A misty view of R. B. Winter State Park between rain showers this afternoon.

Happy International Plant Appreciation Day!

In honor of International Plant Appreciation Day, which was actually yesterday, here is a Marsh Marigold!

They are a native wildflower that can be found in many wetlands throughout Central Pennsylvania. They're one of the first wildflowers to begin blooming in April, and the flowers will last for a bout a month. Right now, you can see them along the north side of the Rapid Run Nature Trail, where the trail passes multiple springs and seeps!

An Osprey perched atop a tree along the shore of Halfway Lake yesterday afternoon.

Ospreys are a common bird of prey to see along the waterways of not only Central Pennsylvania but throughout the world as well with populations found on every continent except Australia. Subsisting almost entirely on fish, Ospreys can be seen gliding over bodies of water as they search for fish in the water below. Upon spotting potential prey, they will suddenly dive towards the surface of the water from heights as high as 130' with their legs and talons stretched in front of them. Striking the water in an explosion of water, they can submerge their entire bodies in pursuit of a fish. Using their powerful wings, which can reach a wingspan of over 5.5', they pull themselves back into the air and head for a nearby tree to consume their catch if they have successfully caught a fish.