March 30th was a fantastic day at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma! With the warm temperatures reaching 80 degrees, it felt like spring had truly sprung, and the wildlife certainly seemed to agree.
Early Birds Get the Shot!
One of the highlights of my day was spotting not one, but two pairs of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers! These vibrant birds are Oklahoma’s state bird, and their arrival is a true sign of spring. They typically grace the state from early April to late October, but sightings can happen as early as late March – just like this year! These elegant birds are Neotropical migrants, meaning they spend their winters in warmer locales like southern Mexico, the Florida Keys, and Central America.
Box Turtle on the Move
Another exciting encounter was with a Box Turtle on the edge of the road. It looked particularly happy, with a green leaf sticking out of its mouth – a clear sign it was enjoying a spring feast. These fascinating turtles are most active from early April through late fall, making spring a prime time to spot them as they explore their habitat. During the colder months, they enter a state of brumation, similar to hibernation, where they find shelter and conserve energy until warmer weather returns.
Sun’s Out, Snakes Out!
Finally, I managed to capture a photo of a water snake basking on a stump in the water. The warmer temperatures likely coaxed this creature out of hiding after its winter slumber. Eastern Oklahoma’s water snakes emerge from hibernation in the spring, becoming active for breeding and birthing young later in the summer.
Overall, the warm weather brought out a vibrant display of life at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The sightings were a great reminder that spring is truly here, and with it comes a renewed energy in the natural world. I even spotted a ton of insects buzzing around, adding to the lively atmosphere!