The first word that comes to mind for most people when they think of river otters is “playful.” Many have seen these exciting critters at the zoo or – if you’re very lucky – in the wild tussling and rolling around with one another, seeming to have the time of their lives. But how much […]

The killdeer is one shore bird you can see without going to the beach. Their penchant for nesting in drier places near human landscapes has made them the most familiar plover in North America.  We‘ve all heard their shrill “kill-deer” call near lawns, parking lots, gravel driveways and even on roof tops. It’s as though […]

In celebration of a certain movie that is soon to be released, I would like to share a short story. As a small child, I witnessed an event that changed my life forever. Three velociraptors, the most terrifying yet thrilling creatures I have ever seen, had surrounded Dr. Grant and his companions. It seemed there […]

As the chickadees buzz in and out of the blossoming redbud branches hanging overhead and the plants sprout so fast you can almost watch them grow, it is the youngest visitors that draw my attention. After emerging from a class in which their tiny hands gingerly plucked apart a flower to study each part, the […]

I wait each springtime and anticipate their return to the rookery. As the days lengthen I question and wonder will they really come? Often I gaze toward the large vacant nests across Winton Lake. I ponder- which nests will be the home of new winged creatures? Will all of the nests be occupied with fluffy […]

I think it’s safe to say that spring has sprung. It is my favorite time of year because of the many singing frogs, migrating birds and blooming beauties, of course! Once warm weather arrives, I love to go out and enjoy a nice hike in search of all of these things. Photographing the first blooming […]

Meet “Mr. T”…well that’s what I call him around Winton Centre. We typically don’t name our Great Parks of Hamilton County animals, but when they come with a personality like this one does, well, you just can’t help yourself! Our turtle in Winton Woods has been with us since 1993. He is definitely a Great […]

The sun is content to linger above the horizon a bit longer each day. A slightly warmer breeze whispers, promising change. Songbirds call louder, establishing territories to impress each other. Raptors take to the skies, spreading their wings to catch thermals wafting up from the earth. Spring is almost here! Some animals get an early […]