April 16th. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

 

The invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata).

 

Read all about it here: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/garlic-mustard

 

As they flower or begin to leaf out, Spring tree colors can rival Fall.

 

Calling space for male Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) is really crowded, and noisy.

 

Serviceberry or Shadbush (Amelanchier arborea) is just starting to bloom.

 

Finally, a Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) where you can see the maroon band that explains the common name - and the Latin name for that matter.

 

 

 

The female's neck is unmarked.

 

 

 

First bunny I've seen. Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus).

 

April 17th. More Serviceberry or Shadbush (Amelanchier arborea) is fully blooming now.

 

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) flowers are nearly open.

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) far across the marsh.

 

April 18th. Two Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodius) this morning. One near...

 

...the other far...

 

...and grumpy looking.

 

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is just starting to leaf out.

 

Sweet Everlasting (Gnaphalium obtusifolium) or Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaretacea) maybe? Or something else entirely since those two species aren't supposed to bloom before July or August.

 

Afternoon at Cranberry Bog. Tired of seeing the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) on her nest? Imagine how she feels about it, day and night after day and night.

 

Meanwhile, her mate stands guard in a field of flowers and edible plants. Tough duty.

 

"Harrumph."

 

I took a short walk east and found Bluets (Houstonia caerulea).

 

 

 

Cuckoo Wasp (Family Chrysididae, probably Chrysis sp.).

 

 

 

 

 

I'm guessing Plantainleaf Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia).

 

 

 

Red Velvet Mite (Family Trombidiidae).

 

One of the blue Violets (Viola sp.).

 

 

 

One of the sheep at the little barnyard just east of Cranberry Bog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pair of Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) were back at the little pond across Smith Street west of Cranberry Bog.

 

The water surface was covered in Duckweed (Lemna minor), a plant with two teeny leaves and a single root.

 

 

 

April 19th. Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) just west of Route 207.

 

 

 

 

 

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) single leaves have unfurled...

 

...and seed pods are developing where petals have fallen.