Recently at Nixon Park
A full slate of spring!
The turtle pile-ups are in full swing as ideal basking spots become crowded. One of the older Red-Eared sliders (probably 15-20 years old), with a coat of winter algae, A Red-eared Slider and two Painted Turtles. Pond Slider and an Eastern Musk turtle each with a good-sized Turtle leech - one on the right shoulder area of the pond slider, and one to the rear edge of the musk turtle.
Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe (more about the Phoebe here), Downy Woodpecker, Tree Swallow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Robin (an early bird apparently), And a close look at a Canadian Goose nest.
This Chipping Sparrow spent the winter down south. They aren't a tropical migrant, they overwinter in the Carolinas and farther south.
This pair of White-breasted Nuthatches appeared to be shopping for a nesting spot.
Brown-headed Cow Bird, Song Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Common Grackle
Wild Cherry trees are in full flower.
Red Maple, Spicebush and Silver Maple
Box Elder, these are male flowers taken a few days apart.
Red Squirrels are browsing for fresh shoots, buds and flowers on trees, a nursing mother during a break, Investigating a nest box.
Mayapple unfolding its umbrella-like leaves, Garlic Mustard, Red Clover and Trout Lily all punching trough the leaf litter.
