Day of the February Thunderstorm

The weather has been so unusual this week. Last week was a snow and ice storm that shut Raleigh down for a few days. Now this week we have almost 70 degree days and a thunderstorm, complete with thunder and lightning. But, that is North Carolina for you. We have just learned to roll with it. I will say this is the first February thunderstorm I can remember.

Anyway, keeping my eyes open, there were a lot of things taking the cue from the warm weather. Check out the photos (and links!) below for details.

Links for more information about plants and animals in the slideshow:

Cricket Frog- Herps of N.C. profile, EOL profile
Herps of N.C.- List of Frogs and Toads of N.C.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology- Hawks Listing that includes calls
Narcissus ssp.- anatomy, Brent and Becky's Bulbs, cool "Close-up View" project, cultivation fact sheet from Purdue University
Blueberries- cultivation fact sheet from N.C. State, nutrition fact sheet from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, N.C. Blueberry Council
Ericaceae- Oxydendrum arboretum profile, dense botanical description from eFloras,