Southeastern Pennsylvania, beloved for its rolling hills and pastoral landscapes, is anchored by the Brandywine River and its protected natural areas. Winter on the Brandywine is an often quiet balance of dormancy and survival. Share in our pleasure at these beautiful examples of the flora and fauna we encounter on the Brandywine Conservancy campus and nearby.
A Safe Haven
The grasses and forbs that have dried and gone dormant will serve as valuable habitat for the birds, mammals and insects that overwinter. Mountain mint and other plants leave behind seed heads that serve as natural bird feeders, and the cover provided by unmowed meadows allows safe haven for a variety of birds and mammals.
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Striped wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata)Enjoying the Sun
Reptiles and amphibians often disappear from view during the winter and hibernate. However, our recent mild temperatures and lack of snow cover have made for a relatively comfortable winter this year. This brown snake was observed basking in the sun early this December, and will have found an underground hibernaculum by now.
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Brown snake (Storeria dekayi) – photo credit Hannah CummonsNymphs Waiting for Spring
Occasionally one may encounter an egg case, in which young insects are preparing for a spring emergence. During late summer, female mantids find a suitable plant stem and deposit eggs, surrounded by a sticky foam. The foam hardens into an egg case that will protect the eggs over the winter as they develop. In the spring, hundreds of nymphs will emerge and seek out prey.
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Praying Mantis egg caseThe Beauty of Evergreens
While most vegetation goes dormant, evergreens allow bits of color and fresher sources of nourishment. Aside from the conifers that are native to our region, such as spruce, white pine and eastern hemlock, there are several other plants that remain evergreen in southeastern Pennsylvania. Striped wintergreen, sometimes called spotted wintergreen, grows on the forest floor and can be found throughout the year. American holly, the classic symbol of wintertime cheer, is a sturdy understory plant.
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American holly (Ilex opaca)Predator Survival
The birds of prey that remain here throughout the winter continue their daily routines. Cooper’s hawks are accipiters, adept hunters with a long tail that serves a function similar to a boat’s rudder. The tail allows sharp turns mid-flight, increasing the chances of a successful hunt.
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An immature Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) settles down for a winter mealThe Peace of a Winter Walk
We wish you and yours the peace and beauty that is a natural part of the Brandywine, and welcome you to walk the trails surrounding the Brandywine River Museum of Art.
