Weekly Wanderings: May 3

Monday, May 3, 2021

May 3

It’s partly sunny with temperatures in the low 50’s as begin my morning hike at the nature trail in Lumberjack Park, one of the best places in the county to see attractive ephemeral blossoms. These plants flower early to take advantage of the sunlight that penetrates the open canopy of the deciduous woodland. Almost immediately, I notice such a plant, with white flowers that look like a pair of pantaloons hanging upside down, called Dutchman Breeches. After crossing the boardwalk, I spot a patch of Oyster fungi on a decaying log and more ephemeral blossoms, Common Buttercup. Buttercup plants are poisonous and have an acrid taste, so even animals cannot eat them fresh. Humans that touch the flowers often get a skin allergic reaction. Halfway across the footbridge over Mud Creek, I pause to watch the water flow gently west and listen to the familiar call of a Black-capped Chickadee. On the far bank, I come upon a blossom of Wild Strawberry. Although not ephemeral, it’s a sure sign of spring. Moving through a corridor of tall pines, my attention is drawn to a large patch of Skunk Cabbage as well as small 1-inch, Chorus frog nearly hidden in the leaf litter. Along the way, I also pass by the scapula bone of a Whitetail deer and a few ephemeral Wood violets. Reaching the edge of the Pine River, I pause to observe a slow moving current while listening to a chorus of birds. Nearby, in the crotch of a small Cherry tree, I see a small nest of newly hatched, 1-inch Eastern Tent caterpillars. In another month, following pupation, they will turn into adult moths (stock photo). After pausing on a high bank at one of my favorite overlooks, I spot a pine tree leaking sap after being punctured by foraging woodpeckers. Continuing west past a patch of Mayapples yet to blossom, I crossover the Lumberjack Rd bridge and proceed along the south riverbank as sunlight reflects off the rippling current ahead and a Chipping Sparrow afar sings its song. Hiking south through the campground, I’m amazed by the variety of colorful ephemerals on display including: Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, Trillium and Blue Phlox. Veering over the water’s edge, I watch Mud Creek flow quietly into the river as a Northern Cardinal serenades. Nearing the end of the hike, my attention is drawn to the lovely blossoms of a Wild Rosebush growing near shore.