The mating flight of the male woodcock is known as the sky dance. Throughout Indiana County in fields and meadows the male woodcock is performing his acrobatic flight to impress the nearby females. The dance begins about an hour before sunset and again about an hour before sunrise. Listen for a loud peenting sound of the male and then the distinctive fluttering of the wings as they ascend and descend at their calling grounds. Photo: Wikipedia Creative Commons License. Posted April 6, 2015.
Spotted Salamanders have started their migration to vernal pools throughout Indiana County. If you are traveling our roads at night keep an eye out for them to give them a chance to reach their mating areas. After mating they will make a return journey to their underground burrows, repeating the road crossing they made a few days before. Posted April 4, 2015.
The Latin name of the porcupine translates to 'pig with spines or quills'. We see more and more porcupines throughout our parks. This one was found dead in a small ravine area, what caused its demise we do not know. Maybe the harsh winter, which was tough on many wildlife, did it in. Porcupines are members of the rodent family - the only larger rodent in our area is the beaver. They are, of course, well-known for the quills which are known for two things: penetrating skin and staying in place. The porcupine is eaten by some people of Asian culture but mainly they are fed on by the Fisher, a woodland animal known to seek them out for food. As the porcupine spreads its range the Fisher usually follows.
