With the northbound migration essentially concluded, the remaining birds are busy raising their young or incubating eggs. Regarding the nesting stage, over the past weeked I observed Cedar Waxwings nest bulding, as well as, Eastern Kingbirds. Warbling Vireos are sitting on nests as are Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. I got lucky and spotted a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird collecting nest material. The challenge will be finding its minuscule nest. In addition, there are still lots of fledgling American Robins, European Starlings, Mourning Doves and Common Grackles relying on their parents for food. I still haven't spotted any young Chipping Sparrows, but did stumble on some young Blue Jays.
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Warbling Vireo on nest
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Fledgling Blue Jay getting fed
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Red-bellied Woodpecker in nest hole
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I was surprised to see several Turkey Vultures still on the move, with one briefly stopping off next to the historic chapel.
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Turkey Vulture
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Most of the water bodies now have large populations of adult American Bullfrogs. Listen for their loud, baritone "rummm, rummm, rummm" calls. Later in the summer tadpoles and young bullfrogs become the primary diet of several species of wading birds.
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American Bullfrog
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We shouldn't forget about our resident mammals. There are suddenly lots young gray squirrels. The timing of our Red-tailed Hawk's family building is likely tied in with that event. I haven't seen any skunk kits or Groundhog "chucklings" but assume they will be out of their dens and exploring very soon.
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Juvenile Eastern Gray Squirrel
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Striped Skunk
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Insect diversity has increased with many more dragonflies and butterflies seen around the cemetery. I made an interesting discovery when importing some photographs of English Plantain flowers taken on the Hill of Graves. A recently emerged Meadow Katydid was hiding among the tiny petals. The katydids will be a source of food for hunting American Kestrels here later in the summer.
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Blue Dasher
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Black Swallowtail
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Meadow Katydid on English Plantain
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Finally, here are some botanics (and one fruit) from last week. Of particular note was Janet's wildflower meadow which was ablaze with brilliant yellow coreopsis flowers.
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Woodland Strawberry
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Mock Strawberry
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Garlic sp.
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| Rose |
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American Snowbell
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Coreopsis sp.
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| Chinese Globeflower |
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Common Snowberry
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