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.

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.

It isn’t often you can hear spring peepers peeping in the middle of December. Tomorrow it is supposed to reach a high of 65 degrees! You may hear spring peepers peeping and see painted turtles on logs in the ponds at Reinstein Woods. You may even see a mourning cloak butterfly which overwinter as adults in tree crevices. Many visitors have enjoyed taking pictures of a mink near the beaver lodge on lily pond. Listen for red and gray squirrels gnawing on the hard shells of black walnuts. Look for turkeys in groups scratching the ground for nuts and insects. Dark-eyed juncos are seen in small groups hopping around on the ground in search of seeds. They often flash their white tail feather markings while inflight. Get out and make the most of this warm weather.