April 3rd. The Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens) flowers are open.

 

 

 

Habitat views of Trailing Arbutus.  It's located on a south-facing steep slope in thin soil atop ledge, with moss and Mountain Laurel.

 

 

 

 

 

A Six-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata).

 

A series of waterfalls in a ravine adjacent to the Air Line Trail in Colchester.  I believe these falls are part of the Colchester Land Trust's Air Line Gateway property.

 

 

 

 

 

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April 4th. A better Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens) photo.

 

See how this tree root has followed a crevice in the rock?

 

April 5th. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis).

 

Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) are very social...

 

...and vocal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A favorite nesting cavity.

 

 

 

One of many male Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).  Listen...

 

 

 

Near Grayville Falls, there have been serious washouts from last week's heavy rains.

 

Mosquito larvae are growing in trailside standing water.  The white spot at the tip of the abdomen (left) marks the point where the siphon (breathing tube) breaks through the water's surface tension, allowing the larva to replenish its air supply.

 

Another mosquito larva hovers above a submerged snail.

 

April 6th. Tree Swallows at their nest hole.

 

 

 

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia).