Corn Snake - Whitfield County

The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is one of the most strikingly patterned colubrids of north Georgia. Individuals vary greatly in color. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats. This one was discovered along the edge of a pine woodland. It was very defensive upon my arrival, striking at me several times. Corn Snakes are often found in trees, searching for arboreal prey such as birds, bird eggs, lizards, and treefrogs. Apparently, the name is a holdover from when these snakes were commonly found in southern corncribs. They were drawn in by the abundance of rodents that were foraging on the stored crops. Farmers began calling them "Corn Snakes" and the name stuck. It is one of the more common snake species in Georgia but its overall range is somewhat restricted to the southeast.

To learn more follow the link below:

http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/elagut.htm

Red-tailed Pennant - Murray County

                                

While conducting a bird survey in southwest Murray County, Max Medley and I stumbled across  Georgia's second record for the Red-tailed Pennant (Brachymeseia furcata). This dragonfly is a tropical species with most US records originating in the southern portions of Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Claifornia. Apparently, it has been expanding northward over the last few years.  Giff Beaton discovered Georgia's first in July of 2009 in Fulton County. Here is a photograph of that specimen on Beaton's excellent website: 

http://www.giffbeaton.com/otherskimmers.htm

Max and I first observed this pennant on September 12th, 2012. There were three adult males and one juvenile male present. They were found along the shoreline of a large reservoir. We have since observed this species again at this location on three more occasions. We have not been able to estimate the size of the entire population. The total length of the shoreline here is approximately 2.75 miles.  We have only walked a small portion of the lakeside, but have observed at least ten individuals in all. It's a beautiful skimmer and we were excited to happen across it. This is the most northern record in the eastern United States thus far. Considering that there are juveniles here, would suggest that there is a reproducing population here. If this assumption continues to be supported by future observations, this would constitute Georgia's first known thriving population of Red-tailed Pennant.

Queen Snake - Pickens County

This was a nice photo opportunity at Talking Rock Creek in Pickens County, GA. This Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) was emerging for air when I first spotted it. It stayed in this position for several minutes. This species is fairly common in north Georgia, especially in streams with an abundance of crayfish, which it relies on as its primary food. I did observe several small crayfish in the creek, so I would assume there is a thriving population of Queens here. 

To learn more go HERE.

Ambush in the Garden!

Our gardens are often an ideal place to enjoy nature, in fact many design their gardens to attract wildlife. Birds and butterflies are easily attracted by simply providing food sources. These areas are often small, but no area is too small to observe creatures carrying out their niche. As I was photographing butterflies in my yard a few days ago, I spotted a Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans) with a recently caught Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus) in its grasp. This is a very interesting species and widespread in the southern United States. It does not catch prey using a web, but will wait motionless(usually near flowers) for an unsuspecting insect victim. The green color allows it to camouflage into its surroundings. Spiders of the family Oxyopidae are referred to as "lynx spiders" due to their habit of pouncing on prey, reminiscent of a cat. They are master ambush hunters and are often noted for playing a positive role in crop pest control, though they also prey upon beneficial insects.

For more information go HERE. 

Copperhead - Murray County

I photographed this Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) in Murray County, GA. This is one of Georgia's six venomous snakes, five of which belong to the family Viperidae. These are called pit vipers due to their heat-sensing depressions(pits) on each side of the face. Look closely at the photograph above and you can see the "pit" between the eye and nostril. 

The Copperhead is at home in forested habitats, especially where there is debris such as rocks, logs, and leaf litter that can be used for shelter. Their coloration and "hourglass" pattern makes excellent camouflage in these terrestrial settings. 

Copperheads, like many snakes, have a wide variety of prey. Small mammals, such as mice are  consumed often. The most common method of hunting is by ambush. This is basically "lie and wait." A method known as "caudal luring" is sometimes used by juvenile Copperheads. They wag their yellow tail tips to lure prey into striking distance.

This individual was approximately 20" in length. Its tail was tinged with yellow, so it has probably only recently matured. It did vibrate the tail-tip when I approached it. I would guess that it was 2-3 years in age. Copperheads do not lay eggs, but give birth to live young. 

Though the Copperhead is one of the most feared snakes in GA, rarely does a bite prove fatal. Many bites are a product of negligence on the part of the human. These snakes will defend themselves if they feel threatened, so do not try to handle or harass them. For more information about this species CLICK HERE. 

A great book to learn more about GA snakes, and where some of the above information was gathered is Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.ugapress.org/index.php/books/amphibians_and_reptiles/

Wintering Black-crowned Night Heron - Bartow County

12/12/2011 - I observed a juvenile BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) while birding some Bartow County property last December. 


I was drawn to a grove of Water Oaks by the constant scolding of about 20-30 passerines. I figured a hawk or owl may be the culprit, but was surprised to find the heron instead! This is the first time I have observed this species during the winter in this part of the state. I can't recall other reports of wintering Black-crowned Night Heron in the mountain region, but there may be a
few. 

The Annotated Checklist of GA mentions one record from Whitfield County on February 19, 1962 
by Ann Hamilton. A nice surprise to an otherwise hum-drum day of birding.

Oak Hairstreak - Bartow County

5/11/2011 - The Oak Hairstreak (Satyrium favonius) pictured above was a nice bonus while conducting a bird survey in Bartow County. There are few records throughout the state. This is only the second individual I have observed personally. Ironically, my lifer was exactly one year earlier on May 11, 2010. This species appears to have a short flight period in GA, and this seems to be reflected in observation dates from other butterfly enthusiasts from around the state. LOOK HERE. Below is a photo of my 2010 Oak Hairstreak from Murray County.

Etowah Heelsplitter

6/14/2012 - I found a population of Etowah Heelsplitter (Lasmigona etowaensis) in a shallow tributary in southern Murray County. This species usually occurs in small spring-fed creeks in the Upper Coosa. It is one of the few native Georgia freshwater mussels that has not suffered the ill fate as many others. Several species are thought to be extinct, and many others have had a drastic decline over the last century. In contrast, the Etowah Heelsplitter is not rare, but appears to be abundant in suitable habitat. I found seven in a matter of minutes along a 50' stretch of stream. This is a very small trib that flows into Beamer Creek, which converges with Polecat Creek, and empties into the Conasauga River. Little is known about the life history of this species, but it is suspected to be similar to others of this genus. I photographed each specimen then carefully returned them to the stream-bed. 

 

Midland Watersnake, the Copperhead mimic?

6/13/2012 - At first glance, this snake appears to have characteristics of the venomous Copperhead (Agkistroden contortrix), but upon closer inspection one can clearly see it is indeed the Midland Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis). The overall pattern and the head color is misleading to the intruder, not to mention the shape of the head that is flattened to give the arrowhead appearance, similar to that of a pit viper. Notice the pupil is round and not vertical. This is a dead giveaway that this snake is not venomous. See the photo of the Copperhead, notice the vertical pupil.

 Further study of the pattern reveals that these bands are broken on the rear portion of the body, and the solid bands of the front portion are not in the classic Copperhead "hourglass" shape. The habitat where I found this individual was at least one hundred feet from a small tributary in a pine forest. At first glance, I thought "Copperhead." Unfortunately, many of these snakes are killed by humans believing it is venomous. Below is a photo of a Copperhead for comparison.

The Midland Watersnake is a common inhabitant of aquatic habitats throughout north Georgia, as well as the Piedmont and western Coastal Plain.

Eastern Newt - red eft

6-12-2012 - This is an Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) that I found along a Holly Creek tributary in Murray County. This individual is in the eft stage, which is the juvenile terrestrial stage of a newt.

For more information about this species,
GO HERE

Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count Summary - December 29, 2011

Twenty-four birders participated in the fifth annual Carter's Lake Christmas Bird Count on
December 29th, 2011. The weather was wonderful. Everyone did an excellent job covering

their areas and got out there to find some great species. We ended
the day with 97 total reported! Nine teams drove and walked
502.5 miles to count 113,204 individual birds. 

This number was greatly enhanced by an enormous flock of grackles. 

Teams were as follows:

Team 1 - Carter's Lake Section - Max Medley, George Parsley, Georgann Schmalz, Jim 

Schmalz

Team 2 - Pine Chapel Section - Jeff Sewell, Dan Vickers

Team 3 - Coosawattee WMA Section- Allan Muise, Charlie Muise, Tracey Muise

Team 4 - Fite Bend Section - Ann Stewart, Stephen Stewart, Richard White

Team 5 - Salacoa Section - Katherine Andregg, Ruth Marley, Sandy Pangle

Team 6 - Dews Pond Section - Bob Babcock, Chris Lambrecht

Team 7 - Ranger Section - James Dietrich, Jennifer Dietrich, Joshua Dietrich, Phil Riner

Team 8 - Fox Bridge Marsh Section - Mark Goins, Joshua Spence

Team 9 - Stationary Reservoir Watch - Johnny Parks

Below are the species accounts:

Two SNOW GEESE were observed. Team 2 and Team 8 both had white adults.  This is the third time that this species has been observed on the count.


CANADA GOOSE numbers were slightly above average with 299 reported.


WOOD DUCK numbers have been low for three consecutive years, and this year was no different. Only six individuals counted. 


GADWALL numbers were well above average at 80 individuals, and only four shy of a high count.


109 MALLARDS sets a new high count for this species.


A BLUE-WINGED TEAL was observed during count-week.


Team 8 observed 14 NORTHERN SHOVELERS.


NORTHERN PINTAIL made its second count-day appearance with two drakes from a Holly Creek wetland, reported by Team 8. 


A GREEN-WINGED TEAL was observed during count-week.


RING-NECKED DUCK numbers were well above average at 184. Most(175) were observed by Team 2 at a roadside pond. 


Team 9 observed a single male GREATER SCAUP at the Carter's Reservoir. This is only the second time this species has shown up on the count.


Five BUFFLEHEADS were observed on the Carter's reregulation pool in the evening hours.


HOODED MERGANSERS were just slightly below the average at 21 individuals. 


This is the fourth year that RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS have made an appearance on the count. Both a drake and a hen were observed at the Carte'rs reregulation pool by Team 1.


The 74 WILD TURKEYS counted this year is the new high count for the circle.


Four COMMON LOONS were observed on the Carter's reregulation pool by Team 1.


This year's 26 PIED-BILLED GREBES more than doubled the previous high count record of ten.


This year is only the second time that HORNED GREBE was observed on count-day. Team 1 and Team 9 tallied 29 individuals at Carters Lake. Not only a high-count for the circle, but a descent number for any north GA site.


Three DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were observed on the Carters reregulation pool.


GREAT BLUE HERONS were observed in below average numbers, tying the low count at 18 individuals.


Vulture numbers were the lowest since the count's inception, but still a strong presence throughout the circle. BLACK VULTURE(64) & TURKEY VULTURE(176)


One adult BALD EAGLE was observed at the Carters Lake nest-site, during count-week. This was the first year that this species was not observed on the actual day of the count.


Four NORTHERN HARRIERS were counted.


An average number of two SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS were reported.


Only four COOPER'S HAWKS were reported this year.


The 20 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS observed was about average for this circle. 


RED-TAILED HAWKS were reported in slightly higher average numbers at 49 individuals, but still did not beat the high count of 54 in 2009.


22 AMERICAN KESTRELS were counted this year.


Team 8 found average numbers of rails at the Fox Bridge Marsh. Two VIRGINIA RAILS and two SORAS.


Four AMERICAN COOTS were counted this year. This is only the second time that this species has been observed on the count. Ironically, this also represents the high count!


At least 102 SANDHILL CRANES were observed in various portions of the circle.


After a low total of 82 KILLDEER during last year's count, this species was observed in extremely high numbers this year. 730 individuals were reported, dwarfing the previous high count of 314. Most of these were observed at the Fite Bend fields by Team 4.


Only two WILSON'S SNIPE were counted this year, both reported by Team 5.


A hardy number of eight AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were reported from three sections. Team 8 reported six birds displaying in the Coosawattee WMA at dawn.


Team 1 observed six BONAPARTE'S GULL at the Carter's reregulation pool. This is the largest count-day showing for this species thus far.


4 RING-BILLED GULLS were also reported by Team 1.


The 336 ROCK PIGEONS fell only seven shy of breaking last year's high count. Most were observed at the Carter's reregulation dam and the Fite Bend silos.


The 28 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVES observed by Team 4 set a new high count for the circle.


MOURNING DOVES have been reported in good numbers for the last four years. Even though this year is the lowest showing for this species, the count still yielded a strong 203 individuals.


Team 4 observed a BARN OWL in the early morning on count-day. This is the third time this species has been observed on count-day. One was also observed during the 109th count-week. Not bad!


This year's single EASTERN SCREECH OWL represents the lowest showing for this species since the count began. Johnny Parks found it at Carter's Lake.


An average number of three GREAT HORNED OWLS were reported. Two from Team 7 and one from Team 1.


Team 8 was the only team to find BARRED OWLS. Only two individuals.


12 BELTED KINGFISHERS were observed this year, .


The three RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS reported, falls below the average for the circle. All were observed by Team 2.


RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were reported in slightly above average numbers. There were 91 counted this year.


Also, above average were the 26 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS.


The DOWNY WOODPECKER experienced its highest turn-out for the count. 55 in all, overcoming the previous record of 49.


Eleven HAIRY WOODPECKERS were counted this year. This is only the second time that this species has reached double-digits.


NORTHERN FLICKERS were found in descent numbers. The 60 observed is above the annual average.


PILEATED WOODPECKERS set a new high count at 25, beating the previous record by seven individuals.


The 30 EASTERN PHOEBES that were reported, fell well below the average for this species.


Three LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were observed in the circle this year. One bird was found by Team 2 near Moss Rd, which is a known north GA stronghold for this species. Another two, were found by Team 6. 


The 267 BLUE JAYS counted fell well above the average for this species.


AMERICAN CROWS were also observed in high numbers. The 814 was above average, most being reported by Team 4 from the large murders that often gather at the Fite Bend fields. 


Both CAROLINA CHICKADEE(240) & TUFTED TITMOUSE(180) set new high count numbers this year.


Also, both the WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH(44) & the BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH(105) established new high counts.


Following their example, the eleven BROWN CREEPERS set a new high count record for the circle. 


The 145 CAROLINA WRENS were slightly above average.


Three HOUSE WRENS were reported this year.


The nine WINTER WRENS reported tied the circle's low count. That being said, the high count for this species is 13. A slim margin of four birds. Very consistant, to say the least.


A single SEDGE WREN was located at the Fox Bridge Marsh by Team 8. This is only the second count-day record. 


Kinglet numbers were slightly above average. GOLDEN-CROWNEDS (75) & RUBY-CROWNEDS (98).


This count has produced some high numbers of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and this year was no different. There were 316 individuals reported this time, but no where close to beating last year's 417!


Slightly above the average, HERMIT THRUSHES came in with 25 reported.


 350 AMERICAN ROBINS were counted this year.


This year's 128 NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS breaks the previous high count record of 119.


 22 BROWN THRASHERS were reported, which is slightly above average.


2490 EUROPEAN STARLINGS were reported.


Only seven AMERICAN PIPITS were reported this year.  This is well below the count's annual average. These were found by Team 5.


CEDAR WAXWINGS came in at 234.


The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER total this year was just slightly below average, but we still had 115 in all.


The 27 PINE WARBLERS reported were above the count-average and only four individuals away from tying the high.


Twenty PALM WARBLERS were reported, which is the highest total for the count thus far. Twelve of these were reported by Team 4.


EASTERN TOWHEES were found in descent numbers, 109 in all.


The 413 CHIPPING SPARROWS reported, beat the previous high count by only six birds. 


FIELD SPARROWS were also found in high numbers this year, 158 in all, and only nine birds from a new high count record.


Team 3 found the only VESPER SPARROWS for the count. They observed three individuals. This is the second time in the last five years that this species did not reach double-digits. 


The SAVANNAH SPARROW number was lower than the average but we still managed to tally 103 total. 


A total of 29 FOX SPARROWS were found on this years count. This is the second highest number we've observed in the circle, the highest being 36 during the initial count. Team 3 found the bulk of them this year in the Coosawattee WMA. 


Both SONG SPARROW (331) & SWAMP SPARROW (92) registered well above the average.


The 220 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS reported were below the average, but still a good representation of that species.


WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were in high numbers again this season. The 45 reported did not match last year's 56, but further established the circle as a stronghold for this winter visitor. Most(26) being reported by Team 2.


DARK-EYED JUNCO numbers were below average at 74.


A total of 379 NORTHERN CARDINALS were counted this year. This not only established a new high count for the circle, but crushed the previous record of 271 by 108 individual birds!  


2122 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS is a new high count for this species.


Well below average were the 126 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS reported this year.


18 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were found by Team 8 at the Fox Bridge Marsh, which has proven to be the location that we most often find them.


Team 6 added 3 BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS to the tally. This is only the second time this species has been recorded on this CBC.


An estimated flock of 100,000 COMMON GRACKLES were observed leaving the roost on the morning of the count by Team 2. At dusk, Team 4 observed an estimated flock of 100,000 coming in to roost along the rivers at Fite Bend. Due to the close proximity of the two locations, the probability of these two flocks being the same can't be ignored. Therefore, the decision was made to report a total of 100,000 individuals for this year's count. Obviously, this is a high count for the circle!


35 BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS were observed.


Only eight  HOUSE FINCHES were found on this count.


AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES established a new high count at 211, only beating the previous record by nine individuals. 


Twenty-seven HOUSE SPARROWS were counted.








The Carter's Lake CBC is located in the ridge & valley province of north GA. The fifteen mile diameter circle covers portions of southern Murray County and northeastern Gordon County.


The Christmas Bird Count is a winter bird survey that stands as the longest running wildlife census. It is conducted by volunteers. The National Audubon Society has promoted the census for decades. The society and others use the data to determine the health of wid bird populations.




For more information:
http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count