Side Menu
Timed Tickets at Virginia Living Museum ZooDonate to the Virginia Living Museum Calendar
 

Blog

Spring in Virginia Streams

March 11, 2020 – March brings with it the promise of spring. The days get warmer, trees and flowers blossom, bees and butterflies begin to fly about, and our allergies start to flare up. Life stirs beneath the surface as well in many of the streams and rivers of Virginia.

The Spring Azure pictured here can be seen on warm days in early March, along with some sulphurs and mourning cloaks.

Many male birds like this warbler start showing off their colors in early spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesser celandine are one of the first flowers to bloom in February/March.

Many trees and brush begin to blossom early as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The warming waters and longer days trigger an internal clock in freshwater fishes to display their best and brightest breeding colors in hopes of attracting a mate. Males of various darter species, like the speckled darter and candy darter, display vibrant colors and markings. Similar to most bird species, it is the male fish that is more striking. He uses these colors along with flashy fins to woo a female, and intimidate his competition.

Male Speckled Darter displaying breeding colors

This male Banded darter displays green and red when attracting a mate.

 

This male Tangerine darter is truly living up to his name!

No Comment

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.