June 26, 2019

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 80°F and clear with light breezes at 2:00 PM on June 26, 2019.
• Viceroy and coral hairstreak were back.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.

The Trails

• Common milkweed, a butterfly favorite, was blooming at Gifford House trail head.
• At the corner of the front Old Hayfield, pink yarrow was looking a little paler this year, it seems.
• Black-eyed-Susan had started last week.
• I didn't notice the caterpillar or the beetle while I was taking the photo.
• Dogbanes are related to milkweeds. One of them, Indian hemp, was on the other side of the field.
• I did see the green bug at the time, but not other one in the corner...
• Birdfoot trefoil had started up recently.
• In the back Old Hayfield, fringed loosestrife had begun blooming.
• A few little wood-satyrs were around today.
• Along the back edge of the field, ironwood fruits were developing.
• A lot of chipping and commotion was coming from an indigo bunting.
• He wasn't alone; a female was going between trees and the field.
• She was making a lot of noise too and at one point looked shocked.
• It could have been because the youngster was about to do something foolish.
• I'd already seen a monarch, but this was smaller and faster... of course it was a viceroy - the first of the season.
• A few silver-spotted skippers were darting about.
• Something almost as fast, but less distinct was cruising amongst the milkweed: a coral hairstreak - another first of the season.
• Down along the Wappinger Creek Trail shinleaf was finally starting to bloom.
• One needs to get low to really see the nodding bells that are its flower.
• Farther along, in the floodplain, I think I finally ID'd that parsley family mystery.
• The flower and now the seed both bear long styles, making this aniseroot. The similar sweet cicely has shorter ones and hairy stems.
• White avens has been out for a while now. This is also small and easy to overlook.
• Then there was still some bristly hemp nettle along the lowest section.
• Next week: the Cary Pines side of the trail system.