Tryon Creek Naturalist Notes

Ranger Christal and I went looking for garter snakes on the Bike Path this afternoon.  After seeing a few that got a way, we were finally able to snag one for a closer look, interpreting to the few patrons that passed by.  Pretending to know what we were looking for, we attempted to count labial scales (as if anyone other than herpotology buffs knows what those are).  Apparently, some species have more or less labial scales than others, helping you to differentiate between them.  In any case, our final statement is that we had either a Northwestern or Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.  Enjoy!

Northwestern or Western Terrestrial?

Oooh, an interpretive opportunity! Everyone loves snakes, right?

When held gently, garter snakes aren't really biters.

Ranger Christal, Professional Snake Charmer.

Garter snake close.

If you’re interested in viewing snakes in the park, the Bike Path (just south of the main entrance) is almost a sure thing on a sunny day.  Look for them in the grass/blackberries on the east side of the path, and let us know if you see one!

Rangers Rhett & Christal,

Interp. Staff

Barred Owl

It was an interesting afternoon at Tryon Creek State Park. Off a hot tip from Mosquito (Stephanie W.), I pursued a Barred Owl in the park’s “meadow”. It had been seen just a few minutes earlier in a Bigleaf Maple. This location is fairly unusual for this species, leading me to believe it was one of our adult-looking juveniles who have been on the move for over a month now. Typically, we see Barred Owls near and west of the creek while our Great Horned Owls can be found east of the creek and on higher ground. Fortunately, the bird was still around by the time I got there, and myself, another Ranger, and four patrons got to view it at our leisure. It posed like a superstar and left all in absolute awe! This individual was so comfortable with our presence that we eventually walked away and left it to its day.

A moment of napping.

Looking regal.

A nice profile view.

Defending itself from a fearsome Eastern Fox Squirrel.

Prior to this eventful encounter, I cruised the Cedar Trail where I stumbled upon all sorts of goodies. To my astonishment, I counted over 40 Banana Slugs in one area no larger than ten square feet. I’ve never seen so many in one spot before. A few patrons were able to view this phenomenon as well. Together, we suspected the incredible heat and dryness inspired them to congregate at this tiny tributary.

Banana Slugs

Banana Slug Central

Also of note, Jewelweed is in full effect, peaking the interest of many a patron, and another mystery mushroom has left me clueless. I.D. assistance would be much appreciated. I’m obviously in desperate need of a mushroom field guide.

Jewelweed

These beauties were previously entitled "Mystery Mushroom", but thanks to the help of fellow bird aficionado (and apparently mushroom aficionado) Bob Stites, I can now confidently label them Ganoderma Applanatum, aka Fomes Applanatum, aka Artist's Conk.

A closer look. Apparently, the underside is only pure white like this when it is fresh, staining brown when scratched, bruised, or weathered.

This forest never ceases to delight me.

Rhett W.

Today’s Morning Bird Walk was quiet yet interesting.  Our group consisted of three and we very quickly came upon one of our famous juvenile Great Horned Owls.  Looking mostly like an adult, it still screeched like a juvenile and had a significant amount of downy feathers on its crown.  We enjoyed it for a while, and yes, we did hoot at it

We continued on to hear a couple of Brown Creeper songs, a mystery call or two (surprisingly), and a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglet calls.  We were able to pish the kinglets down to viewing level for only a moment.  While we suspected we heard GCKI on several occasions throughout the summer, we were not able to get visuals.  They were always so high in the canopy and unwilling to descend.  However, this is the second time in a week that I’ve been able to see them.  I believe they’re working their way down to join their northerly friends that will be here soon.  We also came upon a couple of Steller’s Jays that were tooting like Ivory-billed Woodpeckers.  A few of our jays produced this very same call in early spring.

On another note, I recently heard two separate species of birds singing above our canopy that I could not identify.  One struck me as Townsend’s Solitaire and the other left me clueless.  If only it were possible to see through our canopy!  In any case, they are no doubt migrants that I am less familiar with.  After hearing both species, I eagerly searched the net for songs, exploring Nashville Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and then refreshing my memory with Townsend’s and Hermit Warblers.  No, none of these seemed correct.  However, most birds have several variations of songs and calls, and so I cannot confidentally rule anything out.  It’s good to know that birds are moving and that summer’s silence is being broken.

On a previous hike this week, I located the following mushrooms and need some serious I.D. help.  Also, I can never pass up a gigantic Banana Slug for a photo opportunity.  Please name that mushroom if you can, and enjoy!

Mystery Mushroom?

A Closer Look

Mystery Mushroom #2

A Tryon Classic!

Good birding, shruming, and slugging!

Rhett W.

During our JR Ranger program this afternoon (2pm), we came across a Great Horned Owl on Big Fir Trail near Old Main.  It was conspicuously perched far out on a Bigleaf Maple branch just north of the trail.  We viewed it at our leisure before returning to the Nature Center.  After stamping the passports of our JR Rangers and presenting their awards to them, I quickly grabbed the spotting scope and camera and headed out the door.

I immediately ran into our famous owl lovers, the Arnold family.  Without hesitation, they joined me in the search for the Great Horned.  I could only hope that it would have remained in the exact same location for the last 15 minutes.  With ease, we located the bird, viewed it in the scope, and snapped a couple of photos.  It soon tired of our presence and flew into the forest, vanishing in seconds.

Great Horned Owl

We then moved on to pursue our Barred Owls near the creek and on West Horse Loop, but we had no such luck.

Seeing an owl is quite the treat these days,

Rhett W.

This morning’s Morning Bird Walk was hauntingly silent.  We strained our eyes and ears to pick up anything we could, but the park was simply a ghost town.

Our group consisted of six bird watchers, and we came across the call notes of Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Pacific Wren,  Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Steller’s Jay, and American Crow.  To our delight, Brown Creeper and Pacific Wren actually gave us a couple of full songs.  Apparently, the birds have found their mates, hatched their chicks, and reared their fledglings, leaving them with absolutely nothing left to say.  I presume migratory species will start to move fairly soon, so hopefully things will change and/or pick up in the park.

On another note, our Nature Day Camp group found a deceased Townsend’s Warbler near the main parking lot yesterday.  The bird was either a female or juvenile as its colors were fairly drab and it lacked a dark throat.  This species had not been detected during our organized spring and summer bird walks, but this find suggests they breed here.  Or might they be moving?

Rhett W.