February
Monthly Weather Review
Rainfall Total – 3.1 in
Highest Temperature - 70°F
Lowest Temperature - 25°F
Average Wind Speed – 6.5 mph
Sunday, February 1
- A snowstorm moved through the region, briefly covering the property in snow and transforming the landscape into a quiet winter scene.
Tuesday, February 3
- The creek was frozen and snow covered the rocks along the bluff, highlighting how even familiar places can look different after a winter storm.
- A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was spotted perched near Dangerous Bridge, keeping watch over the water below.
- White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) tracks were visible across the snow, offering a glimpse into wildlife activity that occurred overnight.
Tuesday, February 10
- Staff conducted routine water sampling at several ponds across the property. Monitoring water quality helps ensure healthy aquatic habitats for the many species that rely on these systems.
- Fresh American Beaver (Castor canadensis) sign was observed on a tree behind the beaver lodge, with recently stripped bark showing continued activity around the pond.
Monday, February 16
- A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was seen resting near one of the ponds, standing quietly along the shoreline as it waited for an opportunity to hunt.
Wednesday, February 18
- The first Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) of the season was observed near Otter Pond — an early reminder that reptiles begin to emerge as temperatures slowly warm.
Friday, February 20
- A Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) was observed cleaning out an old woodpecker cavity in a dead tree, likely preparing the nest site for the upcoming breeding season.
- A Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) was seen basking in the sun at Dry Pond, taking advantage of a warm break in the winter weather.
- Staff also discovered bright orange oyster mushrooms (Phyllotopsis nidulans) growing from a fallen tree.
Tuesday, February 24
- Daffodils (Narcissus) were seen blooming, providing one of the first signs that spring may be approaching.
Thursday, February 26
- An Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) was observed active during a light rain. This species is often one of the earliest returning flycatchers in the region.
Saturday, February 28
- Students from Wofford College visited the property for a field tour and outdoor learning experience.
- During the visit, students observed two completed Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) nests and one newly started nest.
- Later that day, three White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were seen running across the hayfields along Cemetery Road.
