May 4th. Swamp Buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis) at the Route 207 parking area. Heading east from there...

 

...lots of water exiting from the pond as a result of much needed rain.

 

Green is reaching higher into the canopy every day.

 

 

 

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) leaves are emerging from their elongate buds.

 

 

 

(I think this is also Beech.)

 

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

 

Guess?

 

Yes, it's a very dark Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema sp.).

 

Still plenty of Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) on this section of the trail.

 

 

 

 

 

Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) is starting to bloom.

 

 

 

Ferns are unfurling.

 

 

 

 

 

Reindeer Lichen (Cladonia rangiferina).

 

 

 

These power lines were my turn around spot, but note the trees in flower.

 

Dogwood (Cornus florida) has started to bloom. Note that the white "petals" are in fact bracts around a small cluster of buds.

 

 

 

A Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in the beaver pond under the power lines.

 

Reflections in the pond.

 

 

 

 

 

A male Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia).

 

Two-spotted Soldier Beetle (Family Cantharidae, Atalantycha bilineata).

 

A pair of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) took off from the pond as I returned towards Route 207.

 

Later in the afternoon, I stopped by Cranberry Bog where I saw this peaceful scene at the farmyard.

 

 

 

 

 

One Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) on the nest.

 

The male Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) at the far eastern end of the pond...

 

...while the female attempts to doze off on the nest at the western end.

 

Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta).

 

Crabapple (Malus sylvestris) still blooming but some fallen petals on the ground below.

 

 

 

May 5th. Water levels are almost back to normal! Hope they stay that way.

 

 

 

 

 

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus).

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).

 

I started off this page with Swamp Buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis) , and will end with it.

 

May 6th. A male American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) in full breeding plumage.