April 28th. Sweet White Violets (Viola blanda) in bloom.

 

(Viola sp.)

 

Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum) are another early bloomer.

 

Purple Trillium (Trillium erectum) is in bud.

 

Skunk Cabbage (Symphlocarpus foetidus) leaves are nearly unfurled.

 

Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are in bud.

 

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) blossoms are still around, but not for much longer.

 

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) gives a yellow cast to the forest understory.

 

Horsetail (Equisetum sp.) reproductive stalks are evident; the leafy green stems are just starting to unfurl.

 

Compton's Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vau-album) is a fast and wary flier.

 

The white spots on its wings help differentiate it from the similar Questionmark (Polygonia interrogationis).

 

The falls at Judd Brook were roaring after yesterday's rain.

 

A fisherman works the junction of Judd Brook and the Jeremy River.

 

 

 

 

 

April 29th. An early grass in bloom.

 

These Willow (Salix sp.) flowers look similar to the grass, probably because they both depend on wind pollination.

 

A pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). I'm not sure if any of the pairs have eggs due to high water.

 

A male Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).

 

Ornamental Daffodils planted at the Route 85 trailhead.

 

 

 

May 1st. An afternoon walk near Grayville Falls. Creeping Charlie, also known as Gill-over-the-ground or Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea).

 

 

 

Bumble Bee (probably Bombus pennsylvanicus) working the Creeping Charlie.

 

Fern fiddleheads are unfurling.

 

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is almost all gone by already.

 

Wood Anenome (Anenome quinquefolia).

 

Bluets or Quaker Ladies (Hedyotis or Houstonia caerulea).

 

Pussytoes (Antennaria sp.).
Larval food plant for Spring Azure butterflies which are out now.

 

American Toads (Bufo americanus) were calling and mating in a small pool adjacent to the Jeremy River.
There are at least six toads in this photo.

 

 

 

Race?