by Marjorie Rachlin As the days get shorter and colder, squirrels, chipmunks and bees are laying in stores to feed themselves. Some birds are heading south. Many plants and animals […]
Backyard Nature: What a difference some rain makes!
by Marlene Berlin Until a few days ago, the reengineered and daylighted Linnean and Broad Branch streams were a sorry sight. As the days went by with little to no […]
Backyard Nature: In August, the birds mute their songs, and new sounds fill the air
by Marlene Berlin As July turns into August, the sounds of nature change, too. It is too late now to hear the songs of most birds. Even the wood thrush, […]
Backyard Nature: Fascinating Fungi
“This is a good time of the year for mushrooms – and for people who love to look for them.” Marjorie Rachlin, our late neighbor, nature writer and nature lover, […]
Backyard Nature: Ponds are a popular waterfront hangout, if you’re a green tree frog
Two fun facts about green tree frogs: They are not always green. And they are not always in trees. The frogs are now in full chorus at the Linnean stream, […]
Backyard Nature: The scoop on coyote and fox poop
by Marlene Berlin I learned something new about coyotes and foxes by taking a closer look at their poop. I walk often, and often while I’m walking, I’m studying the […]
An unleashed dog attacked a beaver in Rock Creek Park. The beaver had to be put down.
Many dog owners and dog walkers flout the leash laws inside and outside of Rock Creek Park. We’ve seen dogs harass wildlife in the park itself. And on May 14th, […]
Backyard Nature: Cottontails and cottonwood; dry spring means fewer tadpoles
by Marlene Berlin It is time to talk rabbits again. Every few years, the rabbits (and reports we get of rabbit sightings) are more numerous. And, as if they feel […]
Rock Creek Park after the rain: Trees down, water levels up, nature carries on
by Marlene Berlin Friday, April 28th was the wettest day of the year, with rainfall measuring 1.53 inches. It was badly needed as we are in a moderate drought, according […]
Backyard Nature: What’s making us sneeze today? It might be beech pollen.
by Marlene Berlin Spring is in the air, and so is pollen, making our eyes itch and our noses twitch, and making for long lines at the car wash. Marjorie […]