Turkey Cam

For the past couple of weeks I’ve had a hen frequent my bird feeder here at the caretaker’s cabin.  The squirrels and and an occasional raccoon scatter the sunflower seeds creating an ideal opportunity for turkeys to gobble up the leftovers.

This one particular hen has become a welcomed companion and seems quite comfortable with me watching from the back porch.  So, one rainy weekend I decided to mount my GoPro camera near the feeder with hopes of capturing some video to share with you.  With a bit of patience she did return.  She is typically alone but had now attracted a suitor.  You can view a short video clip at http://youtu.be/t_q7ywdR64o

The Toms, the male turkeys, are in full blown courtship mode from mid March through June strutting about like Mick Jagger with a touch of Elton John’s flamboyance.  Their awkward courtship can’t help but remind me of those high school dances we all attended.  Remember how the girls and guys stood on opposite sides of the gym and pretended not to notice each other?

As I watched this Tom get closer I really felt sorry for him. Despite his chivalry, the hen just never seemed to notice.  Sunflower seeds seemed to be her only concern.

Perhaps he’ll eventually win her affection but it’s tough out there.  Reflection Riding seems to have its fair share of Toms.  I have spotted a few chicks lately, or poults as they are called, so love is definitely in the air.  Perhaps one day soon she’ll return to the backyard with her offspring in tow.  Tom turkey is welcomed too!

Magical Forest

On Saturday, the 3rd of May, I decided to document the growth of bamboo.  One of our more memorable features here at Reflection Riding, especially among children, is our Bamboo Forest. The giant cane creates an enchanted forest. Invasive yes, but a magical structure that peaks the curiosity of visitors of all ages.

So how fast does it really grow? Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth.  There are over 1,000 species of bamboo with some capable of growing 3 feet a day and over 130 feet tall.  And how does our bamboo here at Reflection Riding compare? 

In the photos that I’ve posted, you can see the progression over a 5 day period (I’ve recorded the date of photo on the mature bamboo to the right).  The average growth measured out to be a little over a foot a day.  A remarkable feat worth checking out the next time you visit.  And if you use your imagination you too can witness it’s magic.

River Otter/ A Rare Sight

This past weekend I joined the Tennessee Ornithological Society on a bird walk here at Reflection Riding.  Migratory birds pass through this area, some traveling 1,000 miles or more to reach their summer homes.

As Kevin Calhoon, our tour guide and the Tennessee Aquarium's assistant curator of forests, led us towards Lookout Creek along the boardwalk someone shouted, “look it’s an otter”.  To everyone’s surprise about 30 yards away, sunbathing on a log was a young River Otter. 

About 4 months ago, I was paddling near the center’s canoe launch and observed a similar critter diving beneath the water.  We have plenty of beavers and muskrats but few have seen an otter along the creek.  I guess now I’m more confident about what I witnessed.  Perhaps it was this little guy or a member of his family.  

Our “Waking Up With The Birds” walk is definitely worth attending this Saturday at 7:30 am, but this little otter stole the show that day.