Along the Air Line...

Spring 2008, Part 6

May 9th. Male Baltimore Oriole (Icterus balbula) searching for bugs in highbush blueberry.

Male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) are still singing.

Probably Juvenal's Duskywing Skipper (Erynnis juvenalis).

May 10th. Female Baltimore Oriole (Icterus balbula).

Male Common Yellowthroat warbler (Geothlypis trichas).

May 12th. A chilly and breezy morning. If it's possible for a Tree Swallow to be grumpy, this bird looks it.

Something is up with the resident Canada Geese.

Houston, we have goslings.

Under watchful eyes.

Keeping close...

...except for one.

A bit like herding cats.

May 18th. Baltimore Orioles seem to be paired up but so far I haven't discovered any nests for certain.

Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) soar beautifully; don't look so good up close.

Morrow's Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), a fragrant invasive plant...

...also seems to come in pink.

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is another invasive plant that threatens native plant habitats.

The fragrance is quite strong, even at a distance.

The Pink Lady's Slipper orchids (Cypripedium acaule) are in full bloom.

Young Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) trees are in bloom.

Many cherry trees and shrubs have been stripped bare by Eastern Tent Caterpillars (Malacosoma americana). Hopefully, Orioles will soon take care of them.

Wooly Adelgids are aphid relatives that protect themselves with strings of white wax exuded from pores on their backs.

Pink Azalea or Pinxter Flower (Rhododendron periclymenoides).

Red Maples (Acer rubrum) have fresh green leaves to contrast with the maturing pink seeds.

Common Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus).