It was a cool grey morning, and a great blue heron and a green heron were at the pond when I arrived, but neither were in the mood for pictures. One lone male mallard flew in, but there was no sign of the wood ducks. Even the muskrat was sleeping in, it seems.
Luckily, there is a whole lot of blooming going on. In addition to the virginia waterleaf, eastern daisy fleabane, and golden alexanders (Zizia aurea) all over the place recently,
the towering cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), creeping bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), and a foot-tall anemone, maybe Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis), have all just opened:
Plus riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) and American cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum), have joined the fray, which the birds might like later in the summer or fall.
Not to be outdone, the bugs also stepped up their game. The cool temps did keep the mosquitos in their hangers this morning, which was nice, but also made this resplendent female ebony jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx maculata) languid enough for me to take these pictures.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for today, kids. Keep those hot tips and pics coming, and maybe I’ll feature yours the next time I come up empty with my own.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 