corrine

Mid-summer has arrived along the Kirkland Trail (all photos from the past few days); the heat of early July has accelerated seasonal changes. Field mustard and soapwort are currently the most abundant flowers, and raspberry and honeysuckle fruits are ripening. Beware of wild parsnip on trail edges; in the presence of sunlight, its sap can cause a bad rash. Yellowthroats, song sparrows, and catbirds sing all along the trail, and on each walk I almost always hear an indigo bunting singing at #12 and a scarlet tanager at #23 (29 species of birds in total on July 13; hooded warbler was a special find). Bullfrogs are harrumphing near #10. Chipmunks are everywhere along the trail (as are deer flies), and numerous butterflies are out in open areas, especially north of Dugway. Look for monarchs!

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I walked all of phase 1 (north & south) this morning, and here’s a report of nature along the trail.  You may find this interesting.

The most abundant flowers now are multiflora rose and Dame’s rocket, with dogbane, valerian, and cinquefoil among the nicest natives in flower. I’m maintaining a chart of flowering phenology of all plants along the trail, and thus far 61 plant species have flowered, with many more yet to come.

I saw and heard 24 species of birds. Among the easiest to see are song sparrows and yellow warblers. Other birds included scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, yellowthroat, chestnut-sided warbler, veery, phoebe, pewee, cardinal, oriole, blue-winged teal, cardinal, and redwings.

Six species of butterflies were along the trail: cabbage white, clouded sulphur, question mark, pearl crescent, little wood satyr, and hobomok skipper.

Want to test your knowledge?  Hover your mouse over or click on an image to reveal it’s name!