SCP iNaturalist Challenge 2022's Journal

There is a Pied-billed Grebe on the lake today. This has turned out to be a difficult species to get so far. It is the first one seen this year at the park. The species is typically fairly regular in the winter here.

On another note, it is starting to warm up quickly. Warm weather brings migrants and insects. Migratory birds and some insects will begin to pop up pretty soon, so be on the look out for those on the list. We even had a Fragile Forktail damselfly and some butterflies this week, which means some insects will start to become active soon. Good luck!

Some spring wildlfowers are beginning to bloom now. Many should be blooming in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out in the woods and forest edges for those on the list. Most flowers on the list can be easily identified by leaves only, so a photo of the bloom is not necessary, but can be helpful. Fire Pink is the only flower on the list that will require a photo of the bloom. It typically blooms in April and May, so don't miss it. Check out some previous observations on iNat to see when and where Fire Pink has been seen in the park or feel free to call or come by the Nature Center to ask the naturalists.

There is another Pied-billed Grebe on the lake today. Seen near the Nature Center. Grebes are diving birds and can swim pretty long distances under water and pop up out of sight. Photographing them can sometimes be a challenge. Pied-billed Grebes are typically only here in the winter.