Along the Air Line...

Spring 2007, Part 5

May 21st. Pink Lady's Slipper Orchids (Cypripedium acaule) have been in bloom for a few days.

Several uncommon visitors to the marsh include this Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)...

...and a Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus). (Sorry the picture quality is so bad, but these are the best I was able to get and I wanted to at least acknowledge their presence in the marsh.)

Like last year, an immature Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) has been hanging around the marsh.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the marsh still look a bit winter-scruffy.

Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) are out, basking in the sun.

A female Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) continues to incubate her eggs on the abandoned beaver lodge. Expect goslings in another week or two.

The Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) are building their unusual hanging basket nests. Here a female is in the early stages of construction. Note the heavier hoop of material framing her head. That hoop will serve as a main support for the lighter material woven around it.

Probably a Cherry (Prunus sp.)

Another Cherry (Prunus sp.) or near relative.

Robin Plantain (a Fleabane - Erigeron pulchellus).

Dandelion seedheads (Taraxacum officinale).

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea).

This female Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) hatched today from a cocoon found along the trail.

The moth has a 6" wingspan and lives only long enough to mate and lay eggs.

I've released the moth into the wild.

(Click here to view the entire life cycle.)

The details of this moth are worth a closer look. Upper side of the front wingtip.

Underside of the hindwing.

"Furry" abdomen.

May 22nd. The female Oriole at work on her nest again.

But her work was set back by another bird pulling out nest material.