May 21

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  The early afternoon weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 75 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the southeast.  I paused at the crest of the hill and scanned the western vista. It was a welcome sight to see the different shades of green foliage that now defined the woods, the thickets and the meadows. I descended the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh to see a couple of Leopard Frogs sitting in the water near the shore.  Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I became increasing concerned by the absence of Bobolinks, since their spring arrival was now about 3 weeks behind last year’s. Before entering North Woods, I noticed to my right several six inch-high horsetail plants in the vegetative stage with their needle-like leaves. Also, I saw some Poison Ivy vines beginning to grow along the ground near the footbridge. I entered the woods, followed the trail west and was pleased to see some lovely lavender Wild Geraniums beginning to appear.  Also, I saw some large yellowish-brown shelf fungus growing on a dead log. Following the trail, I observed a few attractive Blue Phlox poking up through the leaf litter. I exited North Woods and continued around Succession Field where I noticed a few yellow Sulfur Butterflies fluttering around. I entered South Woods and noticed lots of white fuzz on the ground that was being shed by the Poplar trees. Next, I saw a few fiddleheads and mature plants of the Sensitive Fern along the edge of Swanson’s Swamp. Also, I was surprised to see a colorful, male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak sitting up high in a tree and singing loudly. Exiting South Woods, I continued on to Artist Overlook where I noticed dozens of small, fresh anthills on the trail. I walked along the edge of Sora Swale where I observed and heard a handsome, male Baltimore Oriole high in a birch tree. I continued along the south trail and turned at Frog Fen toward Brady Cemetery. I passed the cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I noticed the field was covered with numerous white fuzzy Dandelions that had gone to seed. Following the trail, I observed some 2-ft. high plants with small white blossoms called Hoary Alyssum.  I continued hiking along the edge of Grebe Pond where I noticed some pinkish-white daisy-like Common Fleabane beginning to bloom. Next, I paused to see that the four Killdeer eggs were secure in the nest. I was happy to see both parent birds flying nearby. I headed toward the barn and recalled being puzzled yesterday as I watched a flock of five Herring Gulls circle over the pond a half dozen times and then head east. Finally, I arrived back at the Classroom Building and got in the van. It was time for the dog and me to head home.

Sweet May hath come to love us,

Flowers, trees, their blossoms don;


And through the blue heavens above us


The very clouds move on.

Heinrich Heine