This site is a portal to all plants and animals photographed within Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods Nature Reserve.
Featured Species
Did You Know?
Opossums are known to “play dead” when threatened. But they actually slip into a catatonic-like state which may last for hours.
Opossums are probably common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods but are not seen that often since they are mostly nocturnal. However, Opossums don’t hibernate during winter and are more often seen in January when they seek out a mate.
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Dark-eyed Junco’s are known as “Snowbirds” because they usually emerge in the winter season. They are one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in North America, and they have distinct regional dialects in their songs and calls.
The Dark-eyed Junco is a very common winter visitor that arrives in late September and generally leaves by late April.
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Trumpeter swans are the largest birds native to North America. Males can have a wingspan of nearly 10 feet. Trumpeters feed mostly on aquatic plants, although in winter they may forage on waste grain and grasses in farm fields.
The Trumpeter Swan is now a regular winter visitor to the Omaha area, especially at Carter Lake. In January and February, you might be fortunate to see a small flock of these birds flying over the forest.
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Little Bluestem’s seed heads provide food for wildlife throughout the colder months. Though flowering occurs in late July through much of August, they are winter warriors. They can bend and sway, so no matter how hard the wind blows or how heavy the snow falls, they stay upright.
At Fontenelle Forest, Little Bluestem is uncommon in the planting on the dam in Childs Hollow. It is common in the Jonas and Koley Prairie restorations at Neale Woods.
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5 Tips for Capturing Your Fontenelle Forest Experience
- Embrace your inner explorer. Go on a nature scavenger hunt!
- Use free apps to identify the plants and animals you encounter.
- Take the path less traveled.
- Did you discover something cool on your hike? Take a picture instead of taking it with you!
- Not ready for a solo adventure? Sign up for a program or guided hike!
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