
BELLA VISTA, Ark. – The Bella Vista Arts Council is pleased to honor photographer Douglas Keck as the December 2021 featured artist.
Keck will be honored at a public reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 in the Club Room at the Bella Vista Country Club, 98 Clubhouse Dr.

The below information on Keck’s life and art is courtesy of Bella Vista writer BJ Tassin, who interviewed Keck:
Photographer Douglas Keck resides in Bella Vista with his wife Teresa of 26 years. He and Teresa are originally from Kansas and share a blended family of six grown children. They are both employed right here in their hometown.
As a boy in 1972, Keck moved with his family to Arkansas from St. Joseph, Mo., when his family started a business in housing construction. After college, his three siblings moved on, but he stayed close to his parents, Larry and Sandra.
Keck has been snapping pictures for the better part of 30 years. What started out as fun took on a more serious approach professionally about 15 years ago.
When asked what it was that originally triggered his interest in photography, he said it was a three-day backpacking trip to Colorado on the Continental Divide.
“I was using one of those little disposable cameras where you only get one use and one chance to get it right,” he said. “I was trying to capture the famous Colorado aspens as they were turning in fall. It was a bit disappointing to see that those photos did not come out as good as I remembered seeing that forest with my own eyes. Still, I was glad I could record some kind of memory of it, but it made me want to find a better way to do that. It all seemed to evolve from there as the mediums continue to change.”
As a self-taught photographer, Keck continued improving his skills and expertise by reading books and magazines. In the beginning, the hobby was costly because of developing film. From there, the industry offered more progressive floppy discs and digital cameras. It seemed that was going to be the least expensive way to take multiple photos then edit for best shots and angles later. He also found the quality was clearer.
It wasn’t until after he purchased his first pro-am camera that Keck ventured into portrait and wedding photography, thinking it would help support what had become his expensive passion.
“Eventually,” he says, “I realized that this type of photography was removing the fun from the hobby and became more like work.”
Nature photography seemed to be more Keck’s style. He found himself pulling to the side of the road to capture a spectacular sunrise that he knew most people wouldn’t see. In the evening he was cloud watching at sunset. On such occasions, his wife did the driving so he could try to capture it out the window of the vehicle on a drive home.
“Sometimes it’s not easy to focus (the camera) when she can’t drive slow enough in traffic,” he said, adding most people tend to miss the good ones because everyone is too busy at those times of day. We hustle to get the family up, dressed, fed and off to school or work. In the evening we’re getting them all back home, fed and ready for bed. By that time many have missed it.
So, Keck tries to catch it for them when they get time to stop and relax. Exploring just about every lakeside in Bella Vista, he finds amazing water shots that often include plant and animal life.
“As a storm spotter for KNWA, I find the weather a really fascinating subject to shoot, especially lightning and storms. If there is a storm brewing, I will usually be out there trying to capture what mother nature throws at me,” he said. When asked how his wife felt about his dangerous position: “The worst part is not me being out in the storms but her at home when the bad ones hit,” adding if they are too bad, he will head home.
Spring and fall are Keck’s favorite times to shoot, as flowers are blooming and trees are budding in the spring, and colors are changing in the fall. Fall and winter bring the eagles, which are an awesome sight to see and try to capture on camera. He recently has been trying his hand at bird photography after putting up some feeders in the backyard and has had more than 25 different species right on the back deck. He has been published in the Weekly Vista, the Bella Vista City Guide and the Names & Numbers phone book.
Keck continues to improve his photography skills through research on what is new in the industry but mostly by exploring what is new out there on the other end of his camera. As a member of the Bella Vista Photography Club, he took his turn as steward and served as the club’s president for five years. The club is where local photographers gather to learn, share ideas, and show off their work to others that appreciate this avenue of art.
When asked what it was that he’d like to see people draw from his photography skills, with sincerity and gratitude he said, “To take a moment out of the busy lifestyles we have today and enjoy what mother nature has to offer us. I also like to provide through the lens of my camera the experiences that I enjoy to those who are unable to get out there.”
Has Keck gone back as a professional to try to recapture those beautiful aspens that started it all?
“Not yet,” he said.
For more insight on this artist’s work, check out his website: https://drkeckphotography.zenfolio.com.
Species Profile: Tamias striatus – Chipmunk
in Species Profile/by BVPOAScientific Name: Tamias striatus
Common Name(s): Chipmunk, Eastern chipmunk
©Gilles Gonthier
Identification:
The chipmunk is a small rodent with grayish to reddish brown fur and a distinguishing yellowish to reddish patch on its rump. They have stripes along their body, which distinguishes them from most other rodents. The chipmunk has five lengthwise dark brown to blackish stripes running from shoulders to rump, each with white fur down the middle. They have a furry tail, which is longer than the chipmunk’s body. They grow to around 12in in length, including the tail, and 2-5oz in weight. Eastern chipmunks have large cheek pouches located on either side of their mouth.
Range:
Tamias striatus is native to the eastern half of the U.S. and southeastern Canada. They can be found throughout the Ozarks and most of Arkansas.
Ecology:
Eastern chipmunks live in open deciduous wooded areas, edges of woodlands, and urbans areas. They prefer to live in rocky areas, areas with brush/log piles, or tickets of shrubs to use as refuge from predators. Chipmunks’ diet is primarily composed of nuts, acorns, bulbs, fruits, berries, seeds, and mushrooms. They also will eat insects, bird eggs, snails, and small immature mammals. Chipmunks build very elaborate underground burrows with multiple entrances. Chipmunks are highly defensive of their burrows and will camouflage them with leaves, sticks, and rocks.
Chipmunks are most active during the warm seasons of summer, spring, and fall. During the winter chipmunks do not fully hibernate but will undergo torpor, waking every couple of weeks to eat some of their food reserves. Chipmunks are adept climbers but mostly forage on the ground. Chipmunks spend most of their time actively foraging throughout the day but are most active in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Food is stored in a cache underground. Caches are marked with olfactory (scent) cues which can be more easily pilfered in moist environments. Therefore, the eastern chipmunks store food in larger caches that can be more easily defended. Sometimes chipmunks may forget about some caches which is beneficial since the seeds will produce plants and provide future food for the chipmunk.
Chipmunks are very solitary except during breeding season by which social interactions are relatively peaceful. Breeding usually occurs twice a year between April and May, and July and August. Females will mate with multiple partners and will stay close to their burrows. Males will widen their home range during mating season and can travel up to 170 meters (~550 feet) to find mates. During each breeding season, chipmunks have between four and five young. Gestation takes 35 days, and they are born blind and hairless. Females wean their young at about 4 weeks and make a new burrow to live in thereafter. Young chipmunks disperse from their burrow about 8 weeks after birth. Females live relatively close to their birth burrow, but males venture further away to set up their territory. Chipmunks reach sexual maturity at about 1 year of age and will live up to 3 years in the wild. They serve as a food source for hawks, owls, foxes, racoons, snakes, weasels, coyotes, bobcats, dogs, and cats.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, chipmunks can be a welcome guest in our yards. They especially like stone walls and may burrow under porches or walkways. These burrows do not typically cause structural damage and may be a good way to churn and aerate soil. They may also keep other pests at bay, such as insects and garden snails.
Bella Vista Arts Council recognizes area artists
in Mobile POA News/by BVPOABELLA VISTA, Ark. – The Bella Vista Arts Council is pleased to honor photographer Douglas Keck as the December 2021 featured artist.
Keck will be honored at a public reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 in the Club Room at the Bella Vista Country Club, 98 Clubhouse Dr.
The below information on Keck’s life and art is courtesy of Bella Vista writer BJ Tassin, who interviewed Keck:
Photographer Douglas Keck resides in Bella Vista with his wife Teresa of 26 years. He and Teresa are originally from Kansas and share a blended family of six grown children. They are both employed right here in their hometown.
As a boy in 1972, Keck moved with his family to Arkansas from St. Joseph, Mo., when his family started a business in housing construction. After college, his three siblings moved on, but he stayed close to his parents, Larry and Sandra.
Keck has been snapping pictures for the better part of 30 years. What started out as fun took on a more serious approach professionally about 15 years ago.
When asked what it was that originally triggered his interest in photography, he said it was a three-day backpacking trip to Colorado on the Continental Divide.
“I was using one of those little disposable cameras where you only get one use and one chance to get it right,” he said. “I was trying to capture the famous Colorado aspens as they were turning in fall. It was a bit disappointing to see that those photos did not come out as good as I remembered seeing that forest with my own eyes. Still, I was glad I could record some kind of memory of it, but it made me want to find a better way to do that. It all seemed to evolve from there as the mediums continue to change.”
As a self-taught photographer, Keck continued improving his skills and expertise by reading books and magazines. In the beginning, the hobby was costly because of developing film. From there, the industry offered more progressive floppy discs and digital cameras. It seemed that was going to be the least expensive way to take multiple photos then edit for best shots and angles later. He also found the quality was clearer.
It wasn’t until after he purchased his first pro-am camera that Keck ventured into portrait and wedding photography, thinking it would help support what had become his expensive passion.
“Eventually,” he says, “I realized that this type of photography was removing the fun from the hobby and became more like work.”
Nature photography seemed to be more Keck’s style. He found himself pulling to the side of the road to capture a spectacular sunrise that he knew most people wouldn’t see. In the evening he was cloud watching at sunset. On such occasions, his wife did the driving so he could try to capture it out the window of the vehicle on a drive home.
“Sometimes it’s not easy to focus (the camera) when she can’t drive slow enough in traffic,” he said, adding most people tend to miss the good ones because everyone is too busy at those times of day. We hustle to get the family up, dressed, fed and off to school or work. In the evening we’re getting them all back home, fed and ready for bed. By that time many have missed it.
So, Keck tries to catch it for them when they get time to stop and relax. Exploring just about every lakeside in Bella Vista, he finds amazing water shots that often include plant and animal life.
“As a storm spotter for KNWA, I find the weather a really fascinating subject to shoot, especially lightning and storms. If there is a storm brewing, I will usually be out there trying to capture what mother nature throws at me,” he said. When asked how his wife felt about his dangerous position: “The worst part is not me being out in the storms but her at home when the bad ones hit,” adding if they are too bad, he will head home.
Spring and fall are Keck’s favorite times to shoot, as flowers are blooming and trees are budding in the spring, and colors are changing in the fall. Fall and winter bring the eagles, which are an awesome sight to see and try to capture on camera. He recently has been trying his hand at bird photography after putting up some feeders in the backyard and has had more than 25 different species right on the back deck. He has been published in the Weekly Vista, the Bella Vista City Guide and the Names & Numbers phone book.
Keck continues to improve his photography skills through research on what is new in the industry but mostly by exploring what is new out there on the other end of his camera. As a member of the Bella Vista Photography Club, he took his turn as steward and served as the club’s president for five years. The club is where local photographers gather to learn, share ideas, and show off their work to others that appreciate this avenue of art.
When asked what it was that he’d like to see people draw from his photography skills, with sincerity and gratitude he said, “To take a moment out of the busy lifestyles we have today and enjoy what mother nature has to offer us. I also like to provide through the lens of my camera the experiences that I enjoy to those who are unable to get out there.”
Has Keck gone back as a professional to try to recapture those beautiful aspens that started it all?
“Not yet,” he said.
For more insight on this artist’s work, check out his website: https://drkeckphotography.zenfolio.com.
Species Profile: Ursus americanus – Black Bear
in Species Profile/by BVPOAScientific Name: Ursus americanus
Common Name(s): Black bear
Identification:
The black bear is the most common and smallest species of bear in North America. Most black bears in this region are black in color. Some sub-species found in the northeast, northwest, and Alaska can be brown, cinnamon, and nearly white. Besides color and size, black bears can be distinguished from other bears by their broad skull with a narrow muzzle and small, rounded ears that are set back on its head.
Black bears have relatively large paws with their rear foot length ranging in size from 5.5 to 9 inches which is comparable to much larger polar or brown bears. Their paws are very dexterous, and they can open screw top jars and manipulate doors. Sows (female bears) tend to have a more slender point to their nose and are smaller, weighing around 30% less than males. Males tend to weigh between 130 to 650 pounds, while females weigh between 90-180 pounds. The largest wild black bear record was shot in New Brunswick in 1972 and weighed 1100 pounds!
Range:
Ursus americanus is native to most of North America with a historic range engulfing most of the continent. In the United States it can be found in most of the northern Midwest, northeast, Alaska, the Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, and in parts of southern Missouri and forested regions of Arkansas. There have also been reports of fragmented populations occurring in other regions throughout the United States. Of the bears native to North America, black bears are the most common and widespread. They are rapidly expanding their range in the southeast recolonizing their former range.
Ecology:
The black bears are generalist species with flexible eating, sleeping, and living preferences. Black bears are omnivorous which means it will eat a variety of foods including plants and meat. Black bears are strong climbers that use trees for food, predator evasion, and hibernation. They are most often found in mountains with dense forests with thick understories but can also be found in semi-urban areas near woods.
Black bears are elusive bears which tend to avoid contact with other bigger animals. Black bears have good eyesight and hearing, and a sense of smell that is seven times more sensitive than that of a domestic dog. Larger grizzly bears occupy more open forest habitats, so black bears prefer dense forests. Black bears are more active during the day when they share habitat with brown bears and more active at night when they live near humans. They have few natural predators with a few instances of being predated upon by big cats or brown bears.
Bears reach maturity at age 3 and achieve full size by age 5. Sows undergo a 2-year mating cycle. Mating occurs between May and July depending on the region. Black bears have a 235-day gestation period which includes delayed implantation of the eggs. Fertilized eggs do not implant into the uterine wall until November. This ensures that the cubs are born in late January or early February. Cubs are blind and less than 1 pound when born. They are heavily dependent on their mother for 30 weeks after birth. The average litter has 2 to 3 cubs, but a healthy female can have 4 or more. Cubs become independent between 16 to 18 months when the mother drives them away. She will mate again a few months later. The average lifespan of a black bear is 18 years with the oldest recorded wild black bear being 39 years old.
Special Notes:
Bella Vista has the habitat to support black bears, but they prefer to be further away from human development. Occasional sightings are usually young male bears attempting to establish a territory which have recently been driven away by their mother. For the most part, they are just passing through. As the population continues to increase, bear sightings will likely also increase. They do permanently inhabit the larger undeveloped tracts of land west of Bella Vista.
News Article: Bella Vista Man Has Close Encounter With Bear
Species Profile: Cathartes aura – Turkey Vulture
in Species Profile/by BVPOAScientific Name: Cathartes aura
Common Name(s): Turkey Vulture, Turkey Buzzard, Buzzard, John Crow, Carrion Crow
©Charles J. Sharp
Identification:
The turkey vulture is the most widespread of the New World vultures. They are large, black birds with a wingspan of 63–72 inches, a length of 24–32 inches, and weight of 1.8-5.3 pounds. When soaring overhead, the wings have a two-toned gray and black appearance. Turkey vultures often hold their wings in a shallow “V” and rock from side to side when soaring. Adults have a featherless red head. Young birds have a blackish-gray head. Their feathers are brownish black. The flight feathers on the wings appear to be silvery gray on the underside, which contrasts with the darker wing linings, so they are easy to identify in flight. It also has a relatively short, hooked, ivory-colored beak. The irises of the eyes are gray-brown, and their legs and feet are pink-skinned. A turkey vulture’s feet are arranged with three toes forward and one back. The two front toes of the foot are long and have small webs at their bases. Overall a turkey vulture has flat feet that are not adapted for grasping. In flight, the tail is long and slim. The turkey vulture has very few vocalizations, but they can hiss or grunt when they are threatened or hungry, respectively.
Range:
Cathartes aura is found from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America.
Ecology:
The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds mostly on dead animals. It finds its food using its sharp eyes and sense of smell, so when it is flying low enough, a vulture can detect the gasses produced by decaying animals. Turkey vultures can be found in a variety of habitats, such as pasture and grasslands, forests, shrublands, deserts, and wetlands. They prefer open areas with nearby woods for nesting, but they generally avoid heavily forested areas. They migrate to the southern United States and Central America for the winter.
Vultures are found in flocks and are community animals. They nest in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. They only use the caves for nesting during breeding season. Breeding season for vultures varies by latitude with southern latitudes breeding begins in March, while in more northern latitudes breeding starts later. Courtship rituals of the turkey vulture involve several individuals gathering in a circle, where they perform hopping movements around the perimeter of the circle with their wings partially spread. In the air, one bird closely follows another while flapping and diving. Each year a turkey vulture breeding pair usually raises two offspring. The eggs of a turkey vulture are cream-colored, with brown or lavender spots. Both parents incubate, and the young hatch after 30-40 days. Both adults feed the chicks by regurgitating food for them. The young leave the nest at about nine to ten weeks, but family groups stay together until fall.
Adults are almost exclusively carrion feeders, but there have been localized populations that have adapted to feed on newborn livestock, primarily lambs and calves. Vultures are likely attracted to the afterbirth and are opportunistic feeders of the helpless newborn.
There are very few natural predators to the turkey vulture. However, turkey vultures at any stage in life may be prey to great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and bald eagles, while eggs and fledglings may be preyed on by raccoons and opossums. A turkey vultures primary form of defense is regurgitating semi-digested meat, which deters most creatures from raiding a vulture nest.
Special Notes:
Vultures are widely known as harbingers of death. Chinese tradition believes the vulture to be the only animal that can see both heaven and earth, so they are on omen for those who are about to die. Vultures are widely seen as a symbol for Halloween. On the contrary, some African cultures view vultures as messengers form the afterlife who bring joy to loved ones by delivering their souls back home. Some cultures even view vultures as a sign of rebirth.
Vultures have benefitted in more modern times from events held in their name. The Hinckley Buzzard Day event in Hinkley, Ohio marks the March return of vultures to northeast Ohio and the arrival of spring. Also, the small town of Makanda in southern Illinois hosts the annual Vulture Fest in October each year. Again, the symbolism of rebirth (spring) and death (autumn) is evident here.
Here in Bella Vista, turkey vultures can be seen scavenging on roadkill and other carrion. Although scavenging may not give them a good reputation, it plays a valuable role in reducing disease in the ecosystem. In areas of the world, such as Asia, where scavenger populations are declining there is an associated increase in diseases like rabies and other harmful viruses. Be thankful turkey vultures can serve as a cleaning crew to our scenic roadways! However, over population of vultures can also cause problems. As a nuisance animal, they can tear up boat and vehicle upholstery and window linings and defecate on personal property. In the fall and winter, congregations of up to 400 individuals can be observed.
Bella Vista Arts Council recognizes area artists
in Mobile POA News/by BVPOABELLA VISTA, Ark. – The Bella Vista Arts Council is pleased to honor photographer Quin Warsaw as the October 2021 featured artist.
Warsaw will be honored at a public reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 in the Club Room at the Bella Vista Country Club, 98 Clubhouse Dr.
Warsaw is a young nature photographer, naturalist and bird lover who has Autism and lives in Bella Vista. He has been documenting nature through his photography for four years. He has two birds named Bella and Vista.
Warsaw also goes by the name “Snappy” and his photography is shared on the Facebook group Snappy’s View, which has over 600 followers. He participates in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Wings Over Arkansas program, with a twist of only counting those he has been able to photograph. He has photographed over 150 bird species in NWA.
He is a member of the Bella Vista Photography Club, Bella Vista Birders, Bella Vista Bluebird Society and Arkansas Master Naturalists. He also enjoys a round of golf and volunteers at tournaments. Warsaw regularly contributes nature photography throughout NWA and enjoys sharing his appreciation for nature in the community, helping to inspire and educate others of all ages. He also volunteers at Horses for Healing, where he’s been a student for four years.
His online gallery can be viewed at https://snappysview.shootproof.com and photo greeting cards are available locally at The Bluebird Shed in Bella Vista.
The Bella Vista Arts Council, an advisory board to the City Council, was created by the City Council in February 2016 to help promote the arts in Bella Vista. Board members are Demara Titzer (president), Sharon Wynegar and Shelli Kerr. The board established an Artist of the Month program, in which selected artists and their work will be showcased and recognized for their achievements.
A committee will choose each month from qualified artists, who must be residents of Bella Vista. Events will be held in a location around the city. Submit nominations via email to vog.r1660884613aatsi1660884613valle1660884613b@lic1660884613nuocs1660884613tra1660884613.
Species Profile: Charadrius vociferus- Killdeer
in Species Profile/by BVPOAScientific Name: Charadrius vociferus
Common Name(s): Killdeer
©Frank Schulenburg
Identification:
The killdeer is North America’s best-known plover. Plovers are shorebirds, but killdeer are often found long distances from water. Adult killdeer are 8-11 inches in length, having a wingspan between 23-25 inches, weighing 2.5-4.3 oz. Coloration is brown with a rust-colored fringe on the top. They have a white stomach and throat with two black bands on their breast. The bright orange buff rump can only be seen in flight. Killdeer are quite vocal and make a distinct “kill-deer” call. The call is usually sharp and shrill. There are many online resources demonstrating this call.
Range:
The killdeer is a medium distance migrant but is a year-round resident in most of North America. Northern populations avoid harsh winters by migrating south. In the central and southern United States as well as the Pacific coast, killdeer are year-round residents.
Ecology:
The killdeer primarily feeds on terrestrial invertebrates, such as worms, beetles, and grasshoppers, but they will feed on seeds and small vertebrates, as well. During the day, killdeer forage mainly in fields, especially those with short vegetation near water. Pastures are good places to find them. In the non-breeding season, when the moon is full or close to full, the killdeer will forage at night, because of the higher insect abundance at night during this time of year.
Throughout the U.S. and Canada, killdeer prefer open habitats such as fields, meadows, gravel bars, and mudflats, but they can be found in a variety of other habitats. Killdeer are often found in human-modified habitats such as gravel roads, driveways, parking lots, and lawns. They may even be found in upland areas far from water. While they do not require a special habitat for their daily activities, they do require specific nesting habitat.
Killdeer nest in sandy or gravelly areas. These areas are often near wet or muddy areas, but this is not required. During the breeding season, killdeer form pairs, and might even form the same pair in successive breeding seasons. Both male and female killdeer build the nest and incubate the eggs, while the males incubate the eggs more often at night. Killdeer are most vulnerable during breeding season, and while incubating their eggs.
Killdeer have a few mechanisms to escape predation. One iconic mechanism is their “broken-wing” display. When it spots a predator, the killdeer pretends it has a broken wing – calling loudly and limping along as it stretches out one wing and fans its tail. The intensity of the display varies throughout the breeding season. During egg-laying, the killdeer will usually just leave the nest. As incubation progresses, killdeer become more responsive. After hatching, killdeer will only make alarm calls.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, killdeer can be found in open fields, backyards, golf courses, and near the water’s edge. Killdeer don’t visit bird feeders, but if you look around your lawn or in gravel parking lots, you might see one. These birds are permanent residents here in Arkansas, so look out for them during breeding season, which is usually in spring. If you see the “injury display” you may be close to a nest. Be careful not to step on it as they are well camouflaged.
Species Profile: Toads
in Species Profile/by BVPOABufo (Anaxyrus) americanus & Bufo (Anaxyrus) fowleri- American & Fowler’s Toad
Scientific Name: Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus & Bufo (Anaxyrus) fowleri
Common Name(s): American Toad & Fowler’s Toad
©Cephas & ©Christina Butler
Identification:
The American and Fowler’s toads look very similar. Both toads typically have a gray or brown coloration and are 2-3.5 inches long. American toads are sexually dimorphic, which in this case means the males are smaller than the females and have darker throats during the breeding season. The Fowler’s toad has a light stripe down it’s back, but that can be hard to see. A great way to differentiate between the two toads is by counting the number of bumps inside the dark splotches on their bodies. American toads have one or two bumps per splotch, while Fowler’s toads have three or four bumps per splotch. Also, the belly of the Fowler’s toad is usually all white, unlike the American toad’s belly, which is white with black spots. Interestingly, these two species of toads can hybridize making it difficult to identify if they are in the same geographical range.
American (left) and Fowler’s Toad Ranges
Range:
Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus are one of the more widely distributed Bufo species in North America. Their range extends from Manitoba, parts of Ontario and Quebec, the Maritime Provinces, and southern Newfoundland in the north to Kansas and the Dakotas in the west. Their habitat stretches down across the southeastern United States, but the American toad’s range does not reach Florida. Bofu (Anaxyrus) fowleri is native to the eastern United States, but they are not found in the Coastal Plains of South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida.
Ecology:
The American and Fowler’s toads eat mostly invertebrates, but while the American toad will eat worms, Fowler’s toads will not. Both species of toad can be hunting for their food at night near shallow waters, which they use to breed. American toads are highly adaptable and can be found in almost every habitat, while Fowler’s toads are commonly found only in forested habitats.
Toads produce toxins to protect themselves against predators, but some predators have adapted to tolerate the chemicals in the toxin. Even in the egg and tadpole stage of development these species secrete a toxin to deter predators. American and Fowler’s toads will crouch and stay still to camouflage to avoid predation by those who have adapted to the toxin. The eastern hognose snake is tolerant and specializes in eating American toads.
Breeding in both species of toads usually begins in April, which is marked by a trill call of the male toad to attract a female. Females from both species choose their mate by the male’s call and the quality of breeding territory he possesses. After mating the female American toad lays 4,000-8,000 eggs in two rows, and each row spans from 20-66 feet long. The female Fowler’s toad can lay up to 12,000 eggs. Depending on the temperature, the development of Fowler’s toad tadpoles is a bit slower than that of the American toad if it is cold. Both species of toads reach maturity after two years. While longevity is not in the cards for most toads, some American toads can live to 10 years old, and there is a record of a captive American toad living for 36 years. Fowler’s toads do not fare as well in the wild, only living up to four years.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, both toads are found near our lakes and streams. Even if you cannot see them, you can identify the toads by their trilling calls. The Fowler’s toad has a short, buzzy, nasal trill that doesn’t last for more than four seconds, while the American toad has a similar trill that is less nasally and lasts from 5-30 seconds or more. It is also likely to have Fowler’s toads living around houses and gardens.
Species Profile: Mephitis mephitis- Striped Skunk
in Species Profile/by BVPOAScientific Name: Mephitis mephitis
Common Name(s): Striped Skunk
©Dan & Lin Dzurisin
Identification:
The striped skunk is a stout, short-limbed animal with a small, cone-shaped head and a long, furred tail. They range between 20 and 30 inches long, and weigh 4.0 to 9.9 lb. Their front feet are armed with five long, curved claws adapted for digging, while those on the hind feet are shorter and straighter. The coloration can vary, but most have a black body with a white stripe extending from the head, which divides along the shoulders and continues as two stripes down the body to the tail.
Range:
Stripes skunks are found throughout North America from southern Canada into northern Mexico.
Ecology:
The striped skunk is an omnivorous, opportunistic feeder. Their diet is insectivorous during the spring and summer seasons when insects are abundant, then they switch to a carnivorous diet during colder months. Throughout the winter, they eat small mammals, amphibians, fish, and ground-nesting birds. The skunk is primarily nocturnal. It sleeps in its burrow during the day and hunts at night. The skunk doesn’t build its own den but finds abandoned burrows or natural hollows to make its den.
The striped skunk lives in a variety of habitats including pasture, mixed woods, brushland, and open prairie. They are most likely to be found in areas where there is ample food and cover, like agricultural areas. Though they prefer these open pastures and forests, they are never far from water.
Breeding season occurs from mid-February to mid-March. The babies are born about two months later. A female skunk has an average litter of about five to six babies, which are blind and deaf when born. The babies are nursed in the den for about a month and a half. They stay with the mother for a year before going out on their own.
While they might not be built for running away from predators, striped skunks have developed a defense system that is quite unique. When a skunk is threatened, its first response is to run from a predator, and if that doesn’t work, it tries to frighten the predator by arching its back, raising its tail, and turning its back on the predator. If none of these defense mechanisms deter a predator, the skunk will spray the animal with a strong-smelling fluid.
Special Notes:
Here in Bella Vista, striped skunks can be found in open fields and forested areas, especially around dawn or dusk. They can also be found in just about any open field or empty forested lot. Be careful if you see one, because the skunk can spray a strong-smelling fluid up to 12 feet away!
Loch Lomond Drawdown
in Lakes/by BVPOAThe draw down is scheduled to begin on November 24, 2021. The lake should be down 4 feet by December 10 at the anticipated rate of 3 inches per day. Gates will be closed and the lake allowed to return to full pool on March 1, 2022.
A list of contractors doing work on our lakes can be viewed by clicking below. This list is not an endorsement.
Unique species on Tanyard Trail
in Mobile POA News/by BVPOAA small garden of Prickly Pear Cactus has been thriving recently along the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail thanks to a group of 20 POA volunteers who discovered it and continue to maintain it for visitors to enjoy.
“While working on maintenance duties with volunteers we found the cactus approximately three to four years ago,” Tanyard Creek Nature Trail Volunteer Ray Matkowski said. “It was overgrown with weeds, shading the cactus. I love cactus and we try to keep the weeds from overtaking it and keeping the are neat for visitors.”
Randy Hamm, chairman of the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail Volunteers, says the hard work is paying off.
“Ray and Jerry have taken a special interest in the cactus, which, as far as I know, grows in just this one area of the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail,” Hamm said “Under Ray’s leadership, these two have opened up this area to sunlight and kept the underbrush mowed down so the cactus can thrive. As a result of their efforts, this summer we’re seeing blooms for the first time. It’s worth a short side trip off the main trail to see it.”
According to fellow Tanyard Creek Nature Trail volunteer Jerry Butler, the cacti are a remnant of a glade, a natural formation once common in the Ozarks.
“Our glade, strictly speaking, no longer exists, but the cactus has survived,” Butler said. “Glades once formed on the tops or upper reaches of rocky elevations, created by fires sweeping up to the hilltops, making clearances devoid of shrubs and trees. Most of the soil washed away over time with no plants to hold it in place, but prairie grasses, wildflowers, and prickly pears would sprout and hold on.”
Since the prickly pear was discovered, the volunteers have knocked down surrounding shrubs, mowed weeds and have turned what was a cactus patch into a garden.
“Where we can see the plants thrive and blossom – a memory of a glade,” Butler said.
Matkowski said while prickly pear might be considered a nuisance in some areas of the country, area residents love it.
“The blooms are beautiful,” he said. “Make sure you visit our cactus patch!”