ANIMALS

MAMMALS

Eastern Gray Squirrel - Sciurus carolinensis
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit - Sylvilagus floridanus
Eastern Chipmunk - Tamias striatus striatus
Big Brown Bat - Eptesicus fuscus
Norway (Brown/Sewer) Rat - Rattus noregicus
Opossum - Didelpphis virginiana
Woodchuck (Groundhog) - Marmota monax
House Mouse - Mus musculus
Raccoon - Procyon lotor
Gray Fox - Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Eastern Mole - Scalopus aquaticus
Southern Flying Squirrel - Glaucomys volans
Short-tailed Shrew - Blarina brevicauda
White-footed Mouse - Peromyscus leucopus
Meadow Vole (field mouse) - Microtus pennsylvanicus
Eastern Red Bat - Lasiurus boreais
Deer Mouse - Peromyscus maniculatus

BIRDS

Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus
Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura
Rock Dove - Columba livia
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris
Chimney Swift - Chaetrua pelagica
Fish Crow - Corvus ossifragus
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos
Blue Jay- Cyanocitta cristata
Carolina Chickadee- Poecile carolinensis
Tufted Titmouse- Parus bicolor
White-breasted Nuthatch- Sitta carolinensis
Northern Mockingbird- Mimus polyglttos
Eastern Bluebird- Sialia sialis
House Finch- Carpodacus mexicanus
American Robin- Turdus migratonius
Northern Cardinal- Cardinalis cardinalis
Mourning Dove- Zenaida macrooura
Gray Catbird- Dumetella caroliinensis
European Starling- Sturnus vulgaris
Black Vulture- Coragyps atratus
Carolina Wren- Thryothorus ludovicianus
Common Grackle- Quiscalus quiscaula
Great Blue Heron- Ardea herodias
Sharp-shinned Hawk- Accipiter striatis
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker- Sphyrapicus varius
American Coot- Fulica americana
Belted Kingfisher- Megaceryle alcyon
Eastern Kingbird- Tyrannus tyrannus
Barn Swallow- Hirundo rustic
Rufous-sided Towhee- Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Brown-headed Cowbird- Molothrus ater
Brown Thrasher- Toxostoma rufus
Pine Siskin- Carduelis pinus
House Wren- Troglodytes aedon
American Goldfinch- Carduelis tristis
Harry Woodpecker- Picoides villosus
Cooper’s Hawk- Accipiter cooperii
Eastern Phoebe- Sayornis phoebe
White-throated Sparrow (tan-striped)- Zonotrichia albicollis
Purple Finch- Carpodacus purppureu
Chipping Sparrow- Spizella passerine
Evening Grosbeak- Hesperiphona vespertin
House Sparrow- Passer domesticus
Bald Eagle(released) - Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Downy Woodpecker- Picoides pubescens
Ring-billed Gull- Larus thayeri
Golden-crowned Kinglet- Regulus satrapa
Flicker “Yellow-shafted”- Colaptes auratus
Brown-headed Nuthatch- Sitta pusilla
Red-headed Woodpecker- Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Northern Wheatear(A very rare sighting) - Oenanthe oenanthe
Cedar Waxwing-Bombycilla cedrorurn
White-throated Sparrow (white-striped)- Zonotrichia albicolllus
Red-shouldered Hawk- Buteo lineatus
Canada Goose- Branta Canadensis
Eastern Wood-pewee- Contopus virens
Northern Harrier Hawk- Circus cyaneus
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (male)- Pheucticus ludovicanus
Song Sparrow- Melospiza melodia melodia
Barred Owl - Strix varia
Varied Thrush - Ixoreus naevius
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinua
American Kestrel - Falco sparverius
Western Osprey - Pandion haliaetus

FISH

Bluegill - Lepomis macrohirus
Rock Bass - Ambleplites rupestris
Yellow Perch - Perca flavescens
Channel Catfish - Ictalurus punctalus
White Crappie - Pomoxis annularis

AMPHIBIANS

Dusky Salamander - Desmognathus fuscus
American Toad - Bufo americanus
Bullfrog - Rana catesbeiana
Green Tree Frog - Hyla cinerea

REPTILES

Eastern Mud Turtle - Kinosternon subrubum
Copperhead - Agkistrodon contortrix
Rat Snake (Black) - Elaphe obsoleta
Worm Snake - Carphophis amoenus
Six-lined Racerunner - Cnemidophorus sexlineatus
Snapping Turtle (female) - Chelydra serpentine
Northern Redbelly Snake -Storeria occipitomatulata

MOLLUSKS

Asiatic Clam - Corbicula fluminalis
Gray Garden Slug - Deroceras reticultatum
European Sowbug - Species asellus

INSECTS

Lady Beetle - Harmonia axzridis
Asian Honeybee - Apis mellifera
Tile-horned Prionus - Prionus impricornis
Cabbage White Butterfly - Pieris rapae
Rose Chafer - Macrodactylus subspinosus
Firefly - Lampridae ssp.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail - Papilio glaucuc
Wood Louse - Armadillidium vulgare
Fall Webworm - Hyphantria cunea
Hoverfly - Syrphidae ssp.
Housefly - Musca domestica
Camel Cricket - Ceuthophilus ssp.
Golden-eye Lacewing - Cnrysopa aculata
Common Eastern Sweatbee - Dialictus zephrum
Corn Earworm - Helicoverpa zea
Crane Fly - Tipulidae ssp.
Small Milkweed Bug - Lygaeus kalmii
Waved Sphinx - Ceratomia undulosa
Ichneumons - Ichneumoidea ssp.
Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta
Bumblebee - Bombus ssp.
Green stink Bug - Chinavia hilaris
Yellowjacket - Vespinae ssp.
Monarch - Danaus plexippus
Field Cricket (female) - Stagmomantis carolina
American Copper- Lycaena hypophlaeas
Dobsonfly - Corydalus cornutus
Hummingbird Moth- Hemaris diffinis
Mosquito - Aedes ssp.
Acorn Weevil- Curculio glandium
Red Carpenter Ant- Componotus chromaiodes
Satin Moth- Stilpnotia salicis
Large Tiger Moth- Apantesis arge
Diana (male)- Speyeria diana
Little Black Ant- Monomorium minimum
Cottonwood Dagger- Acronicta lepusculina
Cigara Case Bearer- Coleophra accidentis
Cotton Leafworm- Alabama argillaacea
Flying Ant- Formicidae ssp.
Bluebottle Fly- Calliphora vomitoria
Springtail - Orchesslla ainsiei
Water Strider- Gerris conformis
European Hornet- Vespa crabro
Eastern Tailed Blue- Everes comyntas
Micro Moth(Species) - Caloptillia stigmatella
Green Darner Dragonfly- Anax junius
Casemaking Clothes Moth- Tinea pellionella
Peach Tree Borer(female) - Sanninoidea exiticea
Silver-spotted Skipper- Epargyreus clarus
potless Ladybug- Cycloneda munda
Coccinellid Ladybug(succinea) - Harmonia axyridis
Dreamy Duskywing- Erynnis icelus
False Spot ladybug- Tytthapis 16-punctata
False Click Beetle- Isarthrus rufipes
June Bug- Phyllophaga ssp
Green June Beetle- Cotinis nitida
Eyed Click Beetle- Alaus oculatus
Buckeye Butterfly- Precis lavinia
Dog Flea- Ctenocephalides canis
American Grasshopper- Schistocerca americana
Southern Cornstalk Borer- Diatraea crambidoies
American Painted Lady- Vanessa virginiensis
American Cockroach- Periplaneta americana
Zebra Moth- Conchylodes ovulalis
Mexican Bean Beetle(larva) - Epilachna varivestis
Polyphemus Moth- Antheraea polyphemus
Spotted-sided Cutworm- Amathes badinodis
Mourning Cloak- Nymphalis antiopa
Hickory Tiger Month- Halisidota caryae
Dark-sided Cutworm- Euxoa messoria
Hag Moth(F) - Phobetron pithecium
Shield Bug- Eurygaster alternata
Imperial Moth- Eacles imperialis
Black Cutworm- Agrotis ipsilon
Cicada Annual- Tibicen ssp.
Walnut Sphinx- Cressonia juglandis
Japanese Hornet / Wasp- Vespa mandarinia japonica
Spotted Cucumber Beetle- Diabrotica undecimpunctata
Small Milkweed Bug- Lygaeus kalmii
Southern Hawker Dragonfly- Aeshua cyanea
Angle Wings Butterfly- Polygonia comma
Phantom Crane Fly- Bittacomorpha clavipes
Common Gray Robber Fly- Erax apicalis
Redheaded Ash Borer- Neoclytus acuminatus
Locust Underwing- Euparthenas nubilis
Snowy Tree Cricket- Oceanthus fultoni
Grapevine Beetle- Pelidnota punctata
Giant Ichneumon Wasp- Megarhyssa macruos
Greater Wax Moth- Galleria mellonella
Implicit Arches Moth- Lacinipolia implica
Greenhouse Stone Cricket- Tachycines asynomorous
Parthenice Tiger Moth- Grammia parthenice parthenice
Currant Fruitworm Moth- Carposina fernaldana
Porcelain Gray Moth- Protoboarmia porcelaria
Golden Tortoise Beetle- Metriona bicolor
Crane Fly- Tipula rossmani
Saddleback Caterpillar- Sibine stimulea
Unicorn Beetle(M&F) - Dynastes tityus
Peach Tree Borer(female) - Sanninoidea exiticea
Red-lined Panopoda Moth- Panopoda rufimargo
Walnut Shoot Moth (larva)- Acrobasis demotella
Common Looper Moth- Autographa precationis
Esteemed Ladybug (female)- Hyperaspis proba
Great Black Wasp- Sphex pensylvanicus
Twice-stabbed Ladybug- Chilocorus-stigma
Azalea Caterpillar- Datana major
Hickory Tussock Moth (caterpillar)- Lophocampa caryae
Ailanthus Webworm Moth- Atteva aurea
German or European Wasp- Vespula germanica
Katydid - Tettigonnidae ssp.
Lunate Zale Moth- Zale lunate
Leucospidae (wasp)- Leucospis affinis
Tachinidane (fly)- Tachina ssp.
Patent-leather Beetle (larva)- Odontotaeius disjuntcus
House Centipede- Scutigera coleoptrata
Gulf Fritillary- Agraulis vanilla
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug- Halyomorpha haly
Common Green Bottle Fly- Lucilia sericata
Red Pavement Ant- Tetramorium caespitum
Green Lacewing- Chrysoperia rufilabris
Large Cabbage White Butterfly- Pieris brassicae
Celery Leaftier Moth- Udea rubigalis
Spined Oak Borer- Elaphidion mucronatum
Eastern Cicada Killer- Sphecius speciosus
Eastern Carpenter Bee- Xylocopa virginica
Morning-glory Plume Moth- Emmelina monodactyla
Common Checkered Skipper- Pyrgus communis
Bicolored Sallow- Sunira bicolorago
Orange-spotted Idia- Idia diminuendos
Dimorphic Macalla Moth- Epipaschia superatalis
Azalea Bark Scale -Eriococcus azalea
White Satin Moth -Leucoma salicis
Wheel Bug -Arilus cristatus
Broad-tipped Conehead (Katydid)- Neoconocephalus triop
Blue-winged Wasp- Scolia dubia
Boxelder -Boisea trivittata
European Corn Borer- Ostrinia nubilalis
Brown-Shaded Gray Moth -Iridopsis defectaria
Forage Looper Moth- Caenurgina erechtea
Horace’s Duskywing- Eynnis horatius
Mollted Grass-veneer -Neodactria luteolellus
Varied Carpet Beetle- Anthrenus verbasci
Flordia Carpenter Ant- Camponotus floridanu
Chigger Mite- Trombiculidae alfreddigesi
Tomentose burying beetle- Nicrophorus tomentosus
Dogbane Tiger Moth- Cycnia tenera

ARACHNIDS

Common House Spider- Achearanea tepidariorum
Grass Spider- Agelenopsis naevia
Dotted Wolf Spider- Rabidosa punctulata
Jumping Spider- Metophidippus galathea
Cobweb Weaver- Dipoena nigra
Ghost Spider- cf. Anyphaena celer
Yellow Crab Spider- Misumenopes formosipes
Southern Black Widow (M & F) - Latrodectus mactans
Crab Spider - Bassaniana versicolor
Dark Fishing Spider (F) - Dolomedes tenebrosus
Arrowhead Spider - Verrucosa arenata
Purseweb Spider - Sphodros rufipes
Lance Wolf Spider (male) - Schizocosa avida
Longbodied Cellar Spider - Pholcus phalangioides
Common Spitting Spider - Scytodes thoracica
Strawcolored Longjawed Orbweaver - Tetragnatha straminea
Bronze Jumper - Eris militaris
Seven-Angled Orbweaver - Gea heptagon
Ant Mimic Spider - Castianeira longipalpa
Leafy Cobweb Weaver - Theridion frondeum
Green Lynx Spider - Peucetia viridans
Carolina Wolf Spider - Hogna carolinensis
Southern House Spider - Kukulcania hibernalis
Tent Cobweb Weaver - Tidarren sisyphoides
Green Crab Spider - Misumessus oblongus
Broad-faced Sac Spider -Trachelas tranquillus

SEGMENTED WORM

Earthworm - Lumbricus terrestris

PLANTS

WOODY PLANTS

Wourwood (Sorrel) - Oxydendrum arboretum
White Oak - Quercus alba
Southern Red Oak - Quercus falcate
Black Walnut - Juglans nigra
Yellow-Poplar - Liriodendron tulipifera
Eastern White Pine- Pinus strobus
Carolina Hemlock- Tsuga carolinana
Eastern Hemlock- Tsuga canadensis
Southern Magnolia- Magnolia grandiflora
American Sycamore- Platanus occidentalis
Flowering Dogwood- Cormus florida
Sugar Maple- Acer saccharum
Crape Myrtle- Lagerstroemia indica
Pecan - Carya illinoinsis
Willow Oak- Quercus phellos
American Holly Tree- llex opaca
River Birch(Water Birch) - Betula nigra
Lacebark Elm(note 2) - Ulmus parvifolia
Black Willow(Swamp Willow) - Salix nigra
Box elder- Acer negundo
Red Maple- Acer rubrum
American Sweetgum- Liquidamar styraciflua
Kudzu - Pueraia Montana var. Lobata
Smooth Sumac- Rhus glabra
American (Elderberry) Elder- Sambucus canadensis
Multiflora Rose- Rosa multiflora
Eastern Redbud- Cercis candensis
Deodar Cedar- Cedrus deodara
Tree-of-Heaven - Ailanthus altissima
Sassafras - Sassafras albidum
Mountain Laurel- Kalmia latifolia
Easter Red Cedar- Juniperus virginiana
American Persimmon- Diospyros virginiana
American Mistletoe- Phoradendon flavescens
Poison Ivy- Rhus radicans
Fox Grape- Vitis labrusca
Paper Mulberry (male)- Broussonetia papyrifera
Southern Shagbark Hickory- Carya ovata
White Mulberry- Morus alba
Field Bindweed- Convolvulus arvensis
Lily Turf (Monkey Grass)- Liriope muscari
Common Mullein- Verbascum Thapsus
Mockernut Hickory- Carya alba
American Elm- Ulmuss americana
Southern Hackberry- Celtis laevigata
Blackjack Oak- Quercus marilandica
American Beech- Fagus grandifolia
Green Ash- Fraxinus pennselvanica
Black Gum- Nyssa sylvatica
American Hornbeam- Carpinus carolinana
Post Oak- Quercus stellata
Chestnut Oak- Quercus montana
White Ash- Fraxinus americana
Red Oak- Quercus rubra
Flame Azalea -Rhododendron calendulaceum
Carolina Moonseed -Cocculus carolinu
Black Cherry - Prunus serotina
Callery Pear (Bradford Pear) - Pyrus calleryana
Chinaberry Tree - Melia azedarach
Yellow Jasmine - Gelsemium sempervirens
Coral Honeysuckle - Lonicera sempervirens
Sweet Osmanthus - Osmanthus fragrans
Muscadine Grape - Vitis rotundifolia
American Chestnut - Castanea dentat
Japanese Maple - Acer palmatummapl
English Dogwood (sweet Mock-orange) - Philadelphus coronarius
Climbing Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata
Yaupon - Ilex vomitoria

NON-WOODY PLANTS

Globe Sedge - Cyperus globulosus
Bermuda Grass - Cynodon dactylon
Lance-leafed Coreopsis - Coreopsis lanceolata
Queen Anne’s Lace - Daucus carota
Cat’s Ear (False Dandelion) - Hypochoeris radicata
Purple Passion Flower - Passiflora icarnata
Tickseed Sunflower - Bidens coronate
Goldenrod - Solidago ssp.
Sweet-scented Joe-Pye Weed - Eupatorium purpureum
Strawberry Bush - Eunoymus americanus
Pokeweed - Phytolacca americana
Common Dandelion - Taraxacum officinalis
Dallisgrass - Paspalum dilatatum
Common Blackberry- Rubus alleghenensis
Carpet Moss- Mnium ssp.
Jack-in-the-pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum
Witchgrass - Panicum capillare
Wild Onion- Allium ssp.
Perennial Ryegrass- Lolium perenne
Ground Ivy(Gil-over-the-Ground) - Glechoma hederacea
Sweet Fennel- Foeniculum vulgare
Frost’s dirinaria lichen- Dirinaria frostii
Old-Man-In-The-Spring - Senecio vulgaris
Wild Lettuce- Lactuca canadensis
English Ivy- Hedera helix
Harry Crabgrass- Digitaria sanguinalis
Christmas Fern- Polystichum aerostichoides
Oak Leaf Hydrangea- Hydrangea quercifolia
Trumpet (Coral) Honeysuckle- Lonicera sempervirens
Confederate Violet- Viola sororia f. priceana
Green and Gold- Chrysogonum virgininanum
Common Milkweed- Asciepias syriaca
Labrador Violet- Viola labradorica
Marsh Marigold- Caltha palustris
Pickerel-weed - Pontederia cordata
Tall Fescue Grass- Festuca arundinacea
Smooth Crabgrass- Digitaria ishaemum
Red Fescue Grass- Festuca rubra
Red Clover- Trifolium pretense
Virginia Creeper- Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Chinese Wisteria- Wisteria sinensis
Hay Scented Fern- Dennstaedtia punctioba
Black-eyed Susan- Rudbeckia hirta
White Clover- Trifolium repens
Small White Aster- Aster vimineus
Yellow Wood Sorrel- Oxalis europaea
Yellow Foxtail- Setaria glauca
Green Foxtail- Setaria viridis
Corn Speedwell- Veronica serpyllifolia
Dog Fennel- Eupatorium capillifolium
Virgin’s Bower(Devil’s Hair) - Clematis virginiana
Japanese Knotweed- Fallopia japonica
Buckhorn Plantain- Plantago lanceolata
Asiatic Dayflower- Cummelina communis
Evening primrose- Oenothera biennis
Narrow Leaf Plantain(English Plantain) - Plantago laceolata
Carolina Allspice- Calycanthus floridus
Grayleaf Red Raspberry- Rubus strigosus
Trumpet (Coral) Honeysuckle- Lonicera sempervirens
Spear or Bull Thistle- Cirsium vulgare
Prickly Lettuce- Lactuca serriola
Oyster Plant (salsify)- Tragopogon porrifolius
Hedge Bindwood- Calystegia sepium
Virgina Buttonweed- Diodia virginiana
Sharp-winged Monkeyfllower- Minulus alatus
Sneezeweed - Helenium amarum
Broomsedge - Andropogon virginicus
Graygreen Reindeer Lichen- Cladonia rangifernia
Azure Bluet (Quaker ladies)- Houstonia caerulea
Broadleaf Plantain- Plantago major
Cheat Grass- Bromus tectorum
Blue Star Creeper- Laurentia fluviatilis
Tiny Bluet- Houstonia pusilla
Common Blue Violet- Viola papilionacea
Autumn Snowflake -Acis autumnallis
Giant Horsetail- Equisetum telmateia
Henbit Dead-nette- Lamium amplexicaule
Yellow Pansy- Viola tricolor var. Hortensis
Pink Muhly Grass- Muhenbergia capillaris
Catnip -Nepeta cataria
Wandering Jew -Tradescantia fluminensis
Swiss Giants Ullswater- Viola wittrockiana
Trumpet Daffodil- Narcissus pseudonarcissus
March Marigold- Caltha palustris
Perriwinkle - Vinca minor
Vintage Jade- Distylium “Vintage Jade”
Ozark Beauty Strawberry- Fragaria x ananassa Ozark Beauty
Green Globe Artichoke- Cynara scolymus
Bell Pepper- Capsicum annuum
Curly Parsley- Petroselinum crispum var.crispum
Boston Pickling (Cucumber)- Cucumis satisus
Grape Hyacinth- Muscari armeniacum
Orchard Grass- Dactylis glomOrchard erata
Kentucky Bluegrass- Poa pratensis
Catchweed Bedstraw-Galium aparine
Pink Wood Sorrel- Oxalis crassipes rosea
African Violet- Saintpaulia ionantha
Money Plant(Devils ivy) - Scindapsus aureus
Alpine Columbine- Aquilegia alpina
Banana Tree- Canna 'Musaefolia Hybrida
Korean perilla- Perilla frutescens
Pumpkin - Cucurbita pepo
Purple Fountain GrassPennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum
Bee Balm- Monarda fistulosa
Lamb’s-ear - Stachys byzantina
Sweet corn- Zea mays convar. saccharata var. Rugosa
Yukon Gold Potato- Solanum tuberosum 'Yukon Gold'
Roma Classic Paste Tomato- Solanun lycopersicum (“Roma VF”)
Kale Ornamental (Kamome White)- Brassica oleracea
Border Forsthia- Forsythia x intermedia
Mosquito Plant (Geranium)- Pelargonium ‘citrosum’
Roma Classic Paste Tomato- Solanun lycopersicum (“Roma VF”)
Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis
Easter Lily- Lilium longiflorum
Cinnamon Fern -Osmundastrum cinnamomeum
False Solomon's Seal- Maianthemum racemosum
Spring Starflower- Ipheion uniflorum
Mouse-Eared Chickweed- Cerastium fontanum
Hooked Crowfoot - Ranunculus recurvatus
Golden Netted Iris - Iris reticulata
Jackman's clematis - Clematis Jackmanii
Broccoli - Brassica olerace
Lamb’s-ear - Stachys byzantina
American alumroot - Heuchera americana
Watermelon - Cucurbita citrullus
Yellow Daylilly - Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus L
American alumroot - Heuchera americana
New Guinea impatiens - Impatiens hawkeri
Ribwort Plantain (Lamb’s tongue) - Plantago lanceolata .

FUNGI

Puffball - Lycoperdon pusillum
False Parasol - Chlorophyllum molybdites
Honey Mushroom - Armillariella mellea
Yellow Slime Mold - Plysarum polycep halum
Jack-o'-lantern - Omphalotus olearius
Russula - Hygrophorus russula
Delicious Lactarius - Lactarius deliciosus
Blusher -Amanita rubescens
Soap-scented toadstool - Tricholoma saponaceum
Shingled Hedgehog - Hydnum imbricatum
Fly Agaric - Amanita muscaria
Hen of the Woods - Polyporus frondosus
Health Waxcap - Hygrophorus laetus
Purple-spored Puff Ball - Calvatia cyathiformis
Giant Puffball - Calvayia gigantean
Candlesnuff Fungus - Xylaria hypoxylon
Golden Chanterelle - Cantharellus cibarius
Milk-white Brittlegill - Russula delica
Shaggy Scalycap - Pholiota squarrosa
Irish Moss - Sagina subulata
Alternaria - Alternaria altermata
Dollar Spot - Scieotinia homoeeocarpa
King Alfred's Cake/ Cramp Balls/ Coal Fungus - Daldinia concentrica
Turkey Tail - Trametes versicolo
Common Greenshield Lichen - Flavoparmelia caperat
Rough Speckled Shield Lichen - Punctelia rudecti
Red Beard Lichen - Usnea rubicunda
Red Crest Lichen(British Soldier Moss) - Cladonia cristella
Black Bread Mold - Rhizopus stolonifer

NOTES:

1. The Black Paper Wasp is a dark color variation of the Golden or Northern Paper Wasp.
2. There are only three Lacebark Elms within the Hickory, NC, city limits. One of them is in the Hickory Arboretum, the second on private property, and the third in the front yard of the house I live in.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Let me thank Kenneth Taylor for his eyesight, and ability to differentiate colors. K. T., I promise no more interruptions when you�re eating, sleeping or relaxing with: �KENNETH, Look What I Found! Oh, were you busy? Sorry, to interrupt but this is far far more IMPORTANT!!!�

How do you thank someone who has stood by you for over a score of years? The same person who has never allowed your lifelong illness to harm your friendship? And a friend who, no matter what the situation, has always been there for you?

I�m from a long time ago and what I�m writing next would have been totally unexceptable then; however, now I pen the following words with respect:

Bruce, my Friend, my Mentor, and my Brother,

I LOVE YOU!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Bruce P. Beerbower, Lead Naturalist, Catawba Science Center, Hickory, North Carolina. Bruce is a mentor and a friend who played a key role helping with the technical aspects of making the list. With over 32 year’s employment with the Catawba Science Center and an encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world, his expertise was invaluable.

Lainie, my niece, a very special gal. Due to her insomnia and desire to add to the list, I would occasionally arise in the morning to discover she had a new species to show me.

Samantha, a young friend. In addition to her encouragement, she used her computer skills to compile the final list.

Adam, Daniel & Kenneth, some special friends. Their interest in all aspects of the list continually buoyed my spirits.

REMARKS ON THE FIVE SPECIES
OF MOST INTEREST TO UNCLE BEAR:

When my children were young, (they're in their forties now), I taught them to call all squirrels, "Charlie." Where the name came from is lost in a fleeting memory, but if I'm talking about a gray-coated, cousin to the rat, s/he is a Charlie. As I've always enjoyed watching this animal, please allow me to hold him up as one of my favorietes.

This spring, (2008), I enjoyed watching three fish crows work to build a nest. I discovered that juvenile fish crows will sometimes help their parents with the raising of a new brood. I have no idea what happened, but one day, close to the northern equinox, all three simply disappeared. I never saw or heard of them again, However their stay was both enjoyable to watch, and quite noisy to listen to.

The small butterfly/moth I.D. book I own shows a drawing of a "satin moth." This was no big deal, until I look at one under a 20X microscope lens. "Satin" is truly the word to describe this moth's wings. Looking soft, silky, and sexy, I ended up showing this insect off to more than one person who visited the Bear's Lair.

North Carolina's State tree is the Flowering Dogwood. In the spring it makes all of us Tar Heels proud, and if you'll give us a chance we'll tell you the story that goes with the cross found in the blossom, its diminutive height and tiny branches.

After a cool spell, and with a little rain, if the temperaures will climb into the 70 degree range some of the yards will feature, yellow wood sorrel. This plant offers four leafed flowers, 1/4 inchs in diameter, and as bright yellow as bright yellow can be. But, you have to look carefully for the yellow wood sorrel. It normally hides its head in the cut blades of grass that surround it. It's a wonderful flower to spot, and even more fun to discover just how many are adjacent to the first spotted yellow wood sorrel.

Uncle Bear's Essay:

When I started to discover my 100 life forms, it seemed pretty much like an impossibe task, especially if I stuck to the restriction I had placed on myself. First, I would start fresh in recording the species I found. Next, I would define "my neighborhood," (a six block area), and not stray from it. To that end, with the exception of four plants and two birds, every species has been found within a three block area of my home. Also, of the 37 species of insect logged in, 35 were found on or within 10 feet of my porch. If anyone wishes to check they will find I removed the clam I had logged in on my Silver list, as I felt it didn't belong in my neighborhood.

Another self-imposed rule I placed upon myself was to read at least one page about every species I logged in. Wow! What a wealth of information the internet contains, and for me, the Wikipeadia Encyclopedia. Of course the net and Wikipedia can cross a person up. What happens when your trying to identify a particular insect, and you find there are 24 variations of the same bug? Thank goodness, that's where ssp. comes in.

The first 33 came easy, and the second 37 came a bit harder. (I wanted to submit 70 for my Silver Leaf). The last 30 were logged in one at a time, however, it seemed things slowed down to a snail's pace when I reached number 94, and only had a half dozen to go. When I did pen in a century mark of life forms, I felt a let down. I was done. I had accomplished my goal. Then, in talking to a naturalist friend, Bruce Beerbower, who had supported me, he asked why I was quitting? Had I identified every species of (native) animal or plant in my neighborhood? Why didn't I try for a second 100? I had no answer other than to start recording "The Second 100." This may take awhile, as in the three weeks, I only logged in five life forms.

All in all, earning my Gold Leaf has been a positive, rewarding experience. I would recommend it to anyone who loves nature, and wants a fun challange.

ESSAY FOR 300 SPECIES:

Trying to identify species and having a degree of colorblindness has its drawbacks. As an example, the Catawba Science Center’s Lead Naturalist Bruce Beerbower was fielding a call from me to narrow down the type of bird I’d spotted. I answered his questions as to size, beak, wing bars, eye rings, everything except color. Knowing what was coming next; Bruce asked what color was the bird. Hesitating only for a second I replied, “It was -- brown, no -- gray, perhaps -- green, no, wait -- it might have been tan --- well -- I’m not exactly sure, but I do know it wasn’t blue.” At this point Bruce gently replied, “Until we can be a little more accurate, let’s label it “Ursa penna.”

It seems anyone who knows you’re closing in on a goal will do all they can to help. As the list neared the coveted 300 mark, my niece rushed into the house to proudly announce that Nibbles, our cat, had brought home something that would be a great addition. On the porch, standing tall and proud, Nibbles presented me an oak leaf with a gall. After much petting, praise, and a special treat, while Nibbles took a nap, I tried to determine where a Wooly Oak Leaf Gall should be placed on the list. Finding the answer, I’ve never had the heart to explain to him that a gall is not a living organism but an incubator for insects, mites, bacteria, etc.

What’s next? After I presented my original 100 species list to Bruce Beerbower, he said, “It looks good! I bet you can find another hundred.” When I presented my next list containing an additional 100 species he spoke the same words. This time when I presented my list of 300 species to Bruce, I stated, “Right now I’m one down and ninety-nine to go.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & ESSAY FOR 400 SPECIES:

This list couldn’t have been completed without help from Bruce Beerbower, my friend and mentor, and Kenneth Taylor, another friend and my “eyes” due to vision problems and colorblindness. By using a camera, plus hours of research, and the willingness to admit being stumped, I can proudly state there was no loss of life used to determine species identification.

Essay:
Having been born in 1940, I realize my body has aged; my eyesight diminished, and my mind becoming forgetful. These natural aging factors have caused me to contemplate: “Do I honesty want to try and compile another list of 100 species? As I pen this question I’m aware that I already know my answer; however I’ll let those who look at my species compilations decide it for themselves.

Essay for the 500 List:
When I began compiling my first 100 species essay, little did I know the time would come when I would be penning an essay for a fifth 100 species list. It has been a wonderful ten year journey and a fabulous learning experience.

Do I want to continue species identification? Considering my diminishing eyesight, the pace I�m able to work at, and my ability to be mobile, I�m contemplating retirement.

When Bruce Beerbower, my friend, mentor and a university- degree naturist, quizzed me about my thoughts of quitting, it seemed for every valid reason I had, he had a counter reason for me not to throw in the towel.

I explained to Bruce that it would be totally unfair of me to expect Kenneth Taylor, �my eyes�, to help me the instant I wanted either color identification or conformation about a new (to me) species. Later, after hearing this, Kenneth stated he wouldn�t be available at say, �3:57 a.m�; however, he�d be pleased to join Bruce in aiding me if I were willing to identify species for a sixth 100 list.

In the end, I began mentally studying their input about my retirement. While doing so, my thoughts drifted toward tools like electron microscopes and the multitude of visual references available today. Next, it occurred to me the recording of another 100 species would take far less time than in the past. Finally, having carefully weighing all the facts and ideas, I�ve decided to�.

Uncle Bear
June 10, 2018