What Nature's Doing

As the winter chill finally breaks, the Eastern Redbud stages a breathtaking, magenta-pink magic trick! Often called the "harbinger of spring," these cheerful understory trees don't bother waiting for leaves to appear. Instead, they explode in a profusion of rosy, pea-shaped blossoms that cover their bare branches and even sprout directly from the trunk in …

The "Hummingbird Highway" is officially open at Hewnhaven! Our tiny, speedy summer residents have returned to Southern Missouri, buzzing around the feeders and battling over the best nectar spots. Come watch these iridescent aerial acrobats fuel up; it’s a tiny, high-speed, sugar-fueled show you won't want to miss! Event Highlights: Aerial Battles: Watch the feisty …

Breeding occurs earlier in the year, peaking from mid-February into early March, with a gestation period of roughly 60 to 63 days. April through May is a high-activity period as parents hunt more to feed their young, often leading to increased sightings and potential conflicts. Both parents care for the pups, which start emerging from …

When the dogwoods bloom, it's as if the forest decided to throw a fancy white-and-pink party to celebrate spring! These trees shake off the winter blues, covering their branches in showy, star-shaped bracts (which are actually modified leaves, not petals!) before the green foliage even appears.   It’s a brief, magical, two-week spectacle that makes …

Most does produce twins after their first year. Newborns are hidden in dense cover or tall grass for the first few weeks to avoid predators and are often left alone by the mother, which is normal. They can walk within hours and begin following their mothers after about a month. Appearance: Newborns have spots and …

Hens typically lay their eggs in April and begin a 28-day incubation period, resulting in the hatching of young poults around this time. While most hatching occurs early, renesting attempts can lead to broods appearing as late as August. Young turkeys (poults) are mobile and able to feed themselves within a day or two of …

While early broods hatch in June, nesting is prolonged, with significant numbers of chicks hatching through July, August, and sometimes into early September. Once the full clutch is laid, eggs hatch in approximately 23–24 days. Chicks are mobile immediately, with most broods out by late summer. Extended Season: Due to renesting and multiple nesting attempts, …