What do you do when it approaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit in February? Many people get outside to soak up the sun and warmth. Many animals are doing the same. There are already painted turtles that are basking on pond logs in the preserve. The mild weather and rains have likely awakened spotted salamanders which will soon make their journey to our vernal pools. Most of the year these salamanders are underground. Spring peeper frogs are peeping along the perimeter of ponds and marshes. Red-winged blackbirds, an early migrant, sing in the cattail marshes. Next time you are on a highway, look for turkey vultures soaring on updrafts during on their migration North. Black-capped chickadees have turned to their “fee bee” call. Local sugar maple trees are being tapped early for sap to make maple syrup. Soon, spring ephemeral flowers will be carpeting the forest and frog choruses will echo through the preserve.

Are you interested in whats happening on the trails of Reinstein Woods? Check back periodically for updates on “Nature Sightings at Reinstein Woods”. Feel free to leave a comment below if you would like to add your own wildlife sighting.

There is a lingering snowpack in the forests of Reinstein Woods, and the ponds remain completely iced over. Eastern chipmunks dig through the snow and find their way to our bird feeders. Male red-winged blackbirds return to marshes in the southern part of the preserve. Their “conk-la-ree” calls carry while they set up their territories. The black-capped chickadees song changes to “fee-bee” as Canada geese honk loudly while waddling around on frozen ponds. Turkey vultures spiral north eagerly awaiting what’s uncovered as snow melts. American robins scout thawed grassy areas for worms and other invertebrates. Keep an eye out for frogs and salamanders which will be active soon. Soon the ponds will be filled with the spring peeper’s chorus.

 By Michael Adriaansen