May 5th. Spring trees resemble the colors of fall, but with a pastel tint.

 

 

 

Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) were back yesterday but I didn't get a picture then.

 

 

 

A better picture of an Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) today. Almost certainly the same bird.

 

Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) on Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea).

 

(Same photo; different crop.)

 

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) in flower as leaves begin to unfurl.

 

 

 

Beware. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is leafing out.

 

A short afternoon walk on the Colchester Spur. Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).

 

Bluets or Quaker Ladies (Houstonia caerulea).

 

Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).

 

 

 

Rue-anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides).

 

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) full of pollen.

 

Most flowers had a busy Cuckoo Bee like this Nomada luteoloides.

 

 

 

May 6th. Inchworm (Family Geometridae) just hangin' around.

 

 

 

See the silk strand leading up from its head?

 

Small-flowered Crowfoot (Ranunculus abortivus).

 

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea).

 

See the Springtail (Collembola) just left of center?

 

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas).

 

Hmm, trying to tell me something?

 

Canada Geese (Branta canadensis).

 

 

 

Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) spending a lot of time at the wood duck house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A pair of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) far across the marsh.

 

 

 

A female Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea), well beyond it's normal northern range.

 

Perhaps blown north in a weather system, or distracted by flying with other species heading on. Thanks to Russ Smiley for confirning the ID.

 

A Promethea Moth (Callosamia promethea) cocoon.

 

May 7th. Thirtysix and very foggy.

 

Pink Lady's Slipper Orchids (Cypripedium acaule) are showing leaves and buds. Two days ago, they weren't there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dew on an Orb-weaver's web.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

 

 

 

 

 

A Veery (Catharus fuscescens).

 

 

 

Two Veerys!