Field Notes

Monthly Weather Review
Rainfall Total – 3.7 in
Highest Temperature - 81°F
Lowest Temperature - 31°F
Average Wind Speed – 7.0 mph

Tuesday, March 3rd

• Hawks (undetermined species) were seen soaring over the fields, swooping low across the grass while searching for prey. Open prairie habitat provides ideal hunting grounds for many raptors during the early spring months.

Wednesday, March 4th

• The first day of 2026 Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) nest box monitoring officially began, marking the start of another nesting season across the property.

Thursday, March 5th

• Several Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were observed swimming in Turtle Pond, taking advantage of warming temperatures after a long winter.
• An American Beaver (Castor canadensis) was also seen swimming through Turtle Pond, continuing regular activity around the waterway.
• A Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) was spotted near Dry Pond, marking the first snake observation of the season.
• An Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) was seen perched on a fence post calling across the field — a familiar sound that often signals the arrival of spring in grassland habitats.

Wednesday, March 9th

• While checking Barn Owl (Tyto alba) nest boxes, staff discovered one owl resting quietly in the rafters. The startled owl promptly reminded researchers to keep their distance by leaving behind a memorable mess from above.

Tuesday, March 10th

• Fresh American Beaver (Castor canadensis) sign was observed along Thompson Creek, including recently chewed vegetation near the water’s edge.
• A White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) skull was discovered along the trail to Turtle Pond, serving as a reminder of the many life cycles constantly occurring within the landscape.
• An unusual-looking plant was documented near the trail system and is currently awaiting identification.
• Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica) plants were beginning to emerge from the forest floor as spring vegetation continued developing.
• Virginia Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) and Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) were both observed blooming throughout the property.

Wednesday, March 11th

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees began blooming, adding bright pink color throughout woodland edges.
• Several Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina) were observed near Turtle Pond as reptile activity increased with warming temperatures.
• Two ducks (species undetermined) were spotted utilizing Turtle Pond.
• A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was seen flying overhead, likely moving between nearby ponds and wetlands.
• Five Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta) were observed basking together on a log at Chimney Pond, taking advantage of the warm afternoon sun.
• Four frog egg masses were discovered in Davis’s Branch, an encouraging sign of early amphibian breeding activity.

Thursday, March 12th

• A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was observed flying rapidly up and down the creek while searching for fish.
• Later in the day, a sudden spring storm quickly moved across the property, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with little warning.

Tuesday, March 17th

• Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica) flowers were seen scattered throughout Muddy Branch, adding color to the forest floor.

• Four Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) were spotted swimming around Dry Pond.
• Two Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) were observed resting on top of the metal silo, likely using the structure to warm themselves in the morning sun.

Wednesday, March 18th

• A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) was especially active around BJ’s Pond, frequently calling and flying low across the water.
• A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was also observed actively hunting along the pond edge.
• Two Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were documented swimming in BJ’s Pond.
• The first Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) eggs of the season were observed during nest box monitoring.

Thursday, March 19th

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees continued blooming across the property, creating bright patches of color along roadsides and forest edges.

Friday, March 20th

• Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) began nesting around the property. Their ground nests can be difficult to spot, which is why the adults often rely on loud calls and distraction displays to protect their eggs.

Monday, March 23rd

• While conducting monthly water quality testing, CWF staff noticed Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta) basking at nearly every pond location visited throughout the property.

Tuesday, March 24th

• Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were seen gathering around Fireworks Pond, their distinctive calls becoming increasingly common as spring activity continued to increase.

Monday, March 30th

• A male Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) was observed swimming in Fireworks Pond, displaying the species’ striking spring plumage.
• Two Carolina Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) were seen actively foraging together among nearby vegetation.
• An Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma) butterfly was observed resting among the leaf litter, its camouflage allowing it to blend surprisingly well into the forest floor.