Spring is here, and much is happening along the Kirkland trail! All the following photos and observations were from the afternoon of May 1. Most noticeable are the spring specialties: abundant red and white trilliums, marsh marigold, sharp-lobed hepatica, spring beauties, and blue cohosh. Adding to the display are shadbush, 3 species of violets, golden Alexanders, purple dead-nettle, speedwell, and myrtle (aka periwinkle, Vinca). And more are on the way!
Birdlife is abundant, with song sparrows and red-winged blackbirds singing all along the trail. Recently arrived species included brown thrasher, tree swallow, barn swallow, ruby-crowned kinglet, and chipping sparrow. Belted kingfisher and pheasant have been loudly announcing their presence. Other birds making an appearance are great blue heron, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, white-throated sparrow, northern cardinal, house finch, goldfinch, mourning dove, red-tailed hawk, blue jay, titmouse, robin, and (of course) crow. Soon we’ll add warblers.
Also seen along the trail are painted turtles, cabbage white butterflies, and ever-present chipmunks. A beaver lodge is visible, and both leopard frogs and American toads have been singing. Although the fairies themselves have been elusive, fairy houses have reappeared along the trail north of Dugway as well as south (the north trail beyond the open field is a lovely, more intimate trail). Emerging leaves add a lace-like green to the spring forest, making this prime time for a trail walk in the woods with much to see and enjoy.
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