Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Today we are highlighting an animal frequently associated with happiness, the Eastern Bluebird! Fairly common and easy to find on the grounds of The Wilderness Center, a bluebird sighting is always a treat, the males in particular a stunning brilliant shade of royal blue on the back and head and bold brick-red on the chest. Eastern Bluebirds can frequently be spotted in open country, perched on low branches, posts, and fences. They prefer a meadow habitat near woods, as they will use holes in trees to make their nests. They are attracted to farmlands, orchards, and pastures, so the land around TWC is ideal habitat. Their summer diet consists primarily of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers. In the fall and winter when insects are more sparse they will feed on fruits and berries. The species is social and will often gather in flocks of over 100. During the breeding season however they become territorial and vigorously defend their nests from rival bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds. Eastern Bluebirds often have more than one successful brood each year, with young from nests early in the season leaving the parents during the summer and young from later nests staying with their parents over the winter. Bluebirds will readily use man-made nest boxes. Their population had declined in the early 20th century when competition from introduced species such as the House Sparrow and European Starling made defending tree cavities and nest holes difficult. Thanks to nest-box campaigns and establishment of bluebird trails, their numbers have recovered, which is certainly a cause for happiness!
Fireflies come out at dusk and mesmerize and delight us with their flashing lights. These beetles have been around for 100 million years. More than 2,400 species are found all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica. In North America alone there are nearly 150 different species of fireflies. And Ohio is home to over 20 of these species each with its own flash pattern. Fireflies have many names, including lightning bugs, moon bugs, and blinkies; however, not all fireflies have bioluminescence we can see. In the U.S., only firefly species east of the Rocky Mountains can be seen lighting up warm summer nights. In northeast Ohio peak firefly season runs from mid-June to mid-July. Fireflies tend to be most active on warm, humid evenings just after sunset. Despite all their success as a species, in recent decades fireflies have been disappearing from many of the places they once called home. Like other insects they are threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use. However, they are also uniquely vulnerable to the harmful effects of light pollution, and research indicates that it may be one of the main causes of their decline. Their bioluminescent flashes are necessary for their reproduction. Through their flash pattern and color, the male firefly signals what species and sex he is. If a female firefly recognizes her species’ pattern from a passing male, she will flash at him inviting him to visit. Artificial light at night makes it harder, and in many places impossible, for fireflies to see each other, interfering with their reproduction. These beetles are so sensitive to light that the light of a full Moon can outshine their flashes making it impossible for males and females to recognize each other. They generally won’t fly or mate around full Moon. Light at night also makes them more vulnerable to predators that would normally be repelled by their light. Not only are fireflies amazing to watch but they also play a vital role in our ecosystem. Most adult fireflies don’t eat; they live only a few weeks with their sole purpose being to mate and create the next generation of fireflies. Larval fireflies on the other hand never stop eating. They perform pest control duties eating things like snails, slugs, worms and tiny insects. They help keep their local soil ecosystem in balance. The few adult fireflies that do eat feed on nectar. These fireflies help pollinate the plants they feed on. Many animals eat fireflies, both adults and larvae, including bats, birds, frogs and spiders to name a few. And because fireflies need specific, unpolluted environments to live in they are considered an indicator of a healthy and balanced local ecosystem. Here’s how we can help fireflies thrive in our yards. We can help with habitat loss by planting native plants in our gardens and letting the grass grow a little longer – mow less frequently and set the mower blade so that grass is four inches long – at least during mating season. Fireflies love tall grass. When the fall leaves drop keep them. Leave them in your yard or if you must, rake them into your planting beds. The larval fireflies need this natural litter. This litter protects the larvae and the small critters that it will feed on. Use non-pesticide solutions for insect control. A dark night is critical to the survival of our fireflies. Turn off all outside lights at night. And, if inside lights are on, close the blinds, curtains or drapes to prevent inside light from spilling outside. Doing these things will allow the firefly to continue playing their role in the ecosystem so we and future generations can continue to enjoy watching fireflies dance in the night. To celebrate this year’s firefly season join us at The Wilderness Center on June 26th, 2026, for our Firefly Festival . This will be an evening of whimsical, family-oriented exploration and celebration of these amazing insects. On July 10th, 2026, join TWC Naturalist and firefly enthusiast Sarah Cline for our “ Silent Sparks Saunter ” program where you will explore the world of firefly diversity, their remarkable lives and the science behind bioluminescence. This program starts inside and ends with a night hike. Please note that the educational content and length of the hike for this program are not designed for children.
