The preserve has come alive with the beginning of spring. Migrants arrive as the ice recedes on the ponds. Hooded mergansers, buffleheads and other ducks are stopping in for a rest on their journey north. Great blue herons wade along the ice free shores while hunting. Common grackles, red-winged blackbirds, and brown-headed cowbirds have been sighted at bird feeders. Songs from American Robins, Northern cardinals and song sparrows fill the air, interrupted by the loud honking of Canada geese. Listen for the calls of spring peeper frogs to become more common. Warm, sunny afternoons provide perfect updrafts for kettles of turkey vultures. Soon coltsfoot will be blooming and garter snakes will leave their winter hibernacula. Also, look for wild turkey Toms to be displaying soon.

It’s that time of year when Reinstein Woods comes alive with spring migrants, sprouting flowers and the chorus of Frogs. Every day on the trail will bring a new adventure. The marshy ponds have erupted into a full chorus of spring peepers over the past week. Birds are becoming much more vocal, adding seasonal songs to their repertoire. Male spotted salamanders have been seen locally and are likely at their breeding pools awaiting females. Vernal ponds will soon ripple with their courtship water dances. Look for turkey vultures circling updrafts on warm sunny days. Hooded mergansers and ring-necked ducks have also stopped in for a rest during their migration. Warblers returning from the south will add a splash of color to the forest. Wild blue lupine, wild bergamot, snowdrops and lemon balm are just beginning to sprout in front of the education center. Very shortly the trill of American toads will resonate from small ponds and maybe even the snores of leopard frogs. The honks and quacks of ducks and geese will soon fall silent as they hide away resting on their nests.