No one in then Virginia political hierarchy seems concerned that the menhaden reduction fleet based in Reedville is taking food from the mouths of stripers, trout, and other Virginia gamefish, but maybe they’ll pay attention as osprey nests begin to disappear. Ospreys feed heavily on menhaden and when vast schools of the oily baitfish instantly disappear, the food in that entire area for these … [Read more...]

  I wrote about this amazing plant last year, but it is worth a repeat. Short-Toothed Mountain Mint is the most astounding pollinator attractor I have ever seen. We have two plants in their second year and at any given time throughout the day there will be 25 to 50 bees – mostly honeybees – on each plant. I have seen more honeybees on these plants in one day than I have seen in my yard for … [Read more...]

  By Molly Kirk/DWR There is no more iconic emblem of the impact of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) than the bald eagle. The national bird since 1782, this majestic species serves as a symbol not only of the country, but also of the success of endangered species protection. “I can’t really think of a greater wildlife management success story; it’s one of the biggest,” said Jeff Cooper, … [Read more...]

(A common ribbon snake) By DWR Snake and Lizard Guide Snakes occur in many places, including yards and homes in rural and suburban areas. Most species are small and secretive and are seldom seen by homeowners, but larger snakes can create quite a commotion. If you live near a creek, woods, or fields, snakes may occasionally show up in your yard. The best way to deal with snakes is to educate … [Read more...]

  Owls are cool. My son has a bunch near his house in midtown Atlanta. I suppose they have lots of mice and rats there, because that’s what owls like to eat. Most of my dealings with owls have come at first light while on spring gobbler hunts. Gobblers will often answer to an owl’s hoot, which gives the hunter an idea as to the whereabouts of the turkey. I have seen only 2 or 3 owls in … [Read more...]

By Emily Strother   In 2019, I contracted a red meat allergy–known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) or allergy—from a tick bite I got while hunting turkeys that spring. As a gal who enjoys hunting and experimenting with wild game in the kitchen, realizing that I could no longer consume venison or other mammal meat was a hard pill to swallow. Besides a fried piece of deer tenderloin over the … [Read more...]

Looks like we’ll have a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers nesting in a cavity of an old white maple in the back of our yard. I saw them swoop that way this morning and there are lots of hollow places in that old tree from which to choose a nesting site. Many people confuse the Red-bellied Woodpecker with the less common Red-headed Woodpeckers. Red-bellied Woodpeckers do have red heads, but not … [Read more...]

  On Feb. 1 our Lenten Rose patch was in bloom. What a beautiful, wonderful plant. Several years ago, Nancy was trying to figure out what to do with the root-studded and mostly shady space beneath our old maple tree in the back yard. She planted a few hostas and they did well, but she wanted some color and could find few colorful plants that could bloom without a lot of sun. My son, … [Read more...]