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Early Morning
Discovery Hike Report
Darke County Parks...
Due to the heavy rains and cooler temperatures, this morning’s hike
looked to be rather dull, but were we surprised! WARBLERS!
We had many species of warblers and with only a couple of hikers, there
were bound to be a few that sneaked past our binoculars! With
only time for a short hike this morning, we set off into the woods of
Shawnee Prairie. We had a lot of activity and within a few
minuets, there was movement in the trees directly above us. While
the warblers were not singing, they were very interested in our pishing
and promptly came out for a look. We had six species of warblers
that we were able to distinguish, but due to the lighting, there were a
few birds that were just “silhouette” warblers.
In addition to the warblers and other birds, we had several species of
mushrooms popping up, wildflowers on the forest floor and the trees are
really starting to pop the leaves out.
Finally, around 10am, the Nature Center had its first sighting of a
Ruby-throated Hummingbird! Get your feeders up if they aren’t yet!
Check out our Early Morning Discovery Hikes each Tuesday morning at 8am
held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve.
Program Reminders:
Butterfly Monitoring
Fridays @ 2pm / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Join a Darke County Parks’ Naturalist each and every Friday as we hike
a pre-set trail and record the butterfly species we encounter.
Some will be netted for up close views and field guides will be
provided. Please note: These hikes will not take place in
weather under 60° and on exceptionally windy days. Call the
Nature Center with questions.
Hike to Health
Thursday, May 5: 6pm / Eidson Woods Preserve
Saturday, May 7: 10am / Routzong Preserve
Join a Naturalist as we meet at various Parks and hike at a brisk pace
to get the blood pumping! Please bring water and dress for the
weather. Both hikes in May look to be on the muddy/wet side of
things... Meet at designated Park. For more info, call the Nature
Center.
Wildflowers at Routzong
Saturday, May 14: 2pm / Routzong Preserve
Join us as we take a stroll through this magical forest full of
Dutchman’s Breeches, Trilliums, Bluebells and more! Meet at
Routzong and dress for muddy trails.
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