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.