River Talk

TRR photos by Sandy Long

Learn more about wood frogs and other amphibians at Lacawac Sanctuary in Lake Ariel, PA, during Vernal Visitation on April 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. East Stroudsburg University professor Dr. Thomas LaDuke will probe the waters of the sanctuary for amphibians. Also, In Search of Spring Migrants is scheduled for April 28 from 8 to 10 a.m., during which experts from the Northeast PA Audubon Society hike through the sanctuary seeking spring migrants. Call 570/689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org for more information. At the Pocono Environmental Education Center in Dingmans Ferry, PA, explore breeding pools during Salamanders, Frogs and More, slated for April 8 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; or look for tiny tree frogs during the Spring Peeper Search on April 21 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

TRR photos by Scott Rando

These cubs, about three months old, need to be kept warm during their processing, so there are usually a few extra people along on the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) den surveys to act as “cub warmers.” These cubs, which weighed about five to eight pounds. are growing as they nurse from their mother. Mom, however, loses about 30% of her body mass during the hibernation.

TRR photos by Sandy Long

Pike and Wayne counties are blessed with abundant and beautiful waterways like the Lackawaxen River, which was named River of the Year in 2010 by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The annual recognition raises awareness of the important recreational, ecological and historical resources associated with the state’s rivers and streams and underscores the importance of maintaining healthy waterways.

TRR photos by Scott Rando

This is an aerial shot of the west shore of Walker Lake in Shohola, PA that was taken on the morning after the March 5 storm. Most of the trees in this image are white pine, and most of them have a significant amount of snow on them.

TRR photos by Sandy Long

These tracks indicate the passage of a human and two dogs. But what is that curious arc appearing to the left of the first dog’s tracks? The human tracks are mine and the middle tracks, displaying a normal gait, were made by my dog Ziva. My new pup, Raven, has a waddling side-to-side swish. As her hind feet move forward, they swing outward, creating the crescent shape seen here. Domestic dogs provide good opportunities to hone your tracking skills.

TRR photo by Jane Bollinger

The brown color patterns of ruffed grouse make them inconspicuous in their forest habitat and helps keep them from being detected by predators. Some good news has come from the PGC study; if a grouse comes into contact with West Nile virus and survives, it then develops antibodies which prevents them from contracting the disease in the future.

Photos courtesy of PA Dept. of Agriculture

Almost clownish in appearance, the spotted lanternfly is no laughing matter. This exotic insect poses a major threat to many of our region’s native plant species and hardwood forests. Adults are approximately 1 inch long and one-half inch wide at rest.

TRR photos by Scott Rando

These yearling immature bald eagles were above the Lackawaxen confluence early in February. As is the case with the young of many species, the play instinct is strong. Many immature eagles display talons to each other, but it is mostly play; they are also honing skills they will need to survive.