Field Notes

Monthly Weather Review
Monthly Rainfall Total – 1.29 in
Highest Temperature - 79°F
Lowest Temperature - 16°F
Average Wind Speed – 6.19 mph

Friday January 3^rd

• A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodia) was observed taking flight and heading towards one of the ponds on the property. These Herons are a frequent sight at Carolina Wildlands, especially near bodies of water where they are known to hunt and make their nests.

Tuesday January 7^th

• An Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) was observed resting on a nearby branch in the early morning.
• While driving down one of the main roads, many other Eastern Bluebirds were seen around the grasslands. They will begin their nesting process within the next few weeks!
• The Waxing Quarter moon was on full display during the late afternoon.

Wednesday January 8^th

• We began deploying a total of 17 Longhorn beetle traps all around the property.
• A Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was seen high up in the pines overlooking an open grassland searching for their prey.

Friday January 10^th

• There was a beautiful sunrise this morning to start the day off.
• While continuing to hang Longhorn beetle traps, we noticed Chimney Pond was frozen!
• We received some chilly weather including sleet and ice.

Monday January 13^th

• While checking the game cameras, a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was spotted perched on a tree limb.
• An Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) was spotted flying around the edge of Turtle Pond.

Friday January 17^th

• We visited the Crossover, a place on Thompson Creek where naturally made holes in the rocks are located, to obtain pictures for the “Rock n’ Hole” Story.

Monday January 20^th

• Two medium sized snapping turtles were spotted basking in the sun at Otter Pond.

Tuesday January 21^st

• We participated in a prescribed burn on the property. The drone was used to film some impressive footage.
• During the beginning of the burn, a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was spotted swooping down to catch prey that was running to a safe place from the fire.
• While helping with the burn, a shrew was seen scurrying away from the fire and made it into hiding before the hawk was able to notice him.
• After the burn, we noticed a few Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) and Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) flying about.

Wednesday January 22^nd

• Carolina Wildlands had their one and only snow day of this winter season.
• A drive around the property took place where the snow was seen covering the rock bluffs and surrounding trees.
• A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) flew to a snowy branch near Thompson Creek and took a short break to rest.

Friday January 31^st

• We had our “Orientation Day” for the Spring 2025 interns.
• Smiley was seen frolicking through the grasslands coming to meet interns.
• While giving the interns a tour of the property, a pair of Brown-headed Nuthatches were observed zigzagging up and down the tree. This is a foraging technique to check every spot on the bark for potential insects to eat.
• The interns visited the “Dangerous Bridge” where they were able to see the magnificent rock bluffs and Thompson Creek.