May 24, 2017

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 73°F, mostly cloudy and breezy at 3:00 PM on May 24, 2017.
• This week's trail report covers the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.
• Both pink and yellow lady's-slipper were blooming in the Fern Glen.
• A late start was with hopes for maximum sunshine after a cloudy morning.

The Trails

• Shadows were long through the Scots Pine Alleé.
• Bare dirt at the base of a pine drew my attention.
• Barely perceptable tracks and a single feather suggested it was maybe a dust bath for turkeys.
• Just inside the Old Gravel Pit, the first dewberry blossom was open.
• Above, masses of maple keys were swinging in the wind.
• But it was the black locust blossoms that I was looking for - I had been smelling them for a while.
• Hayscented fern is another pleasant smell that warm sun will bring out.
• On the dry hillside above the Fern Glen, beardtongue was up and blooming.
• In the Fern Glen, bluebead was blooming this year.
• Across the way, false Solomon's-seal buds were finally opening.
• Alumroot was near the back of the pond instead of its usual spot.
• Invasive phlox look-alike, dame's rocket was appearing through out the 'Glen. Its 4 petals distinguish it from phlox with 5.
• Wild geranium was thickest around the pond.
• Back in the fen, Labrador tea was blooming.
• Even one petal counts: pitcher plant was starting too.
• Limber honeysuckle - a native to our region - had started last week.
• Pink lady's-slipper had joined the yellow in blooming.
• Behind the kiosk, mayapple had started last week.
• This was the first week for the golden Alexanders by the pond.
• Out on the Cary Pines Trail, a moth went by and hid its head. I'm leaning towards red-headed inchworm moth.
• Another paused for a photo. Again as one of a group of similar suspects, white-ribboned carpet is only a strong maybe.
• Next week: for sure the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.