Week 8 - Green-Wood Cemetery

One of the most noticeable changes over the passed week was an increase in bird song. Not only have the resident species, such as cardinals and robins, begun singing more frequently, but they've been joined by the overwintering species. Juncos, White-throated Sparrows and Fox Sparrows have started to make their presence known to all the females within earshot.

The resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks that we witnessed mating during my morning walk a week ago, were busy collecting branches and rebuilding an old nest near the south end of the cemetery.

The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a relatively early blooming species. Most can now be seen sporting small crimson buds. Once they flower, they become a favorite treat of the Eastern Gray squirrels. Look for them hanging by their back feet as they "prune" the sweetest maple blooms.

Turkish Filbert or Hazel (Corylus colurna) is an introduced member of the birch family native to Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, western Asia. The male catkins cover the trees with mustard-colored Mardi Gras-like beads beginning in late-winter. If you look closely, though, right now you'll see the inconspicuous but brilliant, red female flowers peeking out.

This week I expect to find some of my favorite bird, the American Woodcock, camouflaged in the leaf litter or trying to look like a pine cone in the needles beneath the conifers.

We get an extra day this month, so make sure to use it to take a walk in nature.