Spring is well underway on Cumberland Island even though we have experienced some recent cold snaps over the last few weeks.  Temperatures have ranged from the low thirties to over eighty.  A couple warm days together managed to bring forth our first reptile sighting of the season; a six foot long Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake.  We watched as the snake slowly crossed the main road and disappeared into a nearby thicket of saw palmettos where it will be safe from snake predators such as hawks and owls,, but not from feral hogs.  One thing I have noticed over the years is when hog populations increase, I see fewer snakes.  Feral hogs are known for eating these important reptiles that help control the rodent populations and the diseases they carry.

On Cumberland the hog numbers are up, but that may change soon as the Park Service steps up their efforts to hunt them.  Also, there are some indications the coyotes that have recently found their way to the island are now feeding on pork among other things.  As temperatures rise alligators will become active and they too feed on hogs that often roam the wetland areas.  Over the years I have seen a number of hogs floating in the water that were killed by alligators; one was still in the reptile’s mouth.  Alligators don’t usually try to eat a large animal right after killing it because their teeth are not designed for chewing.  More often, they will let the carcass partially decompose in the water so it can be easily torn into bite size pieces and maybe it improves the flavor for them also, who knows?  It’s amazing how some animals can tolerate such extremes in the quality and condition of the foods they consume.  I often think of this when I drive by some fast food places on the mainland.

The breeding season for wild turkeys is getting started and there is a lot of this activity on the island now because we have a lot of turkeys.  I would have to say there are more turkeys on Cumberland today than I can remember at anytime in the past.  If anyone wants to photograph wild turkeys, this is certainly the time and place to to it.  The birds are not hunted here and therefore not afraid of people, making them much easier to observe and photograph. 

There are quite a few song birds visiting the island now as part of the spring migration.  Large flocks of Yellow Rumped warblers have already passed through.  While a number of other species will stay and nest here this time of year.  One bird in particular is not shy about it’s nesting intentions.  The Carolina wren is a true extrovert with a loud call that rings out through the forest.  This bird also nests where it pleases; meaning, it can be inside someones car or house if the windows are left open.

Winter shorebirds are still on the beach.  Many of these species will soon begin a migration northward to their nesting grounds in the arctic region.  However, the Oystercatchers are paired up now and will be nesting on Cumberland in a few weeks.  The nests of these beautiful birds is nothing more than a depression in the sand above the high tide line, usually closer to the foredunes.  Oystercatchers are a species of critical concern because they need wild undisturbed beaches for nesting and this type of habitat has become increasingly rare as so many beaches along the east coast have been developed.  Cumberland provides suitable conditions for ground nesting shore birds like Oystercatchers, while the park service  will also place signs near a nesting area warning people to stay away. 

Also on the beach are a few shells left over from winter northeast storms.  More recently though a number of Keyhole urchins, also known as sand dollars have been washing ashoree on the north end of the island to the delight of those visitors who collect them.  Sand dollars are related to both the Starfish and Sea urchins.  Most of the ones I’ve seen on Cumberland have been on the north end of the island.  This may be due to a shallow shoal area not far off shore which would be good habitat for this burrowing marine animal.

Spring is happening on Cumberland and it is a good time for visitors to experience the great variety of wildlife we have out here.