A Weekend of Birds & Botany in Shawnee State Forest

Whew.  It's been a hectic last few weeks and months for your blogger.  The necessary combination of precious free time and energy to put into new posts just hasn't materialized and is reason for the lack of activity.  I hope to rectify this going forward but for now let's catch up on a few items I'd like to make mention of.

First off, I'd like to take time to honor the life and legacy of an educator, mentor and good friend of mine whom the Ohio naturalist community recently lost.  Dennis Profant, author and publisher of the famed Field Biology of Southeastern Ohio blog and my former professor at Hocking College, unexpectedly passed away on April 15th.  He was one of the most influential professors I ever had and is a large contributor to who, what and where I am as a botanist, naturalist and human being today.  From birds and bugs, to wildflowers and trees, Dennis made learning fun with his unique wit and way of teaching things.  His mind was a walking encyclopedia on our natural world and his passion infectious.  I will always fondly remember our times in the field together or just kicking it in his office discussing everything from jazz to moths.  I'm beyond thankful to have gotten close to him in the years following my time at Hocking College and am greatly saddened to know our time together is done.  What I wouldn't do for one more foray into the woods with him...

On a more positive note, I'd like to personally thank all the kind people who took the time to say hello at the recent Ohio Botanical Symposium back in late March.  Meeting and talking to readers/fans of this website and the gracious words you have to say mean the world to me.  This blog would have slid into oblivion long ago if it wasn't for the compliments, encouragement and confirmation of interest from you all over the years.  I hope you'll continue to read and share my love for everything botanical and beyond.  And Ron G., I promise you'll have your Helianthus themed post to read and use in the next few months!

It's spring!  Taking a glance at my most recent post has this site locked in the depths of winter's chill but rest assured the wildflowers and trees have progressed anyways and thankfully so.  The last two weekends have had your blogger fulfill speaking gigs and lead field trips for the Arc of Appalachia's annual wildflower pilgrimage and Ohio Ornithological Society's annual conference, respectively. Both events were packed full of excited, eager naturalists ready to fully embrace spring's blossoming and an amazing time was had by all.  I would like to recap both events in blog form, starting with this past weekend and the OOS' invasion of Shawnee state forest.

Sunrise over Turkey Creek Lake in Shawnee State Forest

You might recall my post detailing last year's OOS event in Shawnee.  We had exquisite weather and phenomenal birding despite the botany being a bit behind.  This time around the tables were turned with excellent botany and mediocre birding.  Unseasonably cool temperatures and a steady all day rain on Saturday into Sunday kept the birds and their food sources from moving much.  A number of the usual migratory suspects seemed to be late and/or absent from this weekend but that doesn't mean it was a total washout.  The rare chance to see and catch up with old friends is one of the biggest draws for these kinds of events and in that this weekend did not disappoint in the slightest.

Winding dirt road leading through the beauty of Shawnee state forest

The cooler temperatures and rain might have quieted the birds but they did wonders for my floral friends.  Flowering dogwood, redbud, wild plums and serviceberry painted Shawnee's roadsides with their respective shades of cream, white and pink.  There's just something about the isolated, remote feeling of the forest's winding dirt roads as they take you along the ridge tops and down into the hollers.

Scarlet paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) blooming in an Adams Co. cedar barrens

I arrived to the region early in the afternoon on Friday to do a bit of personal botanizing and birding before I was needed at the lodge.  I couldn't resist the temptation of hitting a few choice spots in Adams County for their rare and unusual inhabitants.  The globally rare dolomite cedar barrens were ablaze with scarlet paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) in all their seasonal glory.

Flowering dogwood back dropped by the rolling hills of Shawnee

Don't let me fool you into thinking the birds were a complete and total bust.  Both my Saturday and Sunday field trips were rewarded with some great species and moments.  The best had to be a woman on Saturday wishing with all her might she'd get to see even a fleeting glimpse of the elusive Kentucky warbler; a long-awaited life bird for her.  Not more than five minutes later a male that had been singing from deep in the brush and tangle of the woods came out and perched himself in clear view for the entire group. Needless to say, the aforementioned woman was breathless in wonderment afterwards.  That's a sight any guide loves to see!

The rare vernal iris (Iris verna) blooming profusely along the forest's roadsides

One of the area's quintessential spring wildflowers was just starting to come online during the conference in the rare vernal iris (Iris verna).  Many folks think of summer and wetlands when irises are mentioned but this particular species loves the rocky, dry soil of Shawnee's sun-drenched ridge tops and roadsides.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail nectaring on the ephemeral blooms of wild plum (Prunus spp.)

While cruising Shawnee's back roads during Friday's warm, sunny conditions, I came across numerous wild plums (Prunus spp.) in perfect flowering shape.  The air was heavy with their sweet scent and could be detected from hundreds of feet away with the nose alone.  I wasn't their only admirer as the plums were abuzz with dozens of bees and butterflies all looking for a taste of nectar.

Spotted Mandarin (Prosartes maculata)

Spotted Mandarin (Prosartes maculata)

Another of Shawnee's threatened floral denizens in full bloom was the delicate spotted mandarin (Prosartes maculata).  Their creamy white flowers hang like little lanterns under an emerald green umbrella.  A close look at the inside surface of their petals reveals a gorgeous smattering of magenta polka dots unlike anything else in Ohio's flora.

Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)

As if the spotted mandarins and vernal irises weren't enough to wow my groups during breaks from our binoculars, Mother Nature had one more wildflower surprise up her sleeve in some pink lady's slippers (Cypripedium acaule).  I didn't expect to find any in this good of shape just yet, especially considering the last week's cooler weather but there this trio was in all their orchid splendor.  The program I gave this weekend was about Ohio's native orchids (fathom that one), so it was rewarding to be able to share these in the flesh with my group.

Sunday's group with their binoculars peeled along the forested ridge top roads of Shawnee

Sunday eventually cleared and warmed into a fine specimen of a spring day.  I had the added pleasure of close friends and phenomenal naturalists, Bob Scott Placier and Daniel Boone join me in leading this troop through Shawnee.  The birds responded accordingly to the improved conditions with better movements and vocalizations as the day waned.  Feathered highlights from the weekend included: scarlet tanager, wood thrush, purple finch, yellow-throated vireo, blue-headed vireo, sharp-shinned hawk and warblers (yellow-throated, yellow-rumped, black-throated green, cerulean, Kentucky, worm-eating, black-and-white, ovenbird, hooded, prairie, blue-winged, pine and redstart).

Birds Foot Violet (Viola pedata)

The theme of my hikes for the weekend was "Birds & Botany", so what could be better than getting the proverbial two birds with one stone in the birds foot violet (Viola pedata).  This state threatened species is arguably the most aesthetically exciting of Ohio's nearly 30 species of violet and they could not have looked better during our romp through Shawnee.

Shawnee enveloped in a steady rain

Fortunately, the rain didn't really hit and stick with us until towards the end of our time in the field on Saturday.  Regardless, I don't think I can really ever curse the rain this time of the year.  Without its life-giving powers there wouldn't be any wildflowers or birds to admire and spend the weekend chasing.  Rain is just fine by me and even gives the landscape a beauty all its own.

Female (L) and male (R) cones of the eastern hemlock

Even the minutiae of spring returning is something to behold.  Shawnee's eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) were doing their thing during our visit with their ephemeral yellow male pollen cones and adorable little female cones.  The male cones will quickly waste away after releasing their pollen, while the female cones will hang around for several years post maturity.  An interesting fact on gymnosperms is the very long temporal separation of pollination and fertilization.  It can take months for the sperm cells from the deposited pollen to reach the female cone's ovules and months more to mature into a seed.  Nature truly is all a matter of patience.

Oddly patterned common blue violets (Viola sororia) in Shawnee

Another floral oddity I enjoyed sharing with my group was a particular patch of common blue violets (V. sororia) that always display an interesting color pattern on their flowers.  I've witnessed these exact plants for several years running now and they always exhibit this strange, almost leucistic-like phenotype.  Definitely a fun twist on an otherwise common and forgettable plant.

Your blogger and the current/former* state champion yellow buckeye

I'll end this post in the same way I ended my memorable weekend down in Shawnee with one impressive specimen of a tree.  This particular yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava) has seen many winters melt into spring; so many in fact it was once (and perhaps still is?) the largest known tree for its species in the entire state.  Whether or not its title is intact is a bit moot for me.  It's a fabulous example of nature's work when given the time and opportunity to grow, grow, grow.

I can't begin to thank my hike's participants enough for their enthusiasm and thirst for the treasures of the outdoors.  Everyone's attitudes remained positive and cheerful during the entire weekend despite the weather.  I think it's safe to speak for everyone when I say we all had a great time and I'm already looking forward to future events with the OOS.

- ALG -

Spring in Shawnee State Forest

There are few better places to enjoy spring in full swing than the majestic rolling hills and deep shaded hollows of Shawnee State Forest in Scioto county.  It has been dubbed by many as the "Little Smokies of Ohio" for its similarity in appearance and biodiversity to the famed national park further to the southeast.  At over 60,000 acres it is Ohio's largest state forest and provides the public with hiking, bridle trails, camping, boating, birding, fishing and hunting opportunities.  For someone like myself it's the long and diverse list of flora that beckons me within its confines.  Shawnee is home to many of the state's great plant rarities among the countless other uncommon and interesting species scattered throughout.  A slow and careful drive down the forested gravel roads come April and May will reward the ardent observer with stunning displays of wildflowers and ferns that are nigh on impossible to beat elsewhere in the state.

Birdsfoot Violet (Viola pedata)

Making your way along select areas of forest road passing through dry and sun-drenched ridge tops may result in the lucky glimpse of a most royal shade of purple.  The Birdsfoot Violet (Viola pedata) is a threatened species in Ohio with a good amount of its remaining populations occurring in Shawnee.  An added bonus is many of these violets exhibit a gorgeous bi-color appearance as seen above.  Everywhere else I've ever seen this species it has always been a uniform light purple color.

Rose Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum)

If you recall a post I did a few months back on the rosebay rhododendron, I mentioned there were other additional native species to be found, this being one of them.  Rose Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum) is another state-listed species that calls Shawnee home in small pockets of acidic mixed oak woodland.  The flowers can range from nearly white to dark pink and are extremely fragrant.  It's rare to be the only living creature attracted to its beauty and aroma.  These plants are often abuzz with bees and flies all vying for a taste.

Rose Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum)

You have a relatively short window of opportunity each year to search out and discover small patches and colonies of these native shrubs.  Without the aid of their instantly noticeable and showy flowers you'd be hard pressed to find this any other time of the year.  Looking for other members of the heath family (Ericaceae) such as mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), low bush blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum) and black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata) all growing together is a great place to start as I commonly see all those species in association with rose azalea.

Fire Pink (Silene virginica)

Sticking with the 'too hard to ignore' category of plants, Fire Pink (Silene virginica) is a frequent wildflower along Shawnee's roadsides come late April and May that is hard to ignore.  Not many other members of our native flora show off such a brilliant scarlet bloom which in turn do wonders in attracting the ruby-throated hummingbird, its primary pollinator.

Vernal Iris (Iris verna)

Another dweller of the xeric dirt banks and ridge tops in Shawnee is one of my most anticipated and beloved of spring's displays.  Vernal Iris (Iris verna) stands apart from its more water-appreciating kin and proudly boasts its dazzling flowers along sunny, open spans of rocky and well-drained soil in acidic oak woodlands.

Vernal Iris (Iris verna)

It's hard to believe something so delicate looking can survive and even flourish under such harsh habitat and environmental conditions.  It's toughness and determination to persevere and persist is evenly matched by its impressively good looks.

Large Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens)

One of the surprises Shawnee may share with you is the fortuitous encounter with large yellow lady's slippers (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens).  You never know when you may just happen across a patch blooming alongside the road.  Just the other day I pulled the Subaru over to get out and admire a rather large grouping of two-flowered cynthia (Krigia biflora) when I noticed a scattering of them mixed in amongst the trees.

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

The sprawling, contiguous forests of Shawnee are home to many rare and intriguing plant species but few are more unique and attention-grabbing than the Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus).  Much like the aforementioned rose azalea, these large shrubs or small trees are difficult to seek out when not brandishing its quite conspicuous flowers.  A member of the olive family (Oleaceae), this unusual woody plant is in the same family as our ash trees (Fraxinus spp.).

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

The four-petaled flowers hang in large clusters off the new growth twigs and when in sunny situations can really put on an incredible display.  The flowers are very fragrant and can quickly call you to their attention when passing underneath a large specimen.  Rare in Ohio, it is restricted to the southernmost counties where it is at the northern fringe of its range (pun intended).  It becomes much more common in the southeast where it is often dug and planted for its ornamental value.

Spotted Mandarin (Prosartes maculata)

Another rarity seemingly sentenced to seclusion in the depths of Shawnee and the more or less next door Edge of Appalachia preserve is one of the most jaw-dropping spring wildflowers you're likely to find.  Spotted Mandarin (Prosartes maculata) is listed as threatened in Ohio with extant populations only left in Adams and Scioto counties where it occupies mesic slopes and ravines of mature mixed mesophyitic woods.  This plant is notorious for being hard to catch in perfect bloom with the petals and sepals only lasting a couple days before falling off at the slightest touch or breeze.  There's just no other wildflower like it with its creamy white petal's interior meticulously speckled with purple spots.

Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata)

Perhaps one of the more common wildflowers lining the roads, streams and lower slopes of Shawnee is the charming Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata).  Some people may be quick to label these as the previously shown vernal iris but it's important to take a look at the 'crest' on the upper surface of the sepals.  On the dwarf crest irises pictured above, you can see the crest is predominately colored white with some yellow mixing in closer towards the interior; while the vernal iris has almost an entirely yellow colored crest.

Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata)

I'd always seen pictures and heard the dwarf crested iris can sometimes be found in an all-white albino form but had never had the personal satisfaction of finding one myself...until the other day.  The uniformly snow white petals and sepals are only blemished by the small yellow crests.

While there are literally hundreds of other wildflowers I could share to demonstrate the beauty and splendor of Shawnee state forest's spring display I will end it here and hope you enjoyed the ride through one of Ohio's greatest natural treasures.  I highly encourage you to take an afternoon or weekend day to explore the vastness and diversity of Shawnee.  All of these plants are visible and findable alongside the roads along with so much more.  It just takes patience, your attention and sometimes a little luck!

Mark Your Calendars: Flora-Quest 2012!

Spring is almost upon us and it's never too early to begin planning on how you want to spend it!  If you regularly read this blog you will notice how much time I spend in the southern-most Ohio counties of Adams and Scioto.  It's no coincidence, as these two counties are the most botanically diverse in our state and harbor many rare and interesting species you won't see anywhere else in our state!  Southern species cross the Ohio River and cling to existence in the cedar glades and barrens on the Edge of Appalachia Preserve system and the continuous rolling forests of nearby Shawnee State Forest. 

How could you go wrong spending a weekend with some of Ohio's most knowledgeable and passionate naturalists, birders, botanists, lepidopterists etc. guiding you through the endless flora and fauna of these areas?  You can't!  So check your calendars and circle the weekend of May 4-6 for Flora-Quest!  A weekend spent at the lodge and conference center deep in Shawnee state forest; you will spend an unforgettable time learning all about the diversity and history of the area by those who know the area best!  I highly encourage you to check out the Flora-Quest website for more information on events, trips, accommodations, guides etc.  Yours truly is a guide this year and will be teamed up with birding extraordinaire Greg Miller of The Big Year fame.  If you aren't familiar with his epic birding quest, a book-turned-movie based on his and a couple other birder's experiences was released last fall.  For a fun review check out this link here!

There are plenty of other trips to choose from with out-of-this-world guides!  There are no wrong choices and each offers a unique experience with plenty of highlights and surprises.  I attended the event last year and had the time of my life.  A blog post about my experiences from last year's Flora-Quest can be found by clicking right here.  To cap off this advertisement for surely the most fun weekend you'll have this spring, here are a handful of wildflower species you are sure to see should you attend!  I hope you will check out Flora-Quest and give attending some serious thought.  I guarantee a great time, sun or shine!  The wildflowers, warblers and smiles will all surely be in peak numbers!

Dwarf Iris - Iris verna

Last year's wildflower species sponsor was the gorgeous Dwarf Iris (Iris Verna).  This showy species is a short bloomer but can be seen on the dry, acidic ridge tops just down from the lodge.  An easy and must see!

Flowering Dogwood - Cornus florida

An instantly recognizable and crowd-pleasing favorite of spring are the cream blooms of the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida).  These shrubs and small trees are a dime a dozen in the area and will be a guaranteed sight all weekend.

Prairie Phlox - Phlox pilosa

Some folks will get lucky and get to experience the marvelous flowers of the Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa) as they grace the small prairie openings throughout the Edge and Adams county.

Large Yellow Lady's slipper - Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

On the mesic slopes throughout selective hollows in Shawnee and the Edge hide the Large Yellow Lady's slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens) orchids.  This event times the spring-flowering woodland orchids to perfection each season!

Star Chickweed - Stellaria pubera

Blooming throughout the lower slopes and valleys is the common but still striking Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera).  It's still worth the time to appreciate and admire the common spring bloomers as well.

Pink Lady's slipper - Cypripedium acaule

On the acidic and dry ridge tops of Shawnee and in scrubby Virginia pine stands on the Edge are the lovely and delicate Pink Lady's slippers (Cypripedium acaule).  There are few other plants that will take your breath away like this one in large numbers.

Indian Paintbrush - Castilleja coccinea

Last but certainly not least is this year's wildflower sponsor, the Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea).  These showy plants are a common sight in the prairie openings on the Edge and sure to brighten anyone's day!

I hope to see some new faces at Flora-Quest this year and encourage you to seek me out and say hello!  Hope to see you all there!

The Best of Flora-Quest 2011

As promised I'm here to deliver to you, my faithful readers some botanical eye candy from the very fun and exciting Flora-Quest.  I know I'm over a week late but there's just never enough free time in my life between school, botanizing out in the field and doing this blog.  However I was able to squeeze in some time to sit down and put this post together for your enjoyment!  So without further postponement here are a few wildflowers close to my heart seen during this fantastic botanical excursion.  Does anyone like Orchids? :)

Iris verna

Iris verna

I think it's only appropriate I start off the beauty contest with Flora-Quest's official 2011 plant mascot, the Dwarf Iris (Iris verna).  I snapped these photographs just as the morning's first rays of sunlight washed over the dew covered plants.  This particular species of Iris is threatened in Ohio; only being found in the three southernmost counties of Adams, Lawrence and Scioto.

Iris verna

Iris verna

Dwarf Iris is quite the contrast from its other brethren when you consider its habitat requirements.  Most species of Iris are most commonly found growing alongside the banks and low terraces of streams and ponds but Iris verna occurs in the dry, acidic soils of Oak woodlands and sun-baked, open ridgetops.  There's just something mesmerizing about this species and its remarkable colors/patterns, I just couldn't take my eyes off it.

Iris cristata

Iris cristata

This is another woodland Iris native to our state, the Crested Dwarf Iris (Iris cristata).  Much more frequent than its aforementioned cousin, you can find it growing in forested stream valleys and ravine embankments throughout southern Ohio.  Iris cristata is a very short bloomer, its gorgeous and delicate flowers rarely lasting for more than a few days.  So whenever you come across a patch of these alongside a babbling brook in the dappled sunlight, take the time to admire their short-lived beauty.

Cypripedium acaule

Cypripedium acaule

Ah, it's orchid season once again in the hills of southern Ohio and not a moment too soon!  This very wet spring has caused some amazing displays of our native woodland orchids so you won't find me complaining too much about all the precipitation.  First up and an instant show-stopper was the Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule) coming up en masse in a Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana) stand.

Cypripedium acaule

Cypripedium acaule

Also known as Moccasin Flower, the labellum or 'slipper' of this species of Cypripedium is quite different from the other four species found within our state lines.  It almost looks as if someone decided to discard their big wad of chewing gum on the end of a green stem.  This particular orchid prefers Ohio's dry, acidic upland conifer and Oak forests but is also found in sphagnum bogs as well.

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

 

Another Lady's-slipper that blooms around this time is the Large Yellow Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens).  You wouldn't think that roadsides would make for a prime place to observe and photograph this charming plant but a secluded, dirt road inside the depths of Shawnee Forest provided this stunning clump shown above.  A thorough hike through southern and southeastern Ohio's rich forested hollows could reward you some of these orchids in late April and May.  The other variation of this species, the Small Yellow Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. parviflorum) is critically endangered in Ohio and is down to just a handful of plants.  I'll be bringing you this rare, life species in the next week or so when I make the trek to its secretive haunt!

Prosartes maculata

Prosartes maculata

 

While not an orchid, this species is just as glamorous and equally as rare.  This is Nodding Mandarin (Prosartes maculata), a life plant for me that has escaped my camera lens the past couple years due to its very short blooming time.  The wait was certainly worth it as this is one of the most striking and beautiful wildflowers spring has to offer.  It’s six, snow white petals are delicately dotted with purple specks and surround the long, thread-like filaments each adorned with a large pale gold anther.  How could you not love this flower?

Isotria verticillata

Isotria verticillata

 

Another very finicky and fickle orchid on my life list was the Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata).  After some searching on my hands and knees in an Oak woodland, carefully looking between the Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) bushes and Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) I spotted one in bloom, and then another, and another!  In the end over 20 plants were showing off their very unique flowers that look like some ancient mythical creature of Greek legend.  Making the chase even more challenging was the abundance of Indian Cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana) growing in the same area.  Both are strikingly similar in their respective vegetative forms of tall, straight stems topped with a whorl of leaves.  A lot like mushroom hunting, once I saw one I. verticillata and got the eye for it the rest quickly came out of the woodwork.

Bignonia capreolata

Bignonia capreolata

Another rare species high on my 'hit list' this spring was the captivating Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata).  Much more common to the southern states, it barely makes it north across the Ohio River and only occurs in a handful of river counties.  This particular population seemed to be thriving on its south-facing rock cliff along the Ohio River.  You might notice some familiarity with the flowers of the Crossvine.  The common and sometimes weedy Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) is a closely related species, both occurring in the Bignoniaceae family.  Maybe it's because it's a new face and friend to me but I much prefer the Crossvine's flowers.  The striking red corollas fringed with a gold-yellow colored lip really create quite the visual experience.

Galearis spectabilis

Galearis spectabilis

To wrap up this picturesque posting about some of my favorite species observed during Flora-Quest weekend 2011 is the quaint and relatively common Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis).  Of all the orchids taking advantage of this wet season its the Showy Orchis that seems to be ahead of the rest.  I've never seen so many in bloom in my favorite haunts around Athens County, which is a very welcome sight to see!  Its Latin genus name of Galearis translates to "helmet-like", referring to the purplish-pink hood over the orchids male/female fused column, while the scientific epithet means "showy or spectacular" which this flower most certainly is.  Sometimes it really is all in the name!

I apologize again for the time lapse in-between the event and this post but better late than never!  I hope you enjoyed!  I have quite a few fun and visually stimulating topics planned for the future so continue to tune in!