Mariton: Flowers and Birds

I am still finding Hepatica (Hepatica americana) on trails like the River Lookout and Chimney Rock.  There is a patch of Dutchmen’s Britches (Dicentra cucullaria) along the Main Trail that still looks good.  There is Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) on many trails.  The Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) leaves are popping up through the dead leaves and turning the forest floor green.  It will be a few weeks before they start flowering. 

Shadbush (Amerlanchier sp.) just started blooming at Mariton.  Shadbush blossoms are a natural indicator of when the shad start running locally in streams.  I think the Shadbush’s internal clock may be off this spring.   The rivers are cold, high, and muddy.  It will be a tough spring for shad fisherman this year, unless the weather pattern changes soon. 

The Eastern Bluebirds were singing up a storm yesterday in the yard.  I believe the pair of Cooper’s Hawk are courting and getting ready to nest.  They have been very vocal, and flying around the yard.  I heard a small flock of Black and White Warblers singing this morning as I walked along the River Lookout Trail.  Some warblers have been making appearances, but I think birds will really start moving this weekend and next week.