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Early spring wildflower photo workshop: March 23 - 25
Click the pic to enlarge, as alwaysWhile March is roaring in like a lion here in central Ohio, Old Man Winter is in his death throes and spring is charging north at breakneck speed. The very earliest...
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Ohio taxpayers can opt to support state nature preserves
Irwin Prairie near Toledo, one of Ohio's rarest habitatsColumbus DispatchMarch 4, 2018NATUREJim McCormacFrom a natural-history perspective, Ohio is a crossroads state. Major ecosystems collide here,...
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The "oldsquaws" of Lake Ontario
I made two northern forays this winter to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. This vast holding is a treasure trove of cold weather goodies, and I was there to see beasts like the American...
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The Wilds Science Symposium
The Wilds, a place that I've covered numerous times on this blog, is hosting a science symposium on Saturday, March 24, at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. Can't beat the price - it's free!...
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A hodgepodge of INTERESTING SPRING STUFF
Yesterday, I made my first trip of spring to the wonderland that is Adams County, Ohio. Spring arrives much earlier down there than it does even 100 miles to the north, in Columbus where I live. I was...
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Finding screech-owls
A jumbo tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, peeks over a log. I photographed the amphibious brute back on February 15 on a nighttime prowl through the backcountry of Champaign and Logan counties....
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Nature: Insects stride the boundary of water and air
Common water striders during matingColumbus DispatchMarch 18, 2018NATUREJim McCormacWater stridersDancing on water,With swirls of blissful motion;Aquatic ballet— Raul MorenoMoreno’s beautiful haiku...
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Photo Exhibition and Talk: Brukner Nature Center, March 29
A stunning Baltimore oriole forages in a flowering chokecherry, singing as he snatches insects.I embark on a second photo exhibition on Thursday, March 29, and this one is at the Brukner Nature Center...
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Spectacular waterfall photo workshop!
Click to enlargeIt would be hard to find a showier environment than the Ohiopyle region of southwest Pennsylvania in April. Gorgeous streams and waterfalls abound, making for a photographer's paradise....
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Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels arise!
The thirteen-lined ground squirrels have arisen from their long winter slumber! These furry Rip Van Winkles enter their burrows for keeps in October(ish), and don't emerge until about now. I did see...
View ArticleTwo upcoming events: Museum Open House, and Wildflower Talk/Walk
Sorry for the late notice about these two events; too many travels and other stuff have kept me from prompt blog updates. Both of these events are free and open to the public, and YOU are welcome!The...
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Nature: Survey to tally dragon-, damselflies
The blue dasher is one of the most common dragonflies and can typically be found near slow-moving water sources [Jim McCormac]Columbus DispatchApril 1, 2018NATUREJim McCormacNOTE: I'm just getting...
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An epic aquatic foray
A dream team crew of aquatic biologists seines for fish in Little Darby Creek in southwestern Franklin County, Ohio. After two reschedulings due to high water, yesterday's foray was perfect in every...
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Ohio's Scenic River Act a leader in conservation
The Big Darby Creek in southwestern Franklin County/Jim McCormacColumbus DispatchApril 15, 2018NATUREJim McCormacNext Sunday, April 22, marks the 48th annual Earth Day. The inaugural Earth Day’s hub...
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A week in Ohiopyle country
As always, click the photo to enlargeWater rushes over Cole Run Falls near Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. This region is rich in beautiful water features, and many of the streams are traced by thick stands of...
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Nature: Snipe's aerial courtship ritual worth seeing, hearing
Nature: Snipe's aerial courtship ritual worth seeing, hearingWilson's snipe is noted for its long bill and large eyes/Jim McCormacColumbus DispatchApril 29, 2018NATUREJim McCormacFor more than 170...
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Nature: Once-shunned peninsula grew into urban oasis
A Cooper's hawk chases a red-tailed hawk above Scioto Audubon Metro Park/Jim McCormacColumbus DispatchMay 6, 2018NATUREJim McCormacJust southwest of Downtown Columbus, shadowed by skyscrapers, is an...
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New River Birding & Nature Festival
A long exposure brings out star trails, with the mighty New River Gorge bridge as frontispiece. I made this image at midnight from deep within the gorge.I spent all last week near Fayetteville, in...
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Cape May Warblers, and the Friends of Magee Marsh
A fabled place, especially at this time of year. Tens of thousands of birders make the peregrination to western Lake Erie, especially Ohio's Lucas and Ottawa counties, and stop #1 is a mile-long...
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Nature: Night hunt reveals green salamander's hiding spot
A green salamander hunts along the face of a cliff in West Virginia/Jim McCormacColumbus DispatchMay 20, 2018NATUREJim McCormacTwenty-four species of salamanders occur in Ohio, but they mostly remain...
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