Happy #WildlifeWednesday! A stunning bird that can be seen in Ohio right now is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. They can be found in woodlands and along forest edges and are also very frequent visitors to bird feeders. Several of these gorgeous songbirds have been regular visitors to the TWC Nature Center’s wildlife observation area over the past few weeks. Grosbeaks are in the cardinal family and are fairly stocky in build with chunky triangular bills. Males are black and white in coloration with a bright splash of rose on the chest. Females look very different and are brown with heavy white streaking. The name “grosbeak” comes from the French “gros bec,” which translates to “large beak.” They use their big bills to feed on insects, seeds, and fruit. The song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is widely thought to be one of the most beautiful of the avians. Modern naturalists have been quoted as saying the singing is “so entrancingly beautiful that words cannot describe it,” and “it has been compared with the finest efforts of the robin and the Scarlet Tanager, but it is far superior to either,” and present-day bird watchers have suggested it “sings like a robin that has had opera training.” The sweet tune is composed of notes that rise and fall, and both the males and females will sing even when sitting on the nest. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks love eating sunflower seeds from feeders, so keeping a supply in stock is a good way to attract these melodic beauties to your yard. And be sure to stop by the Nature Center to observe them at our feeders!
The Common snapping turtle is the largest species of turtle in Ohio, with some full-grown individuals weighing over 35 pounds. While they achieve massive size as adults, when first hatched they measure only 2-3 centimeters, or about the size of a quarter! Egg-laying season in Ohio occurs during the months of May, June, and July and females are often spotted crossing roads and venturing into neighborhoods and yards in search of suitable nest sites. Even though they spend most of their time in the water, they build their nests and lay their eggs on land. A female will dig a hole about 5-7 inches deep in which to lay, depositing up to 80 eggs. She then uses her back legs to bury the eggs for protection and incubation. She leaves the nest on its own and returns to her home habitat. Hatchlings emerge in September. Many eggs and young turtles are eaten by predators but since so many eggs are deposited in each nest, some are bound to survive. The sex of the turtles is determined by the temperature of the environment. Cooler temperatures result in male hatchlings while warmer temperatures cause females to hatch. Baby turtles venture into the world and fend for themselves upon hatching. If you notice a turtle needing assistance crossing a busy street or sidewalk, whether a youngster or an adult, it is important to move it in the direction it was heading and not change its course. Mature snapping turtles can be feisty when out of water so take care to keep the head away from your body and hold the turtle by the shell behind its back legs. Do not pick up a turtle by its tail as this can cause spinal injury to the animal.
