Along the Air Line...

May 2002 (PART 2)

More and more patches of Lady-slipper Orchids (Cypripedium acaule) are apparent along the trail. This is the first of them to be almost fully developed and deeply colored (May 11th).

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), I think.

Trying out my polarizing filter to darken sky and bring out clouds.

Hairy Honeysuckle (Lonicera hirsuita).

False Solomon's-seal (Smilacina racemosa). Note the terminal inflorecence versus true Solomon's-seal's paired flowers in the leaf axils.

Nodding Trillium (Trillium cernuum) came into bloom on May 10th.

Note how the flower "nods" below the leaves.

Now here's a creature you've likely never seen before; or if you have, you had a hard time recognizing it. This is a Phantom Crane Fly (Bittacomrpha clavipes), recognized by the white bands on the legs and feet. When they fly, all you normally see of them is a group of white dust motes seemingly floating along in formation.

While this is hardly a great picture, the fact that I was able to get any picture of this ghostly creature pleases me greatly.

A Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) seed caught in spider web.

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum).

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium sp.); not a grass at all but a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae). The flower is about 1/2" across.

Another cherry, I think; perhaps Pin Cherry (Prunus pennsylvanica).

Painted Turtles havve been sunning themselves on these warm, clear days.