The last few weeks have produced lively weather typical of the early days of April. One day, there was heavy frost on my windshield; the next day the temperature broke 70 degrees. The saying, “April showers bring May flowers” is very true, but there’s more out there than beautiful flowers on the wilder side of Oakland County. The signs of change are everywhere.

The next few weeks are perfect to revel in nature’s songs and sights and admire the creatures that share our landscape. Here are some eye-catching signs of the new season.

Trout Lily is one of the first woodland wildflowers to appear and should bloom very soon. The unusual name comes from the fact that their leaves are speckled and bear a resemblance to the speckled pattern of brook trout. To me, their emergence signals a new season of outdoor adventures.

Wood Ducks are back! Their name is well-earned as they lay their eggs in tree hollows. When the chicks hatch, they make dramatic leaps down to the water. The male wood duck’s green head, red eyes and bold markings are striking. I photographed this one last spring from the dock at Independence Oaks County Park.

Great Egrets return to our lakeshores. These stealthy hunters ambush fish and frogs in shallow waters and are one of the largest birds in our county. Their white color makes identification easy, although sometimes they are confused with great blue herons.

Barred Owls are more common in Oakland County than most people realize. Their favorite habitat is at the edge of a healthy swamp, and it’s not unusual to see one in the daytime if the habitat is ideal. They are predators with a wide-ranging diet that includes frogs, fish, squirrels, mice and rabbits.

Bald Eagles are no longer a rare sight in Oakland County, and a pair is nesting once again on the far side of Upper Bushman Lake in Independence Oaks County Park. You may see them flying overhead or just head to the docks of the north end of the park. Bring your binoculars to enjoy the viewing.

Eastern Bluebirds have been busy the past few weeks. Some bird books say they migrate every year, but that is not accurate. Many stay throughout the winter in our county and simply switch their warm-weather diet from insects and wild fruits to dried seeds and fruits. They will also readily feast on suet. I’ve been watching a few already staking out their nesting territory at Independence Oaks County Park and at the edge of my woods.

Northern watersnakes and turtles will be active before this month is over soaking in the sunlight. I am still excited about this lucky photo taken a few years ago. Look closely. The snake and a small painted turtle are basking side by side. Best friends forever? Not likely. On occasion, a large watersnake will include a hatchling in its diet.

Red-winged Blackbirds are one of the most recognizable species of our wetland habitats. These colorful songsters usually nest in cattails and other low-lying vegetation. Their distinctive song is a classic melody, and the bright red shoulder patch of the males is unmistakable.

Opossums are perhaps one of the most maligned and misunderstood creatures of Oakland County. These marvelous marsupials of Michigan are experts in faking death if frightened; originating the phrase “playing opossum.” Their hind feet have opposable thumbs and prehensile tails that can grab and carry things such as leaves for their subterrain burrow. Now that it’s warming up, you may even be lucky and see one wandering in the daylight.

Toads are really frogs! I suspect that sentence caught your attention. While all toads are frogs not all frogs are toads. Confused? I was, too, when I first discovered those facts. It won’t be long until we hear the sharp trilling of toads looking for love in their breeding ponds. Their melodious trills are unmistakable if you know what to listen for. Listen here:

Eastern Hognose Snakes are one of the least common snakes to be found in Oakland County, and toads are their favorite food. This image is one I encountered on South Manitou Island, in Lake Michigan. I expect to see them on the island almost daily during my upcoming month-long lighthouse keeper assignment in June.

Sandhill Cranes are without a doubt one of the most recognizable bird species of our county. With their bright red crowns, gray feathers, and distinctive bugling calls, these magnificent birds are unmistakable and unforgettable. They do well in most Oakland County Parks and Huron-Clinton County Metroparks. I’ve been watching a pair that appear to be setting up house on the shoreline of Lake Lousie just yards from the parking lot of Bullfrogs Bar and Grill in Ortonville.

Jonathan Schechter is the Nature Education Writer for Oakland County Government and blogs about nature’s way, trails and wildlife on the Wilder Side of Oakland County.

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