13 June 2020
In the past week I’ve found flowers and insects in Schenley Park, on Laurel Mountain, and at McConnell’s Mill State Park. Here are the best of the lot.
At McConnell’s Mill, white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) bloomed in May and is already forming berries that become dolls eyes in October. I used two photographic techniques on the same plant. The slideshow shows what a difference that makes.
Dolls eyes in portrait mode (photo by Kate St. John)
The mosquitoes are out on Laurel Mountain, especially at dusk, but so are the caterpillars. This oak-eating caterpillar took a chunk out of a leaf but will become a tasty snack for a baby bird if the parents find it.
Leaves are also food for tiny gall-making insects as seen on this leaf in Schenley Park.
As I said it’s bug season, so be prepared when you visit the woods.
(photos by Kate St. John)
Hi Kate,
Thanks for these beautiful photos.
Have you posted anything about the eaglets at Hays fledging? Looks like one is still hanging around the nest.
Also, thanks for yesterday’s post about the COL peregrines.
I haven’t posted anything about the Hays eagles but I do know the 2nd of 2 fledged yesterday.