May 26th. A male Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) with a caterpillar.

 

Heading back to the nearby nest.

 

The female was also hunting nearby.

 

Further down the trail, another male sang.

 

Ornamental Iris at the Route 85 Trailhead.

 

 

 

May 27th. At least five Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were laying eggs this morning.

 

 

 

Poor attempt at camouflage?

 

Compared to the shell size, Snapping Turtle legs, head, and tail are proportionately large.

 

They move quickly overland with a high stance unlike that of other turtles.

 

Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) were also laying eggs.

 

 

 

Multiflora Roses (Rosa multiflora) are in full bloom.

 

This Oak-apple Gall was formed by tiny Cynipid wasps (Amphibolips confluenta). Another source identifies the wasp as Biorhiza pallida.

 

A female Black-winged Damselfly (Calopteryx maculatum). Females have white "stigmas" on all wings; the male wings are all black.

 

A Snipe Fly (Family Rhagionidae).

 

A Long-legged Fly (Family Dolichopodidae).

 

A Sawfly larva, Periclista sp. The adult will be a type of wasp.

 

 

 

 

 

May 28th. A Plume Moth (Family Pterophoridae).

 

Male Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) tend to perch high in trees with their nests below...

 

...and swoop out to frighten other birds that come too close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of several nests.  In this one, "Mom" is peeking out the top.

 

 

 

Finally, a picture of an Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius).  They have a nest adjacent to the trail too.  (Thanks to Nick and Bob for nest spotting help this morning.)

 

Mid-afternoon on May 28th.  Back for better pictures of Orioles coming and going from their nests, starting with a Baltimore Oriole coming...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out of sight inside...

 

...going...

 

 

 

 

 

...and coming back again.

 

This shows the location of the nest photographed above.

 

Further down the trail is an Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) nest...

 

...with the female inside.  The Orchard Oriole nest seems more shallow and open at the top compared to the Baltimore Oriole nest.

 

Heading out.