Spring Arrivals

The sights and sounds of spring can be seen and heard around Lake Barkley this week.  The sun has been trying to get out from behind the clouds, but the plants and animals have spring fever (despite the winter-like temperatures)   Daffodils have been blooming for a few weeks now and Spring Beauty, Bluets, Pussy toes, and violets can be seen popping up here and there around the park.  

A few toothworts have been spotted on the park, but most were still closed up this morning. 

Cut-leaf Toothwort starting to bloom at Lake Barkley SRP

The morning the air was filled with singing Eastern Phoebes, Carolina Wrens, Blue jays and Eastern Bluebirds.  Hermit Thrushes also seem to be migrating through Western Kentucky this week and their flute like sound has been heard in the campground and around the cottages the last few days.  Cliff swallows have also returned to their nesting colony near the golf course.

A male and female Bluebird were seen staking their claim to a nest box near the lodge and two Canada Geese seem to be setting up shop on one of the islands off the west wing of the lodge.  Pelicans and juncos are still around but not for long as spring is here and they will soon be departing for their northern nesting grounds.