March 30 – My Nature Journal
March 30, 2025 Nature Journal
Groundhog / Woodchuck
Marmota monax
I was very surprised to catch sight of this Woodchuck as I walked along the meadow that borders the large lake I visit often.
First, although Woodchucks (also called “groundhogs”) are active during the day, they usually shelter in their deep, complex burrows during the middle of the day.
Second, Woodchucks don’t venture very far from their burrows usually.
Although they are the largest member of the squirrel family Sciuridae found in my area, they still get eaten by large predators, especially Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Coyotes (Canis latrans), and large Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).
This particular Woodchuck was foraging the tender meadow grasses in mid-afternoon, about twenty yards into the open from the brushy edge of the meadow. At first, it didn’t spook; he clearly noticed me but didn’t seem too alarmed.
Unfortunately, a couple walking a dog came up behind. The dog spotted the Woodchuck and barked. The commotion proved too much for the Woodchuck to bear.
It bounded for the meadow’s edge as fast as its short legs could propel its stout body, then leaped into the bushes and disappeared.
This meadow drops off sharply onto a verge overgrown with thorny blackberry bushes, trumpet vines, and poison ivy—the perfect setting for a Woodchuck burrow.
I knew the Woodchuck wouldn’t come back out for some time so I moved on. On my way back, I searched the meadow closely, hoping it had relaxed enough to emerge again but no luck.
Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
Today’s Nature Journal Snapshot
|
Time of Day |
Mid-afternoon |
|
Setting |
Large lake |
|
Temperature |
80° F / 27° C |
|
Weather |
Sunny |
|
Humidity |
42% |
March 30, 2024 Nature Journal
Southern Black Racer Snake – Juvenile
Coluber constrictor priapus
This baby Southern Black Racer Snake was draped over a fence railing, basking in the sun. While only a foot or so long, it rested in plain sight. I spotted it from a long distance down the trail.
Watching With Bated Breath
I wasn’t alone on the trail and watched anxiously as several small groups of people—all of whom were closer to the snake than I was—approached the snake. I was sure they would spook the snake or the snake would spook them or both, and that I would lose my chance to photograph this beautiful little reptile.
Thank Goodness For Small Favors
But as I hot-footed it to within range of my telephoto lens, I was amazed to see that none of the people noticed the snake at all. Or at least they gave no visible indication that they noticed it. My money is on them not noticing it at all, which amazes me on the one hand and doesn’t surprise me in the least on the other.
Most of the people were on their phones, or focused on each other. Not many people wander the countryside as intent on spotting wild animals as I am. And in this case, my luck held true.
The snake remained motionless, a beautiful length of muscle posed just perfectly for photographs. It noticed me and looked towards my camera but didn’t move.
Saying Goodbye
Eventually, though, I had to pass the snake in order to continue my nature walk.
Animals can read body language, eye contact, and sense attention very well. While the snake held its ground in the face of several oblivious humans, it seemed to sense my deep and abiding interest.
With a undulating ripple, it slithered smoothly across the railing and disappeared into a nearby bush.
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallows are beautiful, extremely fast-flying birds that build intricate, mud nests like this one.
Birds of both sexes carry wads of mud in their bills back to their nesting site and methodically build these distinctive mud cup nests. While they can use trees and rock faces to attach their nests, Barn Swallows are one species that benefit greatly from human activities.
Barn Swallows view the overhangs and corners formed by our buildings as excellent nesting sites, as they are quiet and protected from precipitation.
I’ve watched many Barn Swallow pairs build nests on this particular building over the years. In some years, five different pairs have shared the single wall of this approximately 15 foot wide building.
Six-spotted Tiger Beetle
Cicindela sexguttata
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Today’s Nature Journal Snapshot
|
Time of Day |
Mid- to late afternoon |
|
Setting |
Large lake |
|
Temperature |
77° F / 25° C |
|
Weather |
Scattered clouds |
|
Humidity |
24% |
