April 13, 2016

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was maybe 55°F, clear and breezy at 2:00 PM on April 13, 2016.
• The flattened wild flowers had perked up with the departure of snow and rain.
• Pine warblers could be heard in many places.
• Even a few butterflies were out today.

The Trails

• Several Tree swallows were making noise on, around and above the bluebird boxes in the front Old Hayfield behind Gifford House.
• Pine warblers were calling all through the Old Gravel Pit, but only allowing an occasional glimpse.
• As the trail approached the Fern Glen, a mourning cloak was casually soaking up the sun.
• The sunny hillside along the road to the 'Glen was acceptable to an eastern comma or two.
• Right along the road was my favorite patch of round-lobed hepatica - it had recovered nicely. If you're going to try to bloom this time of year, you've got to be able to cope with a little cold and wet snow.
• Large-flowered trillium, just above the pond, had remained erect through it all and was starting to open its bloom today.
• Across the water behind the trillium was a basking painted turtle. Northern watersnake was on a neighboring log, too.
• Oh good! The Virginia waterleaf was not wiped out last year!
• On the other hand, Trout-lily was everywhere.
• toothwort was getting ready to bloom by the main kiosk, among several locations.
• The path by the kiosk takes one by several stands of leatherwood, just coming into bloom.
• Its little blossom is worth a closer look.
• Pine warblers were calling in the Fern Glen too, but the flash of yellow was a palm warbler. OK!
• I forgot to get a photo of the coltsfoot last week. It doesn't seem so abundant this year.
• Near the end of today's walk, the Sedge Meadow Trail had a few nice moments when a group of ruby-crowned kinglets worked their way around me.
• Not a great photo, sorry, but *any* photo of kinglet is an achievement considering how active they are.
• I could happily call it a day.