Herp Forum there was a post that helped me greatly with this blog post. The photos are awesome and his egg mass descriptions are very clear and concise. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=272">www.fieldherpforum.com</a></div></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-68975834424735076082012-01-23T15:24:00.000-08:002012-01-23T19:45:22.486-08:00Sundews of the Mid Atlantic<div style="text-align: left;">Sundews are one of my favorite plant groups. Sundews are carnivorous plants that gain nutrients by trapping insects with sticky secretions that form droplets on the stems and leaves. Tom Muroski on the State College carnivorous plant website states very simply how sundews trap their food.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 51); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 51); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >The Sundew is covered with a series of short hairs, referred to as <span id="df" style=" font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color:green;">Tentacles</span>, that each contain a ball of sticky liquid. When an insect touches this liquid, it tries to get out by squirming, but that only makes matters worse, since the little hairs start moving together in order to stick more of the liquid to the bug...Once the bug is caught, the hairs start to make acids and enzymes to break down the bugs. The remaining juice drips onto the leaf where it is absorbed into the plant for food.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 51); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Below is a photo I took in Worcester County, MD of a Spatula-leaved Sundew (<i>Drosera intermedia</i>) that has caught a Common Pondhawk.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b34PXhf2shc/Tx3yQKynGjI/AAAAAAAAC94/Ubae87-auvk/s320/Myphoto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700979062909377074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jim Brighton</div><div><br /></div><div>All sundews belong to the genus <i>Drosera</i>. There are over 190 species worldwide. North America has ten species and the Mid Atlantic region has five species. The <i>Drosera </i>in our region are usually found in moist boggy areas with plenty of sunlight. Below, I am going to describe the five species of <i>Drosera </i>of our region and give enough information that the reader will be able to identify any sundew they stumble upon. First, I am going to give a brief glossary of some of the botanical terms that I will be using in the descriptions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cuneate -- wedge shaped</div><div><div>Glabrous -- smooth, a surface without hair</div><div>Glandular-pilose -- covered in fine soft hairs with secreting glandular ends</div></div><div>Obovate -- egg shaped and flat with the narrow end attached to the stalk</div><div>Petiole -- the stalk of the leaf that attaches to the stem</div><div>Pilose -- covered in fine soft hairs</div><div>Spatulate -- broad at the apex and tapered to the base</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Round-leaved Sundew</b> (<i>Drosera rotundifolia</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exJDgYnPVvc/Tx319jcCimI/AAAAAAAAC-E/gt9LQTs79zs/s320/BillBoutonRoundleafSundew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700983141154589282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Bill Bouton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In our region <i>Drosera rotundifolia</i> is found on and off the coastal plain. It is the only sundew that is found in the mountainous region of the Mid Atlantic. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8fF-rTcmIVk/Tx38U69v81I/AAAAAAAAC-c/HBii-lAYpwE/s320/DRRO.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700990139676750674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The leaves are round, broader than long and shorter than the petioles. The petiole is very glandular-pilose.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFyDSi7su8s/Tx37xFaYo9I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/eCMKRv4s-WM/s320/BillBoutonRoundleafSundew2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700989524005921746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Bill Bouton</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The flower of the Round-leaved Sundew is normally white but can be pink.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N1XSqA070gQ/Tx39slG6jEI/AAAAAAAAC-o/ugGJFOyw2rY/s320/BillBouton.RoundleavedSundewflower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700991645638102082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Bill Bouton</div><div><b>Pink Sundew</b> (<i>Drosera capillaris</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKDzvzxX8F0/Tx4Chrc03NI/AAAAAAAAC-0/mBbCsvvGZRI/s320/Drosera_capillaris.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700996955920194770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Wiki commons</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Pink Sundew is the common sundew of the southeastern coastal plain. It's northern most range is on the Delmarva Peninsula. Unfortunately, the Delaware population is extirpated and according to the Maryland Natural Heritage website there are only three populations left on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_POZwVMETE/Tx4EGLnDNXI/AAAAAAAAC_A/Z1Ef1KRG5sk/s320/DRCA2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700998682539930994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div>The petioles of the Pink Sundew are sparsely glandular-pilose and the leaves are broadly spatulate.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqD2SYU8EL0/Tx4JG_aLdwI/AAAAAAAAC_M/r0lCIQYbqv0/s320/drosecapi1013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701004194002728706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Barry Rice</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The flower of the Pink Sundew is pink, but very rarely can be white.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIQfflHPLQY/Tx4KC5d8RwI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/t23PvU6ji7c/s320/800px-Drosera_capillaris_flower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701005223200048898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Wiki commons</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Spatula-leaved Sundew</b> (<i>Drosera intermedia</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8RlLlpn7Tc/Tx4MneW9jNI/AAAAAAAAC_k/nYWhRbP8Q_Y/s320/ChrisMoody.SpatulaLeavedSundew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701008050601430226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Chris Moody</div><div><br /></div><div>Spatula-leaved Sundew is the common sundew on the Delmarva Peninsula and the coastal plain. Off the coastal plain it can be found in northeastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and throughout New York. Only a few populations exist in Virginia, all on the coastal plain. It's range in North Carolina is limited to the southeastern portion of the state.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtho_8I3hR8/Tx4Ou5xnewI/AAAAAAAAC_w/fXhXZhVVv4s/s320/DRIN3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701010377243327234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><i>Drosera intermedia </i>petioles are glabrous. This feature is diagnostic to the large sundews in our region. Its leaves are oblong spatulate or obovate.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HMIncG7BGs/Tx4P_Ho-s1I/AAAAAAAAC_8/DFCBSjDdIiE/s320/LisaLawley.SpatulaleavedSundew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701011755354731346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Lisa Lawley</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Dwarf Sundew</b> (<i>Drosera brevifolia</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HO1NbVpFO6c/Tx4TiPrecYI/AAAAAAAADAU/137OBRXjWtw/s320/drosebrevi010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701015657342988674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Barry Rice</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Dwarf Sundews are found in the southern region of the Mid Atlantic. It is found on the coastal plain of Virginia and North Carolina. It can be easily overlooked because of its very small size and is generally not as common as the Pink Sundew. The two species can be found inhabiting the same areas.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNZcKtejSzg/Tx4Ut6AKSXI/AAAAAAAADAg/tkiDicN8hQ8/s320/DRBR3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701016957194226034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div>Dwarf Sundews are easily identified by their small size. While the petioles are glabrous like <i>Drosera intermedia</i>, the petiole only measures 5-10mm compared to the 2-5cm of <i>Drosera intermedia</i>. The leaves are cuneate shaped and usually longer than the petioles.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7BvGk9ykro/Tx4WEHgEYjI/AAAAAAAADAs/Vuja3ryemDY/s320/drosebrevi004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701018438286467634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Barry Rice</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The flowers of the Dwarf Sundew range from pink to white.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZbvvdbiEVI/Tx4WqwnRVdI/AAAAAAAADA4/wuctnlKsZDA/s320/drosebrevi008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701019102157559250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Barry Rice</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><b>Thread-leaved Sundew</b> (<i>Drosera linearis</i>)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDnBTwR9SIA/Tx4XtpFkQ9I/AAAAAAAADBE/o7s08pCzeNc/s320/TravelStuffies.Threadleaved%2BSundew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701020251188380626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Travel Stuffies</div><div><br /></div><div>Thread-leaved Sundews have the smallest range of any of the sundews in our region. The largest populations are in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Smaller populations are located on Long Island and the southeastern portion of North Carolina. Maryland has a population at Suitland Bog in Prince George's County, but this population is not native and the plants have not been observed in recent years. Drosera filiformis is extirpated from Delaware according to BONAP's North American Plant Atlas.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPWkNmJ3kvc/Tx4Z5zbLmUI/AAAAAAAADBQ/MkufQzdFKhI/s320/DRFI.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701022659145079106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Thread-leaved Sundew looks nothing like any of our other sundews. The leaves of the plant are long and erect and the glandular hairs are purple colored. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4yosodeWGw/Tx4binZaaDI/AAAAAAAADBc/2HUYaOSV1LQ/s320/NatalieMcNear.Threadleaved%2BSundew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701024459802699826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Natalie McNear</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LlKpExvmIk/Tx4bwayNxhI/AAAAAAAADBo/g_mhVcTbyK4/s320/JohnBrandauer.ThreadleavedSundew.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701024696935237138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: John Brandauer</div><div><br /></div><div>The flower of <i>Drosera filiformis</i> is a purplish pink.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpDzu0fGPTg/Tx4cJJUjnMI/AAAAAAAADB0/zezMHnOyJEM/s320/Anita363.ThreadleavedSundewflower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701025121744166082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Anita Gould</div><div><br /></div><div>The sundews and many other carnivorous plants are becoming scarcer as the wetlands where they live are drained for urban development and agricultural uses. While habitat destruction is the leading cause of these plants demise, collecting plants is also a serious problem. Many people do not realize that wild transplanted plants are very difficult to keep alive and most often die. For someone who would like to try to keep a carnivorous plant there are many breeders who raise captive bred plants which are much more likely to survive in a domesticated setting.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would like to thank Barry Rice whose website www.sarracenia.com is the best site on web for carnivorous plants. He has more photos of species and varieties than any other website I have found. The information that is available on his site is amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>All of the other photos I used for this post were gleaned from the Flickr Creative Commons or Wiki commons. Below are links to the photographers photo sites.</div><div>Anita Gould -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/anitagould/</div><div>John Brandauer -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/91753832@N00/</div><div>Natalie McNear -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/midasvanderhand/</div><div>Travel Stuffies -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliviaandmike/</div><div>Lisa Lawley -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/34093448@N05/</div><div>Chris Moody -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/zpyder/</div><div>Bill Bouton -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/billbouton/</div><div><br /></div><div>For the descriptions of each species I relied heavily on the website</div><div>http://www.omnisterra.com/botany/cp/pictures/drosera/0077.htm</div><div>On the website is a key to the North American <i>Drosera</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bonap's North American Plant Atlas has county level maps of all the North American <i>Drosera</i></div><div>http://www.bonap.org/BONAPmaps2010/Drosera.html</div><div><br /></div><div>USDA Plant Database, whose maps I used on this post, can be viewed at</div><div>http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=DROSE</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a list of reputable carnivorous plant breeders</div><div>Botanique -- http://www.pitcherplant.com/</div><div>Carnivorous Plant Nursery -- http://www.carnivorousplantnursery.com/</div><div>California Carnivores -- http://www.californiacarnivores.com/</div><div><br /></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-75631651976249432442012-01-17T15:38:00.000-08:002012-01-18T01:27:59.868-08:00Ghost Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera lepida)<div style="text-align: left;">Last July, Jim Stasz and Ed Boyd took Tom Feild and myself up to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey to look for plants. We found many great plants like the federally endangered American Chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) and the New Jersey state endangered Bog Asphodel (Narthecium americanum).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8L_OjanNiFI/TxYK7FKTqPI/AAAAAAAAC8M/BGCVFUxpz4E/s320/IMG_3828.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698754388597909746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">American Chaffseed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYHROUeiBsg/TxYNJ_hfkiI/AAAAAAAAC8o/mGHQV3fcjXo/s320/IMG_3777.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698756843805839906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bog Asphodel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also saw many cool insects like Martha's Pennant (Celithemis martha) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs_0vSQ2oOA/TxYONpMstWI/AAAAAAAAC8w/XLMzN5nuo7U/s320/IMG_3932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698758006044144994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Martha's Pennant</div><div><br /></div><div>and my favorite sighting of the weekend, a Ghost Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera lepida).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7X8NPICD54/TxYPVu-PrFI/AAAAAAAAC88/EMVvQlYrLk4/s320/4832671643_86f9842026_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698759244544715858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 191px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ben Coulter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Ghost Tiger Beetle is a very scarce tiger beetle in the genus Ellipsoptera. These beetles are found only in very sandy habitats like coastal sand dunes and inland sand washes. Most of the New Jersey Pine Barrens is composed of sandy well drained soil. This is just the type of habitat to find <i>Ellipsoptera lepida</i>. Because of their white body and dark thorax if the Ghost Tiger Beetle isn't moving it becomes virtually invisible. It is often said that it is easier to see their shadow than the actual beetle.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlHdVES0t3M/TxYUDkwoeVI/AAAAAAAAC9I/oJn_Va0UACo/s320/4831135836_b917aa0526_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698764430123759954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ben Coulter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Ghost Tiger Beetle is scattered throughout the northeast and central United States. The map below shows some of the county distribution for <i>Ellipsoptera lepida.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3TGdSKVJ20A/TxYU5ovZQqI/AAAAAAAAC9U/O3IOtRLOt70/s320/39.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698765358905246370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px; " /></span></div><div>This map was taken from the USGS tiger beetle distribution site. All the Mid Atlantic states have or had Ghost Tiger Beetle populations. Normally these populations are restricted to the coast (North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware). New Jersey has records for eight of its 21 counties and quite a few are inland records. All of the Pennsylvania populations which were centered around Lake Erie are listed as historical. A survey conducted in New York from 1995 - 1998 found 13 populations in five counties. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hC9N9omfQJk/TxYeTd7LzYI/AAAAAAAAC9g/6sgA0u28eiw/s320/4831201676_ab2376806d_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698775698283154818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ben Coulter</div><div><br /></div><div>This photo shows in great detail all the necessary identification points for the Ghost Tiger Beetle. The white elytron (back of the beetle) with dark maculations (markings on the back of the beetle). The head and thorax are bronzy with fine white setae (hairs) and the white legs are diagnostic. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKJdEYIbsOc/TxYiDiR6HnI/AAAAAAAAC9s/Ygpsm4MHdfA/s320/4834303827_0396a68b36_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698779822620810866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Ben Coulter</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, much of the habitat where these beetles live has been lost due to urbanization and industrialization. In the book <i>A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada, </i>the authors state that they believe, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">that 33 (15%) of the 233 named species and subspecies of tiger beetles in Canada and the United States may be declining at a rate that justifies their consideration for inclusion on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's List of Endangered and Threatened Species. At present, only five of these are officially listed, and several others are under consideration for listing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">With our lands being under the constant threat of industry and urbanization it is important to keep an eye on nature. Will there be a significant impact on the ecosystem if the Ghost Tiger Beetle disappears? Probably not, but I feel that these creatures are our responsibility. Groups like the Nature Conservancy who set aside land for species just like the Ghost Tiger Beetle deserve our support. Fortunately, the land is preserved where we saw our<i> lepida</i> and the population is very strong.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div>All of the photos of <i>Ellipsoptera lepida</i> in this post were taken by my friend Ben Coulter in Ohio. Many more of his fine photographs can be viewed at his flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/somatochlora/</div><div><br /></div><div>Below are listed a few books that are relevant to tiger beetles of the Mid Atlantic. All of these books can be purchased on Amazon.</div><div><br /></div><div>A Field Guide to the Tiger Beetles of the United States and Canada: Pearson, Knisley, Kazilek, Oxford, 2006</div><div>A Field Guide and identification Manual for Florida and Eastern U.S.: Choate, University Press of Florida, 2003</div><div>The Biology of Tiger Beetles and a Guide to the Species of the South Atlantic States: Knisley, Schultz, Virginia Museum of Natural History, 1997</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few websites that have tiger beetle info:</div><div><br /></div><div>The USGS tiger beetle site has loads of info and lots of distribution maps</div><div>http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/insects/tigb/index.htm</div><div><br /></div><div>Giff Beaton's tiger beetle site has tons of photos</div><div>http://www.giffbeaton.com/Tiger_Beetles.htm</div><div><br /></div><div>Bug Guide is the ultimate insect resource for North America. It has photos and informations on all the US tiger beetles.</div><div>http://bugguide.net/node/view/375</div><div><br /></div><div>Mathew Brust's flickr site has awesome photos of lots of pinned specimens and live shots</div><div>http://www.flickr.com/photos/24608578@N00/sets/72157623022560586/</div><div><br /></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-3402216121212736992012-01-10T15:50:00.000-08:002012-01-12T18:43:07.662-08:00INVASIVE SPECIES: Porcelain Berry<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">According to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health the definition of an invasive species is, <i>any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to the ecosystem; and whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I first noticed Porcelain Berry while I was birding at Milltown Landing in Prince George's County, MD. The plant with its striking multicolored berries was entangled throughout a long hedgerow. I snapped a few photos so I could identify the plant when I got home.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;" ><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6yaHEMBygkU/Tw9yjXm2GoI/AAAAAAAAC7E/3792cCjB0cA/s320/Porcelainberry-SharonBrogan.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696898005604899458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:100%;" >Photo: Sharon Brogan</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;" >Later in the evening after I had looked at my photos I realized that I was dealing with Porcelain Berry <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;">(Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "> </span>an exotic vine that is labeled as invasive by the state of Maryland and many other states on the east coast.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">In the 1870's Porcelain Berry (also known as Amur Peppervine) was introduced to the eastern United States from northeastern Asia. It was imported as a bedding / landscape plant. Since the first introduction, Porcelain Berry has spread to 18 states.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" ><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UIwqXuUwgio/Tw91S4vexQI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/roCmy8b3-_4/s320/AMBR7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696901020976596226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;">Like our native grapes, Porcelain Berry is part of the family Vitaceae. It is a deciduous woody vine that grows very quickly and can completely smother native plants with its vigorous blanket-like growth. Porcelain Berry grows best in full sunlight or partial sun. It is most often observed growing along forest edges or along streams and ponds. A single plant can grow 20' in one growing season. Its growth can completely take over an eco-system. On the USDA Forest Service website, they write</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;">, <i>... </i></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;">[Porcelain Berry] has become so abundant in Rock Creek National Park in Washington, DC that an Allegheny blackberry/porcelainberry (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;">Rubus allegheniensis</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;">/</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;">Ampelopsis brevipedunculata</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;"><i>) shrubland vegetation type has been described</i>.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" >Unfortunately, many birds and mammals like American Robins and White-tailed Deer enjoy the taste of the fruit of Porcelain Berry and help disperse the seeds.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;" ><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLkOdA_Zuiw/Tw94DqN12nI/AAAAAAAAC7c/8HzhR66xX3M/s320/Porcelainberry-SteveFernie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696904057914251890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Photo: Steve Fernie</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;font-size:100%;" ><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrBI5oZT4c8/Tw-Q4isi0dI/AAAAAAAAC8A/MhKLPjEcLrU/s320/Porcelainberry-DonRogers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696931354707677650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" >Photo: Don Rogers</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" >Porcelain Berry is easy to identify, especially when it is in fruit. The plant normally bears fruit from September through November. Young fruit of Porcelain Berry is white. As the fruit matures it turns blue or purple and is usually speckled. Our native grapes, when young, are always green and turn to a deep purple or black. The flesh of Porcelain Berry fruit is white whereas our native grapes have dark flesh. Below is a photo of our native Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca). The fruit is much darker than Porcelain Berry and is not speckled.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;" ><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15jtpZj8SPQ/Tw97qZGOZZI/AAAAAAAAC7o/oDAmZtS6XdM/s320/FoxGrape-Justin%2BTso.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696908021868684690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Photo: Justin Tso</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Another way to differentiate between Porcelain Berry and our native grapes is by examining the vines. In the publication <i>Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Look-Alikes</i>, the authors point out that on the mature vines of our native grapes the bark can be peeled in narrow strips while the bark of Porcelain Berry can not be peeled easily. It is also noted in <i>Mistaken Identity?</i> that the pith of the of the vine is white in Porcelain Berry and brown in our native grapes. One other point in identifying Porcelain Berry is that mature leaves have three to five deep lobes and are often variegated like the photo below.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:100%;" ><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g3nQPEtYT3g/Tw-GSWVQURI/AAAAAAAAC70/w1DU3nof3A4/s320/Porcelainberry-JessHirsch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696919703437463826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Photo: Jess Hirsch</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I believe it is very important to be able to identify invasive species. It is important not to buy or plant an invasive. Remember that even though you can control the physical structure of a plant that is in your yard landscape, you can't control the Robin that eats the fruit then flies over to the state forest a few miles away and defecates the seeds in a meadow. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Resources on Porcelain Berry and other invasive plants:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Sarver, Treher, et al., Mistaken Identity? Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes, Delaware Department of Agriculture, 2008.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">USDA Forest Service: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/vine/ampbre/all.html</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The USDA Forest Service publishes on its website "Weed of the Week." Porcelain Berry was featured in 2006: www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/porcelain-berry.pdf</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Invasive Plant Atlas, Porcelain Berry page: http://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3007</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">USDA plant profile, Porcelain Berry: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AMBR7</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health: http://www.invasive.org/</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The photos used in this post were used from Flickr Creative Commons. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Sharon Brogan: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sbmontana/</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Steve Fernie: http://www.flickr.com/photos/albinoflea/</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Don Rogers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsrogers/</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Jess Hirsch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhirsch/</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Justin Tso: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53859531@N05/</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4315923862608838619.post-33818715672234114362012-01-05T14:52:00.000-08:002012-01-08T16:58:34.491-08:00Vireo Nests<div style="text-align: left;">Last July Tom Feild and I went exploring in Pocomoke State Forest. One of the interesting things we found on our walk was this nest.</div><div><br /><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZRPqP7SBj4/TwYqgSxJ7oI/AAAAAAAAC5w/fLH7fGKiTxg/s320/WEVI-JimBrighton.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694285513138761346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;">White-eyed Vireo nest</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Jim Brighton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">It was hanging under a limb in a small tree about five feet off the ground. It was a striking nest, made of lichens, fur, spider webs, and other various bits. At first, I thought it belonged to a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher since gnatcatchers use lichens in their nest construction. I wanted verification so I recently sent the photo to various people to see if they could identify the nest builder. Everyone agreed that the nest was made by a vireo and probably a White-eyed Vireo. Marshall Iliff pointed out that Blue-gray Gnatcatchers always build their nests on top of a branch (like the photo below) and vireo nests are always built underneath the branch.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aO_ac7r_OXw/TwY22MaJdpI/AAAAAAAAC6s/vfJ69RDWpus/s320/BGGN-PatriciaVelte.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694299083528304274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 288px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Patricia Velte</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span">My nest mystery was solved and my curiosity piqued. I spent the next evening reading about vireo nests online. Like I mentioned earlier in the post, vireos always build their nests underneath a branch. This is called pensive nesting. Vireo nests are built at different heights according to species. Red-eyed Vireos usually build their nest high in the tops of trees while White-eyed Vireo nests are normally built a few feet off the ground. In a study conducted by Eastern Kentucky University they found if a White-eyed Vireo nest was comprised by predation the parent vireos would leave the jeopardized nest and would build another nest in three to five days. They also noted that it was possible for a White-eyed Vireo pair to build three to four nests in a breeding season. Amazed at their intricate nest construction, I thought it would be cool to post a photograph of a nest from each species of vireo that breed in the Mid Atlantic region. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnKl9qMbu3M/TwYyLwikYNI/AAAAAAAAC58/PMYJPNVceso/s320/WAVI-TomGrey.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694293956446413010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Warbling Vireo nest</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo: Tom Grey</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRBcjFi6YpY/TwYyXqQDq7I/AAAAAAAAC6I/uKQ4waq5uew/s320/REVI-TomMurray.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694294160916589490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Red-eyed Vireo nest</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Tom Murray</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbqhrc71bTA/TwYzIRKiFQI/AAAAAAAAC6g/Ii7R1alRADU/s320/YTVireo%2B5-24-10%2B800A.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694294995996120322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Yellow-throated Vireo nest</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Phil Brown</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPhHN-x0LCk/Twm8lFAJQbI/AAAAAAAAC64/9DdDX1ZK1ZY/s320/1%2BShawnee%2BState%2BForest%252C%2BScioto%2BCo.%252C%2BOH%2BMay%2B1%252C%2B2011%2B%252845%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695290548970668466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Blue-headed Vireo nest</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Photo: Jim McCormac</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Here are a few links that may be of interest regarding vireos.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Eastern Kentucky University: White-eyed Vireo nesting study</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/KWWEvireo.htm</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">The Vireo Homepage: Includes a list of every vireo species in the world and basic vireo information. http://zeeman.ehc.edu/envs/Hopp/vireo.html</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Youtube: a couple vireo nest videos</div><div style="text-align: left;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnXxWMEGnSY</div><div style="text-align: left;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuV9Ac-Y5XI</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would like to thank the photographers that made this post possible.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jim McCormac: www.jimmccormac.blogspot.com</div><div style="text-align: left;"> www.ohiobirds.org</div><div style="text-align: left;">Patricia Velte: www.backyardbirdcam.com</div><div style="text-align: left;">Phil Brown: www.nebirdsplus.com</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom Murray: www.pbase.com/tmurray74</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tom Grey: www.pbase.com/tgrey</div><span class="Apple-style-span"> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>Jim Brightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266455803933368613noreply@blogger.com1