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Subject:

Early Spring at Halethorpe Ponds (PVSP)

From:

Bill Hubick

Reply-To:

Bill Hubick

Date:

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 19:43:08 -0500

Hi Everyone,

My friend Brian Baker and I spent a couple hours this afternoon hiking at
the Halethorpe Ponds section of Patapsco Valley State Park (SW Baltimore
County). Winged signs of spring there included three NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOWS, an EASTERN PHOEBE, and the first probable migrant GRAY CATBIRD
I've seen in the area this year. Also present were four GADWALL, three FOX
SPARROWS, one SWAMP SPARROW, and a beautiful adult BALD EAGLE.

In other nature news, the expected chorus of Spring Peepers was interrupted
this afternoon by the trilling of American Toads, the first I've heard this
year. One hopped across the path and asked if it might be featured on my web
site. I said, "Why, yes, little toad. You may. If you be so kind as to hop
over there into the sunlight? Stunning. Nice singing, by the way." (If
interested, photos at <http://www.billhubick.com/herps.html>; click the
American Toad link.)

Also, while on my lunchtime walk at work in Anne Arundel County, I noted
Skunk Cabbage blooming everywhere in the marshy areas, already from 3 to 12"
in height. The avian highlight was my first Brown Creeper in those woods.

One last item of note that I've long meant to share. Almost as a rule while
hiking the gravel trail at the Halethorpe Ponds, I notice one or more dead
shrews. Based on large size (4-5"), gray coloration, stubby tail, and the
range, I am fairly certain they are all Northern Short-tailed Shrews. This
largest shrew in North America belongs to the genus Blarina, the genus
unique among mammals for producing poison in the salivary glands. "The
poison is apparently used to paralyze prey, such as snails and earthworms,
which can then be stored for further use. The saliva is not dangerous to
humans, but a bite may be painful for several days" (NAS Field Guide to
Mammals). Stan and I see them there in all seasons, dead on the trail. If
anyone can explain or would like to speculate at the abundance of dead
shrews there, please reply off-list.

Enjoy the return of spring,

Bill

Bill Hubick
Linthicum, Maryland

<http://www.billhubick.com>