Let’s start with the pretty pictures, eh? In that case, first up must be the eastern red columbine, or Canadian columbine, if you prefer. The Latins called it Aquilegia canadensis.
These are supposed to be pollinated by hummingbirds, so I’ll keep my eyes peeled. I did finally capture an image of such a pollinator by the pond this morning with just enough detail to confirm that it is indeed a hummingbird, but not much else. That’s the trouble with these cloudy mornings.
Instead, this slightly smaller flyer was kind enough to pose for a nice picture at ground level by the pond.
That’s a damselfly, I believe, but I’m not sure which one. It turns out there are a lot to choose from, but they all look more colorful than our little buddy. The full-on dragonflies are beginning to glide over the pond, as well, but none have been willing to collaborate with me yet.
Meanwhile, plenty of other pretty little flowers are opening up, including Virginia waterleaf, Eastern daisy fleabane, and Little false Solomon’s seal, which I was only able to identify with the help of the excellent Wildflowers of Lake Park booklet by Lake Park Friends. Oh! And before I forget, I must confess that I misidentified Dame’s rocket, which has 4 petals, as Phlox, which clearly has 5. That’s an amateur mistake right there, and thanks again to Lake Park Friends for setting me straight.
Lastly, I caught this rare glimpse of the ever-elusive warbler hunter.
Man! Can you imagine the pictures she must be able to get with that camera? It probably cost as much as my car.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 
