More Flowers

     As mentioned in my last post most birds are involved with procreation at this time of year, with photographic opportunities relatively scant unless one is near an expanse of water. So, I have focused my efforts of late on wildflowers and the results are shown below.
     Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus is not native to this area, but is widespread and irrevocably part of the flora now. It is quite incredible, really, how greatly immigrants to North America longed for the familiar plants of home and brought them here. Some are relatively innocuous, but others have become truly invasive and native vegetation and the wildlife it supports have suffered greatly as a result.

     Another introduced species which can be commonly found is Cow Vetch Vicia cracca.

     Even though North America has its own buttercup species, I suppose that nothing was considered quite as beautiful as the Common or Tall Buttercup Ranunculus acris and it too was introduced and has multiplied profusely.

     Chicory  Cichorium intybus was also imported from Europe, perhaps as an ingredient for coffee, and it too has become well established.

     The Red Osier Cornus stolonifera, a member of the dogwood family,  is native to the area (hooray!) and by now is sporting a full crop of berries.

     Queen Anne's Lace Daucus carota is very common and can be found in scrubby, weedy habitats throughout the region.

     Common Tansy Tanacetum vulgare is often located alongside Queen Anne's Lace.

     In the same locations one may also find Yarrow Achillea millefolium.

     Where there are flowers there are butterflies and this Red-spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis atyanax was in very poor condition. It is doubtful that it could function with that kind of wing damage and I suspect that it would quickly become a tasty snack for an insectivorous bird.

     The title of my blog is Travels with Birds and so no post would be complete without at least one picture of a bird; here is a Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias patrolling along the river's edge in Hawkesville.