Ever wonder about the wildlife along the Delaware River? Come and meet some of the awe-inspiring and majestic wildlife that inhabit Driftstone’s corridor of the Delaware River, The Piedmont. Seen on a regular basis are bog turtles, eels, the osprey, herons, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoons and foxes. For today we offer a look at our favorites, the flying squirrel, the owl and the Bald Eagle.
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman
The Southern Flying Squirrel is a small, unique creature measuring only 8 to 10 inches long with large eyes, flattened tail for steering and furry membrane that extends from the front to the rear legs which allows it to glide from tree to tree. While they may be graceful in the air they are very clumsy while on the ground. Their habitat includes hickory, beech, maple, poplar and oak trees. Fruit and nuts are the food of choice for these little critters followed by insects, fungi, mushrooms, carrion, bird eggs and flowers. You may catch a glimpse of one during the day but they are more active at night so keep a look-out when you’re around your campfire tonight!
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman
The Eastern Screech Owl has made a cozy home in a nearby barn of Driftstone’s. This nocturnal bird is also listed as an endangered species and protected under the Game and Wildlife Code. These small birds will range in size from 8 to 10 inches and project a wingspan of 19 to 24 inches. They have a chameleon like quality, morphing to either gray or red to blend in with their environment to hunt their prey of insects, crayfish, earthworms, mice, bats, songbirds, reptiles and amphibians. Its call can be heard throughout the campground at night.
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman
Our final look into the wildlife surrounding Driftstone is the majestic Bald Eagle, protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Protection Treaty Act. No longer considered endangered, this powerful bird of prey is one of the largest in its class at up to 14 pounds with a wingspan up to 7 feet. Their prey of choice is fish with waterfowl, small mammals, turtles and carrion coming in close second. The bald eagle is conscious of conserving energy and will most often be found perched on a tree waiting for prey to emerge but don’t be fooled. If prey is near and in the grasp of another it has no fear of swiping that catch. These birds will soar at right angles and give a forceful wing beat, showing off their majesty. The Delaware River is a comfortable location for these birds as they have a plethora of food courtesy of the river. While they do not tend to inhabit areas where there are many humans there have been many sitings at the campground so look upward!
References:
http://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/EndangeredandThreatened/Documents/Northern%20Flying%20Squirrel.pdf
http://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/EndangeredandThreatened/Documents/Long-eared%20Owl.pdf
http://www.wildlifewatchers.org/esReports/report53.html
http://www.pgc.pa.gov/Education/WildlifeNotesIndex/Documents/owls.pdf
http://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/EndangeredandThreatened/Documents/Bald%20Eagle.pdf
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