Welcome back, Habichatters!

One swallow does not make a spring, but what about a swallowtail? April and June are both common months to see zebra swallowtails in Maryland, and we look forward to greeting them in the near future! The sun is returning, and with it, the spring migration of birds will soon be well underway. In light of the constantly changing temperatures, remember to refrain from cleaning up your garden until temperatures are above 50 degrees for several days in a row. Our native bees are late risers, an adaptation that allows them to avoid rising from hibernation before food is available!

We continue to contemplate the moon this season, with an overview of the spring moons and how they connect to Maryland’s native plants. Our native plant profile focuses on one species of the slow-growing Trillium genus and its fascinating natural history. Rabbits are an ever-present symbol of the progress of spring, and our native animal focus this season is on the intersection of plants and animals, and how we can make our yards a welcoming habitat for our native rabbits. Finally, a topic that, despite its ephemeral nature, is making a very real mark on the lives of many of us: generative AI, and how to tell the difference between AI photos and videos of wildlife and those of the real, flesh-and-blood wildlife Marylanders who hop, fly, and swim through our lives.

-- Team Habichat

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P.S. If you missed it in our first 2026 issue: our new herps poster series is now available! Please share with the educators in your communities, and don’t forget to mention the Project WILD K-12 Curriculum. Advanced training (for PDP credit) being offered in August!

Sarah Witcher [email protected] ​410-260-8566​

Katy Gorsuch Katherine.G​[email protected]

 

“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for a moment."
- Georgia O'Keeffe

In This Issue:

Moon Mythology and Maryland’s Wildlife: Spring Moons
In our ongoing series, learn how the spring full moons receive their nicknames, and maybe consider creating our own. This modern folklore gives us an excellent opportunity to learn more about both the night sky and Maryland’s wildlife!

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Native Plant Profile: Toadshade
Many common plant names have the ability to conjure an evocative image, and the word “toadshade” is no exception. This common name, along with “sessile-flowered wake-robin” and “stinking benjamin,” are all among the list of intriguing epithets for Trillium sessile, one of Maryland’s ten Trillium species.

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Habitat Tips: Rabbit-Friendly Yards
Have you ever thought you could use more rabbits in your yard? Admittedly, it’s not a request we often hear. Whether you love rabbits or hate them, better understanding these small mammals is the first and best step to coexisting. Here’s some guidance for the lovers of lagomorphs on building a cozy wild rabbit habitat.

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Is That Real? A Guide to Identifying Fake Wildlife Videos Created with Generative AI
Is scrolling through your feed of cute animals making you feel frustrated and confused lately? You’re not alone; the rise of generative AI has resulted in a boom of fake pictures and videos of domesticated and wild animals alike. How can you tell the difference? Our strategies for identifying and avoiding being fooled by GenAI are here to help.

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You can also​​
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We want to hear from you!

Letters, e-mail, photos, drawings. Let us know how successful you are as you create wildlife habitat on your property.

Write to Me!
Sarah Witcher
Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401
[email protected]
410-260-8566

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​Habichat, the newsletter for Maryland's Stewards of Backyard Wildlife, is published by the Wildlife and Heritage Service, Maryland Departme​nt of Natural Resources. The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or physical or mental disability. This document is available in alternative format upon request.

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