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Photo Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman<\/p><\/div>\n
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.\u00a0 While they may be graceful in the air they are very clumsy while on the ground.\u00a0 Their habitat includes hickory, beech, maple, poplar and oak trees.\u00a0 Fruit and nuts are the food of choice for these little critters followed by insects, fungi, mushrooms, carrion, bird eggs and flowers.\u00a0 You may catch a glimpse of one during the day but they are more active at night so keep a look-out when you\u2019re around your campfire tonight!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_0682edit.jpg\")
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman<\/p><\/div>\n
The Eastern Screech Owl has made a cozy home in a nearby barn of Driftstone’s. \u00a0This nocturnal bird is also listed as an endangered species and protected under the Game and Wildlife Code. \u00a0These small birds will range in size from 8 to 10 inches and project a wingspan of 19 to 24 inches. \u00a0They 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. \u00a0Its call can be heard throughout the campground at night.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_5544.jpg\")
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Ackerman<\/p><\/div>\n
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. \u00a0Their prey of choice is fish with waterfowl, small mammals, turtles and carrion coming in close second. \u00a0The 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. \u00a0These birds will soar at right angles and give a forceful wing beat, showing off their majesty. \u00a0The Delaware River is a comfortable location for these birds as they have a plethora of food courtesy of the river. \u00a0While they do not tend to inhabit areas where there are many humans there have been many sitings at the campground so look upward!<\/p>\n
References:<\/p>\n
http:\/\/www.pgc.pa.gov\/Wildlife\/EndangeredandThreatened\/Documents\/Northern%20Flying%20Squirrel.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.pgc.pa.gov\/Wildlife\/EndangeredandThreatened\/Documents\/Long-eared%20Owl.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.wildlifewatchers.org\/esReports\/report53.html<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.pgc.pa.gov\/Education\/WildlifeNotesIndex\/Documents\/owls.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n