The cherry blossoms are here! Star magnolias are also blooming this week.
Blogs
Red-Winged Blackbirds
Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are a common sight around wetlands. In the summer, you might see one or two near a small retention pond in your neighborhood. Once you know their song, you can’t miss them. This winter, I have had three occasions where an entire flock of red-winged blackbirds was hanging out on the… Continue reading Red-Winged Blackbirds
Field Report- February 20, 2026
What’s happening on the trails this week? We’ve had some rain and some warmer temperatures for the last few days. The trees and plants are waking up and changing quickly. There aren’t too many flowers out there yet. I’m still seeing henbit, hairy bittercress, common chickweed, common groundsel and dandelions. Leatherleaf mahonia is in full… Continue reading Field Report- February 20, 2026
Bald Eagle Sighting
We had quite a surprise yesterday at Umstead State Park. A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was gathering some brush for its nest as we walked by Reedy Creek Lake. We noticed it when it took off from across the lake. Luckily, it landed on a tree for a brief moment. It was just long enough… Continue reading Bald Eagle Sighting
Safety on the Greenways
What’s happening on the Shiloh Greenway this week? New mile markers! Every 0.1 mile will be marked with a painted star on the pavement. Much like highway mile markers, this will help if there’s an emergency on the trail. First responders will quickly be able to locate the area where they need to be.
The Calming Effect of Admiring Nature
Today is one of the biggest television watching days of the year. Friends and family will gather in each other’s homes, share some food, and watch the Big Game. I read an article this week about being outside in nature. We all know the health benefits of walking. Some believe that being in nature can… Continue reading The Calming Effect of Admiring Nature
Winter Flowers in the WRAL Azalea Gardens
Have you ever been to the WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh? I’ve only been in the spring to see the azaleas, but I knew they had plants that bloomed at different times of the year. I was in the area a few weeks ago and decided to explore the garden again. (This was before our… Continue reading Winter Flowers in the WRAL Azalea Gardens
What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? February 2026
Winter has decided to assert its presence this year. There are several flowers that start to bloom in February, but with below normal temperatures and snow on the way, it will take some extra time before we see them. During February you can expect to see: I’m looking forward to seeing many of these flowers… Continue reading What Flowers Will Bloom Next Month? February 2026
Quiet Nature- January 28, 2026
Enjoy some quiet nature today with this bushy beard lichen (Usnea strigosa).
Tree Identification in Winter
Have you ever tried to identify trees just by their bark in the winter? It isn’t very easy to do. I’ve been challenging myself this winter to see how many trees I can learn. Take a look at some of the amazing variety you can see. Next time you take a walk, look at the… Continue reading Tree Identification in Winter