July 4th. Green Frog (Rana clamitans).

 

 

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As I straightened up after taking this photo, a very large Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon). slithered away in the grass to my left.

 

One of two young Eastern Cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) that are often out on the trail.

 

Yesterday's double Day-lily (Hemerocallis fulva)...

 

...now joined by a few more.

 

A nice array of three Canada Lily (Lilium canadense) blossoms.

 

Buttonbush or Honey-balls (Cephalanthus occidentalis)...

 

...photobombed by a male syrphid Flower Fly at the left.

 

Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)...

 

...visited by a Bumble Bee (Family Bombidae).

 

July 5th. A super-humid afternoon walk at Raymond Brook Marsh where a town crew was mowing grass and wildflowers...

 

...and trimming back shrubs.

 

 

 

Thankfully, they missed most of the Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). I harvested some in case they made another pass.

 

Sadly, the rampant Poison Ivy (Toxicodendrom radicans) under and beside the bench was not addressed.

 

Carolina Roses (Rosa carolina) survived the trimming, though they are mostly past prime blooming now.

 

Many Canada Lilies (Lilium canadense) succumbed to the mowers but this cluster was still intack when I passed by.

 

Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) mating on Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

 

July 7th. A family of Eastern Kingbirds (Tyranus tyranus).

 

Tall Meadow-rue (Thalictrum polygamum).

 

Note the Bumble Bee, lower right, loaded with pollen.

 

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

 

 

 

Buttonbush or Honey-balls (Cephalanthus occidentalis) again.

 

Remarkable inflorescence.

 

Despite extensive clearing by the Hebrton town crew two days ago, it's still difficult to see the marsh in most places. Two Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and a young female Wood Duck (Aix sponsa).

 

Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta).

 

Fragrant Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata)...

 

 

 

...along with a yellow Bullhead-lily (Nuphar vareigatum).

 

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata).

 

July 8th. A male Blue Dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis).

 

 

 

A brief afternoon walk at the pond east of River Road. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Mom and 8 ducklings. (Only 7 in this photo.)

 

Lots of male Blue Dasher dragonflies (Pachydiplax longipennis) active here too.

 

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) gathering pollen from a Bullhead-lily (Nuphar vareigatum).

 

 

 

 

 

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) just hanging out. Juvenile I think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The same Wood Duck family out for a swim. All 8 ducklings visible now.

 

 

 

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus).