Big Year Week 16

April 23-29

It seems as though every year at this time, I nearly step on a Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).  Around this time of year, Garter Snakes emerge from hibernation and can be readily found on sunny days in our lawn and garden.  This is the only snake species that I've ever found on our property, and they seem to be increasing in number, which I attribute in part to our landscaping practices, which have resulted in less mowed areas.

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is a plant that's native to Eastern North America, and it is sold at many native plant sales.  However, it is not believed to grow naturally in our area, and I've seen it exhibit invasive like tendencies in woodlands where it has been introduced.

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Here's a species that I didn't plant:  Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) is a species that is indigenous to the eastern deciduous forest, and the ancestors of these plants have probably been here on the property for hundreds and hundreds of years.  Although we live very close to the now extinct Terre Coupe Prairie, the presence of Spring Beauty (along with other species) tells me that our property would most likely historically have been wet/mesic forest.

Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

Field Garlic (Allium vineale) is a species that is native to Europe and Northern Africa, which has escaped cultivation and is now a common weed in disturbed areas and old fields.

Field Garlic (Allium vineale)

Plantain-leaved Pussytoes (Antennaira plantaginafolia) is a native wildflower that is often overlooked due to it's small stature.  I purchased this plant several years ago at a native plant sale.  This species is dioecious, which means that individual plants bear either male or female flowers.  I believe that this is the female or "pistillate" flower.

Plantain-leaved Pussytoes (Antennaira plantaginafolia)

Week 16 running totals:

Birds:  23
Mammals:  4
Reptiles: 1
Insects:  8
Vascular Plants:  14