Coyote

Coyote 

Redwing on Phragmites, Detroit Metrobeach

Redwing on Phragmites, Detroit Metrobeach, by Mary Stebbins. Click image to view larger.


We had an exciting walk at Detroit Metrobeach yesterday. We saw baby bunnies playing with what could only be called joy. We saw a bald eagle circle over the pond where we were watching swallows skim the surface fo the water and a huge snapper trying to soak up the sun. We saw geese with young geese and red-winded blackbirds and robins and so many other interesting things.

This red-winged black bird male was singing it heart out, marking its territory. 

Wild Geranium

Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum.

• Family: Geranium (Geraniaceae)
• Habitat: woods• Height: 1-2 feet
• Flower size: 1 to 1-1/2 inches across
• Flower color: lavender, pink, white
• Flowering time: April to June
• Origin: native

Marsh Marigolds

Marsh Marigolds, or Caltha palustra, photo by Mary Stebbins. Click on image to view larger. Also called "Cowslips," Marsh marigold are edible--but before they flower. They become very btter once they flower. They brighten up the swamps and wetlads in the early spring.

These are in flower today at Great Bear Farms near Phoenix, NY. 

Wake Robin

The Wake Robin, or Red Trillim is out in force in the spring woods today. Red Trilliums are fertilized, in part, by carrion flies. They have two odors, a sweet pleasant small for bees ad a terrrible rotting meat smell of carrion beetles. When the red trilliums reach peak flowering, the black flies start biting. And the morels are out. Photo by Mary Stebbins, Click on image to view larger.

Phenological notes apply to specific areas; this ake robin is flowering today at Great Bear Farms Natural Area just north of Phoenix NY, off rte 57.

Wake Robins, or Stinking Benjamins, are on the NY State Protected list and should not be picked,