July 06, 2016

• It was 90°F and partly cloudy with light breezes at 12:00 PM on July 6, 2016.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• The milkweed was in a strange state with some some finished blooming, some yet to bloom, but few in the act.

The Trails

• The scorched path across the front Old Hayfield had only a tiny oasis of shade.
• Larger patches of shade along the Sedge Meadow Trail helped along the way to refuge at the boardwalk.
• A brief peek across the Sedge Meadow itself turned up little.
• The back Old Hayfield had a rim of shade.
• Spiked lobelia was way in the back of the field.
• A dash through the Old Pasture and we were in the sanctuary of the Wappinger Creek Trail with tall trees and flowing water.
• But where were the northern pearly-eyes? It took a couple passes through their usual haunt at the entrance to prompt one to come out.
• Down in the flood plain before the "Appendix", several Canada lilies were blooming.
• They looked fresh and brand new.
• At several spots along the way, there had been the distant buzzy trill of a bird. Now it was close enough to call back to and yes it was the worm-eating warbler.
• There were several in the group allowing views from different angles including a nice view of the head stripes.
• Meanwhile, almost under foot was hemp nettle.
• The tiny flowers are interesting. This plant is considered invasive in some areas, but perhaps not here.
• On the other hand, Japanese spiraea is considered invasive.
• Its fuzzy pink corymbs made it an attractive landscape plant. Then it got away.
• Either side of the foot bridge by the "Appendix" offered safe, up close views of wood nettle, now in bloom.
• Likewise, with a similar obscure flower, stinging nettle was there to compare.
• Just beyond, closer to the creek bank was the tree-like angelica. It must be over 6 feet tall.
• Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.