May 6

Wednesday, Remi and I hiked again at Forest Hill Nature Area. We exited the car at 7:30am and proceeded west to the crest of Energy Hill where the skies were overcast, the air was calm and the temperature was 48 degrees. Descending the hill to Mallard Marsh, I paused to observe another sign of spring-a nesting pair of Canada Geese with 4 fuzzy goslings. Passing quickly through Bobolink Meadow, I entered North Woods where the leaf litter was dotted with Spring Beauty wildflowers whose petals remained closed as the morning clouds shielded the sun. Continuing west, I spotted a patch of umbrella-like May apple plants. Leaving the trail, I continued west to a patch of Wild Leeks where I was pleased to locate the only Trillium plants found at the Nature Area with their white blossoms that had not yet been eaten by the deer. I exited the woods and proceeded around Succession Field on the west trail where a Serviceberry tree was blossoming. I turned east through Birch Row, entered South Woods and paused at the end of the new boardwalk on secluded Swanson Swamp to take in the sights and sounds of the season. Leaving the woods, I stopped briefly at Artist Overlook to observe Sora Swale before continuing on south trail where the feather-like leaves of young Wild Carrot plants were beginning to show. Turning south at Frog Fen, I passed Brady Cemetery, turned north into Native Grassland and stopped to check out Grebe Pond which was vacant except for a pair of Canada Geese swimming quietly near the west shore. Continuing north, I came to the barn and I circled around to the east side to see a patch of colorful Ground Ivy, also known as gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin. Continuing around to the north side, I noticed the lovely blossoms of a domestic cherry tree. Finally, we returned to the car for our trip home.

Fond farewell to April

Welcome May to greet

Heart of Mother Nature

Slowly begins to beat

Dormant earth awakens

To the rhythm of spring

Forest blossom buds

Meadow songbirds sing

Swallows swoop the pond

Raindrops tap the leaves

Drumming of the Downy

Greening shrubs and trees

D. DeGraaf