June 24th. Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 25th. You wouldn't think so, but on the ground Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) can be quite cryptic until they suddenly fly up near you.

 

Something new on the trail. I didn't recognize it at first...

 

...but then I remembered the Privet hedge we had where I grew up in Elmhurst, Queens, NY.

 

I'm going to try and get an expert species identification...

 

...and Dr Sarah Taylor at UConn came through with the well researched answer; it's European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare).

 

It's a pretty small shrub so far, surrounded by Poison Ivy among other things.

 

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

 

 

 

As the flowers age, the ring of fused white petals falls intact, leaving a hole at the center.

 

Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia).

 

Large Lace-border (Scopula limboundata).

 

Wild Red Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are ripening.

 

The Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) flower clusters are now almost completely open.

 

A brief walk on the Colchester Spur in late afternoon. White Campion (Silene latifolia).

 

 

 

 

 

Best guess is a Snowy Geometer (Eugonobapta nivosaria).

 

Bladder Campion (Silene cucubalus).

 

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)...

 

...with Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris)...

 

...and a Thrips (Order Thysanoptera) at the upper right.

 

June 26th. A recently fledged Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) hoping for a handout.

 

Comfort from a parent, but no food. Listen here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Kingbird/sounds

 

Canada Lilies (Lilium canadense) will be blooming soon.

 

The gate at Old Colchester Road has finally been replaced. Could use a lick of paint.

 

Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) is about to bloom.

 

 

 

Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica) is in fruit.

 

Another recently fledged Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus).

 

 

 

 

 

Hey! Feed me!

 

 

 

FEED ME!!!!! (I moved away, fearing I might be keeping the adults from coming.)

 

Better pictures of the Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia).

 

 

 

Fall Webworms (Hyphantria cunea) are reaching the stage where they'll leave their nests to feed singly.