Monthly Archives: January 2014

#Birds in the #Snow in our Yard

We had an unexpected snow event – we were expecting some flurries, but the northern edge of the line of precipitation was further north than expected.  The snow and cold has the birds busy gathering calories, and with a full feeder in our yard it was a popular place.  Here are a few photos.

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus

Red-bellied Woodpecker – Melanerpes carolinus – several of these are regular visitors to our feeders most of the year.

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Lula Lake Winter Wonderland – January 2014

We (along with much of the rest of the country) have experienced a couple of significant cold snaps recently – Polar Vortex is what I’ve been hearing it called.  In any case, I thought it might provide an opportunity to see some iced waterfalls, and fortunately the Lula Lake Core Property “open day” on January 25 corresponded with one of these cold snaps where we had several days with temperatures staying well below freezing.  My son-in-law and I grabbed some warm clothes and headed up onto the mountain.  It was everything we’d hoped for; here are a few images…

Lula Falls

Partially frozen Lula Falls

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Indian Teasel – Dipsacus sativus – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Indian Teasel, an introduced, invasive species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (01/22/2014.) Scientific name is Dipsacus sativus.  It  is also known by the common names Teasel, and Fuller’s Teasel.  Photo below was taken in Botetourt County, Va, on August 23, 2013.   Go to the Indian Teasel detail page for more information.

Teasel, Indian Teasel, Fuller’s Teasel - Dipsacus sativus

Indian Teasel – Dipsacus sativus

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#NPOD: Prester John #Nativeplants

Native Plant of the Day 01/22/2014

Photo from April 23, 2010. Location:  Zahnd’s Natural Area, Walker County, GA.

Prester John – for more photos / info go to the  Arisaema triphyllum ssp. quinatum detail page.

Prester John, Jack-in-the-Pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum ssp. quinatum

Prester John, Jack-in-the-Pulpit – Arisaema triphyllum ssp. quinatum

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White Sweetclover – Melilotus albus – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

White Sweetclover, an introduced, invasive species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (01/17/2014.) Scientific name is Melilotus albus.  It  is also known by the common names White Melilot, Honey-Clover, and Bokhara Clover.  Photo below was taken in Walker County, Ga, on June 14, 2013.   Go to the White Sweetclover detail page for more information.

White Sweetclover, White Melilot, Honey-Clover, Bokhara Clover - Melilotus albus

White Sweetclover – Melilotus albus

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Galax – Galax urceolata – Photos and Information Updated on USWildflowers.com

The Galax detail page has been revised with additional photos and information (01/10/2014.)  The scientific name of this native species is Galax urceolata.  Photo below was taken on Tray Mountain in Towns County, GA on Dec 20, 2002.  This species was originally added to the USWildflowers database in 2008.

Beetleweed, Galax, Wandplant, Wandflower, Coltsfoot - Galax urceolata

Winter leaves of Galax urceolata

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Japanese Knotweed – Fallopia japonica – Added to USWildflowers’ Database

Japanese Knotweed, an introduced, highly invasive species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (01/05/2014.) Scientific name is Fallopia japonica.  Photo below was taken in Johnson County, TN, on Aug 22, 2013.   Go to the Japanese Knotweed detail page for more information.

Japanese Knotweed, Crimson Beauty, Mexican bamboo, Japanese Fleece Flower, Reynoutria - Fallopia japonica

Japanese Knotweed – Fallopia japonica

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