02-21-09 Winter Stonefly

At Observatory Park, several of these two-tailed insects were seen crawling on the snow, just above an icy stream. These turned out to be quite fascinating insects known as winter stoneflies (a.k.a. snowflies)!

Stonefly nymphs hide under stones in streams, and can only live in areas of very high water quality (way to go, Observatory Park!). They need cool, flowing, high-oxygen water to live since they have really dinky little gills.

The winter stonefly adults will emerge from the water, usually at the end of winter or early spring, and they are one of the few insects that are actually active on the snow. They may also display fascinating mating behavior by literally rocking out. In some species, the males will drum their butts against rocks in attempts to woo the ladies. The actual drumming is imperceptable to humans, but the stoneflies know what's up.

The photograph above shows an adult specimen, with a giant glove beneath it for scale. If you would like more images of this photogenic insect, you can check this BugGuide page.

2-21-09 Red shouldered hawk

On the way out, the Future Scientists spotted two red-shouldered hawks at close view. Thanks Eli for the photo!

The red-shouldered hawk is slightly larger than crow-sized, and the Future Scientists noted its ruddy chest and distinctively black-and-white banded tail. The broad-winged hawk can be a similar sized bird but it's too good for us, and only passes through the continental U.S. on its way migrating south. The red-shouldered hawk is a glutton for punishment like the rest of us Ohioans and can stick around for the winter.

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2-21-09 Track Recap

The Future Scientists participated in citizen science for the Geauga Park District, searching for signs of mammals at the recently acquired Observatory Park. Tracks of deer, mice, voles, squirrels, raccoons and coyote were discovered.

Coyote tracks: Hind foot has registered on top of fore foot. About 2.5 inches long.

Raccoon tracks. Hind foot about 4 inches long.

No poop was found (or stepped on). However, by the end of the day every Future Scientist had cracked through thin ice at least once, getting their feet wet in the shallow streams. Brrr! Evidently today was not the day for learning from the person walking in front of you…

Looks purty...

Unless you bust through.

The Future Scientists did not just keep their eyes on the ground track-finding however. The day was a good bird-o-prey day, with sightings of red tailed hawks, two red-shouldered hawks at close view, and possibly a juvenile bald eagle. Keep a look out for more interesting findings in upcoming posts…

Things to see high and low.