Bird With us at the Annual Breaks Park Christmas Bird Count!

Cedar Waxwing (Photo courtesy of Dr. Thomas G. Barnes at University of KY)

I am very fortunate to live and work in an area that is an Ornithologist's (fancy word for bird watcher) Heaven. Every Spring and Autumn produces a migration of birds from all over and they visit the park as a stop over when heading North or South depending on the time of the year. However, many fail to realize that the dead of Winter can produce great sightings of birds here at the park as well.

Join us on Saturday, December 21st for our annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. It is a service we provide to the Audubon Society as a way to help them monitor bird migrations and populations. Things will kick off at the park's Visitor Center at 8 o'clock where we will review the map and decide on locations to bird. We will bird all day and wrap up around 8 o'clock PM where we will join for a chili dinner (provided the park) and will compile our information of the number and species of birds counted from the day. Don't consider yourself an expert at bird identification? There will be some of the best birders in the area will be there, and are more than happy to pair up with you beginners to help make your birding adventure an enjoyable and educational one.

For additional information, feel free to contact me by emailing me HERE or by calling my office at (276) 865- 4413 ext. 3213.

We hope to see you there!

Fall Color Update 10/22/2013

View From Lover's Leap

Well, with a camera on the fritz and a lot of rainy, ugly weather, it has been a little longer then I would have liked to get another color report out to everyone. Well, here it is!

Colors here at the park are roughly at 90%. I am seeing more reds in the leaves than I have seen in many years and this, combined with the typical yellows and oranges, are making for a great show! Every tree species is showing color with some of the most brilliant being Maples, Oaks, Dogwoods, Beech and Birch.

The nicer days that we have had in the low 70's combined with the extremely cool nights are what is helping the most to help the colors change. I am afraid, however that things won't last too long. Night time temps dropping into the 30's and even the 20's on Friday night will cause things to diminish rather quickly. I would guess peak color to happen in the next two days. I will be sure to post a report as soon as it happens.

On another note, this weekend promises to be a fun weekend as it is Breaks Park's Halloween Spectacular! Events will be going on Friday and Saturday ranging from Costume Contests and Night Hikes to Campsite Decorating Contests and Hayrides. Be sure to stop by and spend some time with us!

For more information about Fall color and the Halloween Spectacular, visit this LINK

I can be reached by contacting me HERE

Breaks Interstate Park to host the Second Annual Nature Weekend- Sept. 20th-21st

Breaks Park Naturalist Jayd Raines
 introducing a group of onlookers
 to an Eastern Hognose Snake.

 Have you ever wanted the opportunity to meet a snake face to face? How about a chance to have a close encounter with a bird of prey? Get the chance to experience these things and more at Breaks Interstate's Second Annual Nature Weekend! This event will kick off on Friday the 20th at 6:00 PM and will continue all day Saturday, concluding Saturday evening.

The event will kick off at 6 o'clock Friday evening with "Things My Grandma Taught Me" a program from retired KY Park Naturalist John Tierney. This program will teach you about things in nature that old timers used to treat various ailments, why they used them and how. At 7, you will get the chance to meet Breaks Park Naturalist Jayd Raines, as well as some of his slithery friends from around the Southeastern United States in his program "The Wonderful World of Snakes". At 8:30 PM, journey out to Nature Drive to meet biologist Jason Butler as he sets up a mist net for bats. This is a trapping technique used to catch bats for biological research. This will also give you the chance to get an up close look at one of the most misunderstood animals around.

Saturday will be full of events and activities that range from geocaching, medicinal plant hikes and birding to a geology hike, stream ecology field trip and a chance to meet Tony Scales, a geologist and book author who will be at the Visitor Center, selling and signing copies of his wonderful book about the park entitled "The Breaks".

Saturday evening will be full of excitement starting at 6 o'clock as Mitch Whitaker (Letcher County Extension Agency) presents "Raptors Alive" where we will learn about and get to see real live hawks and owls. Following this program will be VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries biologist Johnny Wills, who is presenting on the recent Elk release program in SW Virginia.

There is will fun and excitement for all ages. The only admission fee is the Park's standard parking fee of $2.00 per car and $10.00 per 11 passenger van/bus.

For a detailed schedule of activities for the weekend, visit this LINK. Activities are subject to change.

I can be reached by emailing me HERE or by phone at 276-865-4413 ext. 3213

Second Annual Settler's Weekend at Breaks Interstate Park- August 9th- 11th

Settler's Weekend at Breaks Interstate Park is a great way to live American history first hand. Taking place on August 9th- 11th, visitors will have the opportunity to step back in history to a time when this area was first being explored, hunted and settled.

A variety of activities and programs will be offered including pioneer cooking, flintlock rifle demonstrations, tomahawk throwing, flint and steel fire starting, along with many other activities.

The Pioneer Camp will be open from 10 AM- 6 PM on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 AM- 1 PM on Sunday. During those hours you are welcome to walk through the encampment, and talk to any of the re-enactors.

This is a great event for the whole family. Boyscouts, Girlscouts and church groups are also welcome to visit. There will be fun for all ages!

For a detailed schedule of events for the weekend, visit this LINK.

You can contact me by emailing me HERE or by calling me at 276-865-4413 ext. 3213.

July's Animal Profile- The Bald Eagle

Adult Bald Eagle (photo courtesy of Dr. Thomas Barnes)

Long revered as the symbol of the United States, freedom and Liberty, the Bald Eagle has been engrained into the mind of almost every American. Making its appearance on flags, banners and currency, the very image of the Bald Eagle goes hand in hand with the United States of America. It first appeared on the National Seal in 1782. It wasn't until 1787 ( after much debate from Ben Franklin, who wanted the National Bird to be the Wild Turkey) that the Bald Eagle was officially named the National Bird.

Bald Eagles are truly a magnificent animal to behold. Their large size makes them truly impressive. Despite their large size, they are very agile and able to dive for fish and other prey in the blink of an eye. An expert at using natural air currents, Eagles are able to stay aloft without flapping a wing and can hover in one spot for quite some time.

Until recently, Bald Eagles have been a rarity. For many years, Bald Eagles were on the brink of extinction as a result of DDT (an insecticide that worked its way into the food chain which caused birds of prey to lay eggs with shells too thin to support the weight of adults trying to incubate the eggs.) Although they have been removed from the Endangered Species List (which happened in 2007) seeing a Bald Eagle in many places is still not a common occurrence. They prefer living and nesting in areas near water with large trees to support the weight of their huge nests. Areas like this are in decline, making it difficult find suitable nesting areas.

Transient Bald Eagle here at the Breaks (photo courtesy of Roger Mayhorn)

There are several places that now hold stable populations of these birds and one now has be better chance of seeing these birds as they ever have. Viewable populations immediately coming to mind are in locations like Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Cave Run Lake and Dewey Lake (all in Kentucky). Populations are also seen at South Holston and Flannigan in southwest Virginia. One also now has the opportunity to see transient birds (birds that are traveling and migrating) in many different places. Just last week, we were fortunate enough to see a traveling Bald Eagle right here at the Breaks!

Bald Eagles remain a symbol of the United States still to this day. The very sight of a Bald Eagle is inspiring and reminds us of where we came from many years ago. Protection and conservation to help these birds are paramount to ensure that generations to come can see and appreciate the very symbol of freedom that was set by our Founding Fathers in 1787. Help conserve these animals so that they may enjoy the same freedom that we are privileged to enjoy. Happy 4th of July!

I can be reached by contacting me HERE

Baby Wildlife. Are you helping or hurting?

Many examples exist of people driving along down the road or working on their property and encountering a baby deer, Raccoon, Opossum, etc. Often, individuals are quick to swoop the animal up into their arms, and begin to worry about the care of these small, infant animals. Baby wildlife naturally looks very helpless when encountered. Newly born deer slip, trip and fall to the ground and stand with unsteady legs, just learning how to stand and walk. These animals' mothers are generally in close proximity to the babies, but may be just out of sight. More times then not, most people pick up these animals in an attempt to help, but are actually hurting the well being of these infant animals.

Baby Raccoons in their den.

Animals are great parents. They raise and nurture their infants much like people and excel at being parents. They tend to the every need of their babies and will put their lives on the line in order to raise their young. This sometimes includes leaving their babies to search for food, or staying a distance from their young as much as possible to prevent attracting attention to an area where their young may be hiding. So even if you see a baby animal seemingly alone, more often than not, its mother will be close by. Sometimes there are special circumstances, where a baby's mother is hit by a vehicle, or the baby is somehow injured to the point that without human intervention it will not survive. But even in these cases, one must be careful. Injured wildlife will fight for their lives and will make every attempt to defend themselves. Some animals may be sick, and a bite from one of these animals could pass diseases like rabies on to the well meaning person trying to help. One must also bear in mind that in many cases it is illegal to transport wildlife.

Breaks Interstate Park Wildflower Report 6/2/2013

Mountain Laurel in bloom next to the Visitor Center

My goodness! It seems that Spring has sprung and quickly given way to Summer. It seems like we go from one extreme to the other, with one day hot and sunny giving way to temperatures barely in the 70s. I am sure that things will soon even out and we will find ourselves in the midst of Summer.
The Spring wildflowers have all but finished up, however there are still some early Summer species to view. Catawba Rhododendron are shooting forth their large, vibrant purple flowers. Mountain Laurel is at its peak and its clusters of small, white flowers are abounding on the Ridge Trail, Overlook Trail and in front of our Visitor Center. Galax is now in flower and can be seen on the upper sections of the Geological Trail. The same location will offer

Galax in flower on the Geological Trail

opportunities to see Rattlesnake Weed in flower as well. May Apples are on their way out, and the stem where the flower was once visible is now producing its fruit (which is how the May Apple derives its name). Cardinal Flower should be up shortly as should be Rattlesnake Plantain, a very interesting looking orchid.

There are many special events still scheduled at the park, and you can learn more about these by visiting this LINK. Come by and see us!

 I can be reached by contacting me HERE

Breaks Interstate Park Wildflower Report 5/17/2013

Yellow Lady Slippers in Bloom

Wildflowers are abounding all over the park. A wide variety can be seen on every trail in the park. Various colors of Violets, May Apple, Showy Orchids, Yellow Lady Slippers, Dwarf Crested Iris, Catawba Rhododendron are all in full bloom and showcase a spectacular display of color along our many trails and roads. Solomon Seal, False Solomon Seal and Jack in the Pulpit are also in bloom and can be seen on the Laurel Branch Trail in between the Ridge Trail and the Geological Trail.






Rattlesnake Plantain Leafing Out

Rattlesnake Plantain can be seen along the Lake Trail and Cold Spring Trail and although it still has some time before coming into bloom, its’ beautiful leaves are always a treat to see poking up through the forest’s leaf litter.

There is still more to come so stay tuned. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by the park on Saturday, May 18th for National Kids to Parks Day. There will be fun for everyone!



For additional information on the flowers currently in bloom at the park, you can reach me by emailing me HERE

May's Animal Profile- The Northern Pine Snake

Northern Pine Snake displaying defensive posture. (Photo courtesy of Will Bird)

Snakes have inspired many a chill on the back of the neck, or a scream from a surprised man or woman and people have over time developed an ingrained fear of these slithery creatures. However, snakes are very beneficial to the ecosystem and to humans by consuming rodents and other pests that plague our daily lives.

The Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) is one of the largest snakes that occur in the state of Kentucky. This species averages six feet in length and is capable of attaining lengths of over seven feet.  Often known as the " Yellow Bull Snake" it once occurred throughout the southern portion of the state, but slowly began losing ground. It is now found in three isolated populations within the state of Kentucky, and occurs in exceptionally low numbers. It is an unmistakeable animal. Very few snakes attain as impressive a size as the Northern Pine Snake and even fewer put on a defensive display like the Pine Snake does. When threatened, this snake will engulf large amounts of air to appear larger. It was also exhale and hiss so loudly that you can hear it from quite a distance away. Buzzing its tail in dry leaves and grass gives the illusion that it may be a Rattlesnake. In fact, this snake is killed when encountered often because it is believed to be a large rattlesnake. However, this snake is completely harmless and possesses no venom.

New Exhibits at the Breaks Park Visitor Center and Museum

New display featuring four snake species from the area.

Museums are a very special place. They are a place where people can visit and learn at their convenience. Museums are a vital instrument used to teach, learn and expose people from near and far to the rich cultural, historical and natural history of any given time or place. In many cases, one can learn as much in a given day in a museum than they would otherwise learn in a year. And in most cases, a museum is not just a building full of things and "junk", they tell a story. And to those that pay attention to that story will be rewarded.

Aquarium displaying fish of the Russell Fork, as well as frog and toad exhibits.

We here at Breaks Interstate are now very pleased to announce the addition of a new set of exhibits in the Museum, located at the Park's Visitor Center. Since I began working here in January of 2012, my thoughts began to wander toward getting new displays in the museum that would fill in a gap that I had noticed. We are very fortunate in that through our museum we are able to tell the story of Native Americans, Daniel Boone, the Civil War, the Hatfields and McCoys, moonshining, logging, coal mining and the large animal species found on the park. But one thing that was missing was the story about the importance of the smaller fauna that can found on the park. Reptiles, amphibians and other

International Migratory Bird Day and Earth Day at Breaks Interstate Park

Cedar Waxwing (photo courtesy of Prof. Thomas Barnes)

Breaks Park will celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) and Earth Day on April 20 with special programming, community service, and conservation activities planned throughout the day.

Birding events will begin at 8 am with a Birding Field Trip led by local birding enthusiast David Raines. The trip will begin at the Park Visitor Center, and participants will drive to a number of different areas throughout the park in search of a variety of birds.

At 6 pm, a special Birds of Prey program will be hosted by Mitch Whitaker, of the Letcher County Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Raptor Rehabilitation Program. Whitaker will have a live demonstration with an assortment of rehabilitated hawks and owls. This event will be held in the park amphitheater.

Finally, at 9 pm, Park Naturalist Jayd Raines will lead an Owl Prowl, allowing participants the opportunity to call in wild owls. The Owl Prowl will begin at the Park Visitor Center.

Earth Day events include “Cache in, Trash Out” hosted by Chuck Ratliff at

11 am,

beginning at the Park Visitor Center. Participants will be involved in both geocaching, as well as trash clean up. Other community service and park clean-up opportunities will also be available throughout the day.

For more information about these events, or to participate in a clean-up activity, contact Jayd Raines at jraines@breakspark.com.

Echoes of the Wild Turkey

It is hard to believe that it is now officially Spring. It wouldn't seem like it with the oddities of weather that we have had to endure these last few weeks. What would normally be mild days this time of year have been covered in cold rainy and snowy days, with more forecasted in the coming week. That being said, it hasn't kept Mother Nature from displaying the fact that it is in fact Spring, and that things will soon get better.

Tom "strutting" and courting hens (Photo courtesy of Ryan Raybourn)

One of these signals from Mother Nature is unmistakeable, and it is the Spring gobbling of the Wild Turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo). Nothing will send chills up your spine like an early morning hike through a foggy forest and hearing the thunderous gobble of a wild turkey near you. This call of the male Turkey (called a Tom) is unmistakeable and can be heard from quite a long distance away. This call is a breeding call, and is a way to let a female Turkey (a hen) find a Tom to mate with. He will typically roost at night away from the hens, and when the Sun comes up and he awakens, he will

Lets Hunt Easter Eggs at the Breaks!

It's that time of year again! Daffodils are blooming, birds are chirping and the Easter Bunny is making preparations for Easter! Join us a Breaks Interstate Park for our Annual Easter Celebration. The Easter Egg Hunt begins at noon on Potter's Knoll. Get there a little early because the Easter Bunny will be stopping by, giving out treat bags to all the kids! One thousand eggs total will be hidden for three age catagories (1-3, 4-6 and 7-12 years of age) and 350 eggs will have a prize ticket inside! After the hunt, make your way down to the Rhododendron Lodge to enjoy our Easter Buffet!

For more information, dial (276)865-4413 or by visiting the BREAKS INTERSTATE PARK WEBSITE.

I can be reached by emailing me HERE

Elk in the East

Wild Elk Herd in Eastern Kentucky

I have always been very proud of the fact that I am from and have spent my entire life living in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. It is a very unique place that boasts a huge variety of natural resources. The variety of plant, tree and animal life in these mountains are almost overwhelming, however if you could go back in time to the days of Daniel Boone and even before, variety was even greater. Buffalo, Elk, Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Red Wolves and Mountain Lions abounded in these mountains. As "white men" made their way into what is now Kentucky and Southwestern Virginia for exploration and settlement, the numbers of these large mammals began to decline. This was for a number of reasons but was primarily due to unregulated hunting. Over time, all of the above mentioned species were driven to extinction in our area with the exception of the White Tailed Deer, and even they became very scarce. Due to conservation efforts by a number of State and Federal Organizations, several of these animals have returned and now flourish is our area. Whitetail Deer can now be seen almost daily, Black Bear are now roaming their old stomping grounds and Elk can now be heard bugling in the mountains.

Winter Birding at the Breaks

Barred Owl (photo courtest of Thomas G. Barnes)

Well, Mother Nature has been teasing us quite a bit lately! Here at the Breaks, it seems that for every cold, frosty day that we have, we will have just as many mild "Spring like" days in between. The presence of the loud calls of Wood Frog choruses (they sound just like squabbling ducks) on these warmer days this past week have made Spring Fever arise in many of the employees on the park. And while there is still some time to go before Redbuds and Dogwoods begin to flower, there is still no lack of outdoor activities to be had.

Birding here at the Breaks is still available, and I am still seeing a nice variety of species despite the fact that many birds are still closer to the Equator for the winter. The lack of foliage on the trees provides a great opportunity to view birds that may be more difficult to spot when the leaves are full of green.

 Some of the birds I have been seeing around the park are as follows:
Red Headed Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpeckers

A Spring to Remember with Spotted Salamanders

Spotted Salamander from Pike County KY

I have been a sucker for creepy crawlies since I was a youngster. As far back as I can remember I was out and about, wading in streams, creeks and ponds and flipping over logs and rocks in search of snakes, frogs, salamanders and similar quarry. I would catch them and bring them home to keep and observe, much to the dismay of my mother. Even though she lacked the fondness for reptiles and amphibians, there was never a time that I brought something home to keep that she told me no. She fostered that interest and kept it alive in me. The only agreement that we had to make was that she wanted all of the cages in plain view where she could see everything and not be surprised when opening a dresser or closet.

One of the first salamanders that I can ever remember keeping was a Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). Given to me by friend and biologist Dan Dourson, to me this was one of the coolest salamanders that I had ever seen! They are a large salamander and can grow up to ten inches in length. They are a member of the Mole Salamander group, and members of this group derive their name from the fact that majority of their lives are spent in burrows underground. In fact, they spend so much time underground that the only time that they emerge is on rainy nights during the breeding season to breed.

Bat Populations in Peril

Tri-colored Bat napping in Cascade Cave at Carter Caves.

Growing up, I was very fortunate to live on and near Carter Caves State Resort Park. It was always a special place to me. Beautiful scenery, spectacular caves, and wonderful staff made visits to my Aunt's (a park employee) an always welcome trip. In fact, as I grew older, my first job was as a Cave Guide at the park, and Carter Caves played as much of a role in the shaping of my career as Park Naturalist as any one person (and there were many) could have done. One of the things that fed my love for wildlife during this time were the bats that could be found in any of the caves that were toured during the summer. Roughly fifteen or so species of bats could be found in one location of the park or another, and the park was home to one of the largest hibernating populations of Indiana Bats (a Federally Endangered Species) in the United States. Getting to see these protected animals in their natural environment was something that fueled my desire to conserve natural resources and educate the public about the importance of these fascinating animals.

Black Bears and the Breaks

Bear Track on Geological Trail at the Breaks

While doing a routine trail check on the park last week, I took this photograph of a track in the snow that came from what has to be one of our coolest park residents! Black Bears (Ursus americanus) were at one time completely absent from our area. This was due to a combination of habitat destruction and unregulated hunting. It was guessed that by the early 1900s the American Black Bear was all but extinct here. Over the years as regulations were put in place to control logging and other such activities, and our forests once again began to grow and mature,  Black Bears slowly began to make their return to our region from areas in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

Black Bears are now frequently seen guests at the park, and have no problem making themselves right at home. In fact, campers have to be careful not to leave garbage out after dark or they may awaken to find that their garbage has been scattered all over the campground. Although our bears are very used to being watched by people, they are wild animals so if you want to observe them, do it from afar.
American Black Bears are one of the true success stories for our area, and one that we are very proud of. So if you are in the area this summer, stop by and you may be lucky enough to see one of the most interesting animals that call Breaks Interstate Park their home!

For additional information, visit Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Website and Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife's Website

For information on how to deal with bears as their numbers grow in our areas, watch this video.

I can be reached by e-mailing me at jraines@breakspark.com

Winter Offers Unique View of Break's Geology

What you see pictured here is a photo of The Breaks Canyon here at Breaks Interstate Park. This is wonderful representation of the power of water. Over a time of 180 million years, water from the Russell Fork River etched out the sandstone and formed the gorge (which is the largest gorge east of the Mississippi River) that is now visible here at the park. That water is still doing its work, and continues to cut away at the underlying rock, deepening the gorge.

Wintertime is often the best time of year to examine and explore geology. Leaves and other foliage that is present in the other seasons will obstruct the view of cliffs, rock formations, etc. Winter is also the peak time that people use to discover natural arches because a lack of foliage clears the forests and makes it possible to see skylight through the arches. Coming to our park in the winter gives you the opportunity to see much more of what makes the sheer cliffs of the gorge so spectacular.

So if time allows, take a day or an afternoon to visit the park and see all of the natural beauty and geologic wonder that makes our park so unique.

Learn more about Breaks Interstate Park by visiting Breaks Interstate Park's website.

I can be reached by e-mailing me Here.