May 8th. Serviceberry or Shadbush (Amelanchier arborea).

 

A pair of Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) in the same shrub where they've nested the past two years.

 

 

 

 

 

Dwarf Ginseng (Panax trifolius).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every year, I have to relearn two similar early species.  This is Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia)...

 

...and this is Rue-Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides).

 

Various Violets in flower now.

 

 

 

 

 

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema sp.).

 

I thought I'd missed Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), but found one remaining blossom.  Leaves will follow once flowers fade.

 

Grrr.  Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is everywhere along the trail.

 

Invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria officinalis).

 

Invasive Barberry (Berberus sp.).

 

A Crowfoot; perhaps Small-flowered Crowfoot or Kidneyleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus).  Anything but showy; easily overlooked.

 

I think this is an Ajuga sp.

 

May 9th.  Overcast, but bringing out the colors of spring.

 

 

 

 

 

What I thought was a Veery (Catharus fuscescens) a few days ago seems right.  Same bird, same spot...

 

...but this time I got a better view (though an awful photo).

 

One of several Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) males, typically singing high in the tree tops.

 

A Mustard, all of 4" tall. (Family Cruciferae or Brassicaceae depending on when you studied Botany.)

 

 

 

Wild Strawberry (Fragraria virginiana).

 

 

 

A common Violet.

 

First blossoms on Morrow's Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii).

 

A Spurge (Euphorbia sp.)

 

Pink Lady's-slipper orchids (Cypripedium acaule) are showing buds.

 

Last of the Red Trilliums (Trillium erectum) for this spring.  Most have wilted.

 

 

 

 

 

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema sp.).

 

Sessile Bellwort or Wild Oats (Uvularia sessilifolia).

 

 

 

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).  Lots of it in bud or bloom, but few bushes ever bear fruit.

 

May 11th.  A large flowering tree.  Pear?

 

Grape (Vitus sp.) leaves are starting to unfurl.

 

May 12th.  Both Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) out on the "porch" above their nest.

 

First Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) I've seen this year, though others have seen them recently.

 

Chokecherry? (Prunus virginiana)  Doesn't look quite right, but perhaps the flowers aren't fully open.  leaves look right.

 

Crab Apple, I think.

 

 

 

Afternoon poking around at Cranberry Bog, East Hampton.  One Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) visible; hopefully its mate is on a nest nearby.

 

Gill-over-the-ground (Glechoma hederacea) in the Mint family.

 

 

 

 

 

A Speedwell (Veronica sp.).

 

 

 

Most Violets (Viola sp.) are beyond my ability to identify confidently.

 

Buttercup (Ranunculus sp.).

 

Strawberry (Fragraria virginiana).

 

 

 

A Cuckoo Bee (Nomada sp.) on a Mustard.  Their larvae feed on the larvae and food supplies of other bees.

 

Grapes (Vitus sp.) continue to develop.  Note the clusters of buds, resembling clusters of grapes in miniature.