July 2nd, continued. Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.) chewing on a Carolina or Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 3rd. Butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris).

 

 

 

Large Lace-border (Scopula limboundata).

 

 

 

This is also a Large Lace-border (Scopula limboundata). Markings are variable.

 

Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) berries are ripening.

 

Hmm, a bird or chipmunk has gotten some of this cluster.

 

Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata).

 

Model for Tiffany lamps?

 

Odd stamens release pollen from paired pores at their tips.

 

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) back on the nest.

 

Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata).

 

 

 

Fragrant Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata) and Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata).

 

 

 

 

 

Canada Lily (Lillium canadense).

 

 

 

 

 

Enchanter's Nightshade (Circaea quadrisulcata).

 

Note the developing "velcro-hooked" seeds. When mature, you'll find them stuck to your shoes, legs, and pets.

 

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.), and ants (Formicidae).

 

I was pleased to find these blooms in prime shape. Most of the local milkweed is well past prime.

 

The Bumble Bee's tongue is deep in the flower, extracting nectar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 4th. Fragrant Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata)... looking a bit like fireworks?

 

I found the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) chick, well camouflaged on the ground not far from the nest.

 

Looks healthy enough, though parents will have a hard time feeding it today with all the holiday trail traffic.

 

First Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) I've seen sunning this year.

 

July 5th. Young Bunny 1 again. Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Note intact ears.

 

 

 

July 6th. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) mom and ducklings strolling down the trail.

 

Seven ducklings in all.

 

Looking for a spot to enter the channel side.

 

Taking a closer look.

 

Nope, that wasn't it.

 

Another promising spot. This time they took the plunge.

 

Bunny 1 munching a leaf.

 

As I walked back, the Mallards were resting on the old beaver dam.

 

 

 

Moulting, and new feathers coming in.

 

One of two Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) sunning this morning.