Photos / Sounds
What
Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta)Observer
afripokeDescription
Saw these congregating by a stream.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)Observer
afripokeDescription
This young turtle was rescued after heavy rains and was found near the Visitor's Center, as it was being harassed by the park's chickens. The staff plans to release it soon. The shell ridges are extremely pronounced compared to the common snapping turtles which are more common in the park.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)Observer
afripokeDescription
Was moving from a creek to a pond.
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What
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)Observer
afripokeDescription
This osprey fishes on Turner Pond at Sky Meadows State Park several times a week. I believe it's nesting on the other side of the Blue Ridge (on the Shenandoah river) as it approaches from the northwest most times I've observed it. I've gotten video of it diving in for fish. Very impressive raptor.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mammals (Class Mammalia)Observer
afripokeDescription
We found this on a hike the other day in the park. It was about 3 inches long and the flesh at the base indicates that was the full length of the tail. The fur was very soft and we thought it might have come from a mink, but aren't sure?
Photos / Sounds
What
North American Luna Moth (Actias luna)Observer
afripokeDescription
Looked to be newly hatched.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)Observer
afripokeDescription
Photo courtesy of Dave Hower.
A Park visitor mentioned seeing a white squirrel in Sky Meadows State Park on Saturday. I thought he was mistaken. I saw it on Monday night, as I was walking my dogs. Very active. According to other Park staff, it has been living here for a couple of years.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta ssp. picta)Observer
afripokeDescription
Saw this guy crossing a road. Several others of the same type but different sizes.
Photos / Sounds
What
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)Observer
afripokeDescription
A visitor to the park reported this goose in distress. We captured it and transported to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Rescue where it is undergoing an exam. It appears to be blind.
Photos / Sounds
What
American Beaver (Castor canadensis)Observer
afripokeDescription
A young Beaver was seen recently by a Park Ranger. Went out to investigate and found the dam, a possible lodge site, and some of the saplings it had chewed through. According to the long timers on the Park staff, this is the first Beaver in the park in the last decade.
Hope to get photos of it soon and will update.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)Observer
afripokeDescription
I believe this is an Eastern Red Backed juvenile. There were other adults nearby which I couldn't get my camera out for.
Photos / Sounds
What
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus)Observer
afripokeDescription
This group flew in and spent the day on Turner Pond in Sky Meadows State Park
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)Observer
afripokeDescription
Large adult observed multiple times.
Photos / Sounds
What
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)Observer
afripokeDescription
Observed hunting on Turner Pond in Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia
