Some Dragonflies & Damselflies of Green-Wood Cemetery

Until the southbound bird migration begins to pick up steam, I've been looking at dragonflies and damselflies, lately. Below are some of my photos from Green-Wood Cemetery. If you are interested in learning more here's a link to a great website on the subject. Also, you can view and download a Checklist of North American Odonata here. As with my butterflies posting, I will update it over time as I observe and photograph more species. FYI - A really good field guide is Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America by Sidney W. Dunkle:

The bluets are a group of really tiny damselflies. Identification can sometimes be tricky. So far, I'm pretty certain that this brilliant blue damselfly is a Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile). They are fairly common around the Sylvan Water.

I took this photo of the large Common Green Darner (Anax junius) several years ago, so forgive the not so great quality. This widespread, common species is migratory.

Like all the other species in the "pennant" family, the Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) will perch on a single vertical piece of vegetation and wave in the wind like a pennant. Look for them around the edges of the ponds in Green-Wood.

The Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is one of my favorite dragonflies in Green-Wood Cemetery. Also found around the edges of the ponds, their striking color and pattern is unmistakable.

Let's see...three black spots per wing, four wings. Yup, twelve spots on this Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella). Find them zipping around above the water at any of the ponds.

Here is both the female and male Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis). This species of LIBELLULIDAE dragonfly is common around the cemetery. They are mostly found near the ponds, but I've also seen them far from permanent bodies of water, usually by puddles after a rainstorm.

The Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea) is fairly new to me at Green-Wood Cemetery. Another migratory species, apparently not a lot is known about their movements.

The Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera), our smallest dragonfly, is extremely common around all the ponds in Green-Wood Cemetery. I've also been seeing them at wild bergamot patches, quite a distance from any water.

White tail: check. Virtually everywhere: check. Must be the Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia).

I've labelled this file as Red Saddlebags, but calling it Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina) here. Honestly, not skilled enough yet to tell them apart. This piece describes the differences.

Friday's Foto

 

The Eastern Kingbird is a relatively common breeding bird around Brooklyn and the rest of New York City, usually choosing a nest site adjacent to water. A fairly large dark gray and white bird, its square, white-tipped tail is distinctive. They feed primarily on insects. Waiting patiently on a preferred perched, they dart out to grab its prey, returning to its perch where it will beat the insect senseless before devouring it. The kingbird has a hidden red-orange crown, which it will rarely show, mainly to intimidate a potential predator. By the end of August this long-distance migrant will disappear from North America to its wintering grounds in lowlands of South America. Listen to the high-pitched, sputtering trills of the Eastern Kingbird's song:

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 31-August 1, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Nature Walk: Dragonflies of Muscoot Farm
Saturday, July 31, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for and Friends of Muscoot Farm for a Nature Walk focused on Dragonflies of Muscoot Farm. This is a favorite walk and there is always lots to see while wandering the beautiful grounds of Muscoot Farm.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 31, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
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Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, August 1, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, August 1, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
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New York City Audubon

Governors Island Bird Walk
Saturdays, July 10-October 30, 2021, 2-3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: Reserve your spot by signing up at Nolan Park #17. Limited to 10. Free
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Community Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Through Community Rowing, guests of all ages explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways. Community Birding brings birdwatching to the shores of the Bronx River.
Free

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Some Butterfly Pics from Green-Wood Cemetery

Here's a small selection of my butterfly photos from Green-Wood Cemetery. I'll add to this posting as I take more photos:

Been seeing a lot of Sachem skippers within the past couple of weeks.

After the Mourning Cloak, the Black Swallowtail is one of the early arrivals but are continuing to be seen fairly frequently.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtails had their moment but seem to be less abundant in recent days.

Like starlings and House Sparrows, I sometimes feel obligated to take pictures of Cabbage Whites.

I'm still learning to tell the difference between the Clouded Sulfur and Orange Sulfur. Apparently, so are most people.

A fairly old photo I took of a Banded Hairstreak that I misidentified as an Edward's Hairstreak ... or did I?

The Red-banded Hairstreak's fantastic markings are easily overlooked given their diminutive size. Compare it to the butterfly weed it's feeding on.

The Eastern Tailed-Blue is another tiny butterfly with lovely, subtle coloration that's easy to miss.

"So where's the blue on the Summer Azure", you might ask. Like the equally small Eastern Tailed-Blue, you only see the blue in flight or when it flattens out its wings.

No need to introduce the Monarch butterfly. Green-Wood Cemetery has done a great job planting lots of milkweed for this declining species.

Love the peacock-like spots along the trailing edge of the Variegated Fritillary's wings.

Another beauty that's easily overlooked due to its tiny size, look for the Pearl Crescent on the wild bergamot flowers.

I feel like by naming the Common Buckeye "common" it does this beautiful butterfly a disservice.

Here's a nice view of the punctuation that gives the Question Mark its name.

I was surprised to learn that the Red Admiral is not unique to North American. It can also be found in Europe.

The American Lady is one of two "lady" butterflies. The other being Painted Lady.

Butterflies of Green-Wood Cemetery

Below is a checklist of the butterflies of Green-wood Cemetery compiled from confirmed sightings:

Butterflies of Green-Wood C... by citybirder

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 24-25, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Beach combing for shorebirds: A Plumb Beach sit
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Leaders: Adelia Harrison and Peter Dorosh
Description: The itinerary is a stationary sit as we watch the dynamics of early migration during the falling tide. Bring a beach/camp chair, plenty of water, sun hat , sunscreen and lunch. More details will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Registration is by email only, email Prosbird@aol.com or Prosbird@gmail.com.
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 24, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
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Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, July 25, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, July 25, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Jamaica Bay N.W.R.
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: There are always interesting birds at this refuge; nesting Willow Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, White-eyed Vireos, Eastern Willets, Clapper Rails, sometimes both Black and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. We hear the Marsh Wrens and see and hear many more species. We view the Barn Owls from a respectful distance. This date is the start of the fall migration of shorebirds. This Refuge, with its mud flats and tides is a major attraction for these birds. Plover species, Dowitchers, many species of peeps and other shorebird species find food and shelter at this Refuge.
Registration: Ellen Hoffman — ellenh33@icloud.com : 917-903-3486
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New York City Audubon

Governors Island Bird Walk
Saturdays, July 10-October 30, 2021, 2-3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. Reserve your spot by signing up at Nolan Park #17. Limited to 10. Free.
Registration: Not required.
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Staten Island Museum

Moth Night – In Person
Saturday, July 24, 2021, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Leader: Presented in partnership with the Staten Island Children’s Museum
Description: Stay up late for Moth Night! Revel in the beauty of moths and learn about their life cycles and habitats. Take a close look at Museum specimens, enjoy art activities, and a go on a short walk to find what the insects you see at night. Bring your own flashlight!
Registration: Limited capacity, registration is required. Click here
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Community Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Through Community Rowing, guests of all ages explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways. Community Birding brings birdwatching to the shores of the Bronx River.
Free

Nature Explorers at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for some spirited adventure around Randall’s Island Park. Your young ones will have fun exploring the farm and nearby gardens through guided nature activities.
Free

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Birding: Shorebirds at Beach 17th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Shore birds such as piping plovers, oystercatchers and terns visit Rockaway Beach each year to nest and raise chicks from spring through the summer. Learn more about these and other species founds near the beach.
Free ...Read more

Friday's Foto

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is North America's most diverse and widespread sparrow. Found in every US state and Canadian province, most populations are partially or completely migratory. Highly variable in size and plumage, 25 subspecies are currently recognized. During winter birds from our northern interior migrate south to southern-most United States or extreme northern Mexico. Their common name likely refers to the fact that they are one of the few sparrows that sings throughout the year. Listen to the song of the Song Sparrow:

Still Nesting Season at Green-Wood

Over the past week I've still been on the lookout for nesting birds in Green-Wood Cemetery. Many of the early breeding bird's offspring have fledged and set off on their own. Some pairs are working on a second (or third) brood. A small subset are still incubating their first brood.

Chipping Sparrows are fairly common in the cemetery during the breeding season. Within the last 7 to 10 days I've noticed an uptick in the number of immature chippies in the area. For a change, the adults are now mostly attending to actual offspring, not cowbirds.

For me, the nests of Gray Catbirds are notoriously difficult to find. Their near constant squeaks, chips and mews aren't helpful as they generally choose very dense vegetation for nests. This fledgling catbird near Samuel FB Morse was the first I'd seen this season.

I've been watching this American Goldfinch nest near Union Ave. for a couple of weeks. There's no sign yet of hatchlings, but should be any day now.

In this distant photo you can see an adult Baltimore Oriole perched next to its recently fledged offspring. Notice an almost complete lack of color in the youngster. Orioles have a brief breeding season in Brooklyn and most will start heading south mid to late July.

Much like their smaller relative, the catbird, Brown Thrashers build nests in dense vegetation. I'm certain there are nestlings beneath this individual as I saw both adults carrying food into the shrub. I discovered that even sticking my head into this boxwood to be impossible.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 17-18, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Nature Walk: Butterflies of Muscoot Farm
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Learn even more about these beautiful insects by joining Naturalist Tait Johansson and the Friends of Muscoot Farm for an early summer Nature Walk to explore The Butterflies of Muscoot Farm. You’ll explore the beautiful fields and scenic trails at this historic Westchester County Park - a great way to spend a summer morning!
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Freshkills Park Alliance

Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 1:30pm
Leader: Rangers
Description: Kayak along Freshkills Park’s waterways! This two mile round-trip paddle is a chance to explore the creeks and shorelines of Freshkills Park and experience the wildlife while the site is closed to the public. We know this program fills quickly and wish we could offer it more frequently. But we have a small staff and […]
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
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Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
View Details


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New York City Audubon

9th Annual "It's Your Tern!" Celebration
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 12:00 - 4:00pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Come celebrate the terns of Governors Island! Common Terns, listed as a threatened species in New York State, have nested for several years on Governors Island’s waterfront. This year they’re back, better than ever, and we’re ready to celebrate! Learn what makes these little seabirds so special with free activities and bird walks for the whole family. RSVP to let us know you’re coming! No limit. Free.
Registration: Tern Tours leave from Nolan Park #17 at 12:15 and 2:30pm. No registration required.
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Long Pond Park
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Clay Wollney
Description: Participants will look for evidence of animal life in the wetlands and woodlands of Long Pond Park. We’ll also search for the birds, butterflies and dragonflies while we examine the geology of the area and observe evidence of past human use of the area. Meet at PS 6, on Page Avenue and Academy Avenue about 3 blocks NW of Hylan Boulevard.
Registration: For more information call Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327


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Queens County Bird Club

Plumb Beach
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 8:00am – 11:00am
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: This mini-trip will explore the marshy areas of Plumb Beach. Expecting to find Saltmarsh Sparrows, perhaps a Nelson's too.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 17, 2021
Orchard Beach Lagoon Birding by Canoe Excursion (Intermediate)
10:00am – 3:00pm
Explore the Orchard Beach Lagoon, including Bartow Creek as we look for birds that live in this estuarine habitat of the Long Island Sound. Registration opens on July 7.
Free

Community Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00pm – 6:00pm
Through Community Rowing, guests of all ages explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways. Community Birding brings birdwatching to the shores of the Bronx River.
Free

Sunday, July 18, 2021
Birding: Ospreys at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am – 10:00am
Learn about the behavior and habitat of this seaside raptor that nests across the Jamaica Bay Area during spring and summer.
Free

Birding: Hawk Watch at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we recommend bringing binoculars.
Free

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Friday's Foto

The Great Blue Heron is North America's largest heron. Standing nearly 4' tall, with a nearly 6' wingspan, they use a large, dagger-like bill to grab anything within striking distance. Their primary diet is fish, but they'll take frogs, insects, rodents, salamanders, snakes, turtles and even other birds. They can be found throughout North America, even as far north as Alaska and the southern Canadian provinces. Their wintering range extends to northern South America. This hardy species can sometimes be found in our area during winter when many water bodies are frozen.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 10-11, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Butterfly Workshop
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Do you know the most common butterfly in the United States? It’s the Cabbage White, and it’s pictured at the top of this email! Learn about this butterfly and many others by enrolling in Naturalist Tait Johansson’s in-person Butterfly Workshop. The two-part program will begin with instruction on the natural history and identification of our local butterflies followed by an outdoor butterfly walk. Bring binoculars, close-focusing ones if possible, and lunch.
Registration: Cost: $20.00 for members; $55.00 for non-members (includes a one-year membership). All participants will receive a packet of handouts to take home. Level of Difficulty: Easy.
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Gabe Willow Tours

Explore the Hidden Ecology of Central Park After Dark
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Leader: Gabe WIllow
Description: Discover the mysterious nocturnal wonders of the park on a starlit expedition with a NY Times-featured urban naturalist.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details


Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, July 11, 2021, 10:30am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century. Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
Registration: Reservations are required, please call (718)-338-3799.
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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, July 11, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.


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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island, Purple Martins Plus
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Leader: José Ramírez-Garofalo and Shannon R. Curley
Description: This summer trip to Staten Island, led by José Ramírez-Garofalo, will visit various locations of nesting birds on the island, including Bank Swallows at Great Kills Park, Purple Martins at Lemon Creek, and Boat-tailed Grackles, possible Clapper Rails, Little Blue Herons, and other marsh birds at Oakwood Beach Tidal Marsh. If access is possible, the trip may include a visit to Freshkills Park (not fully open to the public yet), where José has been involved with the research and banding of nesting birds, including the Grasshopper Sparrow. The day will also include opportunities to observe a variety of butterflies and odonates.
Registration: Karen Asakawa — avocet501@gmail.com or 347-306-0690
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New York City Audubon

Jamaica Bay Festival Bird Tour of Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Shirley Chisholm State Park
Description: Celebrate Jamaica Bay Day the birdy way and discover the birds of Shirley Chisholm State Park. Beginners welcome! Limited amount of binoculars available to borrow, email Danielle at dsherman@nycaudubon.org to reserve a pair. Limited to 20. Free.
Registration: RSVP preferred but not required.
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Governors Island Bird Walk
Saturdays, July 10-October 30, 2021, 2-3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. Reserve your spot by signing up at Nolan Park #17. Limited to 10. Free.
Registration: RSVP preferred but not required.
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Willowbrook Park
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the Carousel Parking lot on Eton Place, then loop the White Trail past the chimney. At the chimney we’ll make an excursion to look briefly at the area where the Dept. of Parks proposes an extensive forest restoration. On the return we’ll pause by the deer exclosures to compare the vegetation inside with the surrounding unprotected forest. This walk will be approximately 2 miles, and heavy rain will cancel.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036


Summer 4-Mile Greenbelt Walk
Sunday, July 11, 2021
Leader: Hillel
Description: The Summer 4-miler begins at the Nature Center and traverses trails leading to some of the favorite spots of the Greenbelt: Moses Mountain, Heyerdahl Hill and the lovely Egbertville Ravine. We will meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center at the intersection of Brielle Avenue and Rockland Avenue. Bring beverage and a snack. Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. Walk level is easy/moderate.
Registration: For more information call Hillel at (718) 477-0545


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Accessible Nature Exploration at Soundview Park Butterfly Meditation Garden (in Soundview Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an ADA Accessible nature exploration! Learn about the birds and trees that inhabit Soundview Park and enjoy a beautiful view over the Bronx River.
Free

Nature Explorers at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for some spirited adventure around Randall’s Island Park. Your young ones will have fun exploring the farm and nearby gardens through guided nature activities.
Free
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Friday's Foto

The Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus), as the name suggests, is an Old World reptile not indigenous to North America. Their native range is the Mediterranean basin, particularly the Italian Peninsula. However, pockets of released pets have established themselves within the new world. At Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, if you look carefully, you can find them thriving along Sweet Gum Path, near the historic chapel. This small lizard averages 3" to 4" long, with a tail of equal or greater length. They feed primarily on caterpillars, grasshoppers and beetles. Read more about this "Italian immigrant" here.

A Few Pics From Around the Cemetery

Here's a few highlight photos from over the past 10 days at Green-Wood Cemetery:

"Don't look at me!"

Wondering what that pervasive, sweet fragrance is all around your neighborhood? Linden trees...

Wildflower in the mangosteen family.

Common Whitetail dragonfly.

Eastern-tailed Blue butterfly on white clover.

One of a very large family of long-legged flies.

One of my favorite, non-native wildflowers - Deptford Pink.

Osprey at the Dell Water looking for a quiet place to eat his fish.

Pineapple Weed at Sylvan Water. Step 1-pick some of the flowers. Step 2-crush it between your fingers. Step 3-raise to your nose and take a deep breath.

Snapping Turtle breeding season is here. Found this small female on the road next to the Sylvan Water.

Monk Parakeets have discovered this apple tree near Sylvan Water. Yum...

Ladybug beetle. One of the good, non-native species of insects in our area.

A female American Goldfinch on her nest in a Sweetgum tree.

A male American Goldfinch munching on coreopsis.

A Murder of Crows.

One of the smallest Differential Grasshoppers I've ever seen.

A "scary" Great Golden Digger Wasp sipping nectar from a butterfly weed flower.