In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate some of Middle Tennessee’s most devoted creatures. These animals don’t just inspire us with their beauty and behavior, their enduring partnerships offer a glimpse into the cooperative spirit of the natural world. By protecting their habitats, we can ensure their love stories continue for generations.
Take the American beaver (Castor canadensis), nature’s ultimate team player. As cooler temperatures settle over Middle Tennessee’s waterways, these industrious mammals prepare for their breeding season. January and February mark a time of renewal for beaver pairs, who mate for life. Together, they construct intricate lodges and dams, transforming landscapes and creating wetlands that benefit countless other species. Protecting riparian zones safeguards their engineering efforts—and strengthens the entire ecosystem.
High above the waterways, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soars—a symbol of resilience and dedication. These majestic raptors form lifelong bonds, returning to the same nest year after year. With each passing season, their nest grows larger, a testament to their commitment to family; some nests reach as wide as 10 feet. Protecting our lakes and rivers ensures these iconic birds have the resources they need to hunt, nest and raise their young.
A flash of crimson against bare branches, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) brings a pop of color to Tennessee’s winter landscape; the sweet duet of a bonded pair echoes through the cold air. Even in the bleakest months, these backyard lovebirds remind us that devotion endures. Keep an eye out, and you might see the male cardinal feeding the female while she nests. Planting native shrubs and trees provides food and shelter, ensuring their melodies continue to brighten our mornings.
As dusk falls, the haunting trills of the eastern screech-owl (Megascops asio) drift through the trees. These small owls form monogamous bonds, raising their chicks in tree cavities or man-made boxes. Stealthy and watchful, they work together to defend their young from predators. Preserving mature forests—or even installing nest boxes—provides them with safe homes, helping these loyal hunters thrive.
Down on the forest floor, the box turtle (Terrapene carolina) slowly makes its way through the underbrush. Though they may not mate for life in the strictest sense, box turtles often return to the same partners season after season. These reptiles face many challenges—habitat destruction, roads and careless human activity. But small actions make a difference. Native plant gardens provide food and shelter, while mindful driving and mowing saves lives.
While these five species highlight the beauty of lifelong partnerships in the wild, they are far from the only examples. From the barred owl and eastern bluebird to the pileated woodpecker and Canada goose, Tennessee is home to many creatures that rely on enduring bonds to survive and thrive. The animals help to remind us that love and cooperation are deeply rooted in nature and are just as essential in our own lives.
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Cardinal Photos by Ashleigh Newnes
