April 26, 2017

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 63°F, overcast and calm at 2:30 PM on April 26, 2017.
• That was a little warmer and a little dryer than last week.
• This week's trail report covers the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.
• On all the trails, gray tree frogs were calling and shad flies were annoying.

The Trails

• Redbud graced the front of Gifford House today.
• Along the edge of the Little Bluestem Meadow, eastern tent caterpillars were setting up tents in cherry trees.
• The egg masses that got them through the winter were still on the same branches.
• An occasional cocoon of a promethia moth (I think) dangled from the tip of a branch.
• The ornate flowers of sugar maple were within arm's reach for a closer look.
• In the Fern Glen, the first flowers of hobble bush were at the top of the road.
• Along the little back door path, miterwort or bishop's cap was starting to bloom.
• A hand lens would help in appreciating these crazy little blossoms.
• One step farther down the path was a fine red trillium attended by a caddisfly.
• At the end of the bed, corydalis had been blooming for a while and was starting to fade.
• Short lived twinleaf was hanging on thanks to the cool weather of late.
• Large-flowered trillium was freshly opened.
• Large-flowered bellwort was starting up in the limestone cobble.
• Along the edge, rue-anemone was popping up.
• At the near end of the cobble was a fine cut-leaved toothwort.
• It was nearly hidden amongst the spring beauty.
• Farther back in the 'Glen was the broader leaved species: Carolina spring beauty.
• In the fen, leatherleaf was quietly blooming.
• Out on the other side, leatherwood was already winding down
• American fly honeysuckle, likewise, waning.
• Behind the Fern Glen kiosk, may-apple was erupting next to the walkway.
• Wood anemone was mixed in there too.
• A little farther in, regular toothwort was along the path.
• And yet farther back, yellow lady's-slipper was just sending up shoots. Give it about two weeks...
• Out on the Cary Pines Trail, Canada mayflower was coming up in masses.
• Next week: the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.