Periodical Cicadas were again a focus of today's walk. As we examined some of the dead and dying males littering the ground, Laughing Gulls were feasting on those still alive over the treetops. Later, we observed three of the reported Mississippi Kites from the bridge over Lake Nummy. Up to 17 kites had been reported in the area also feeding on cicadas. Other wildlife of interest today were clustered Harvestmen (aka Daddy Long Legs), Five-lined Skink, and Spicebush Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, and Striped Hairstreak butterflies. Dragonflies included Blue Corporal, Slaty Skimmer, and Banded Pennant. Botanical highlights included the several members of the heath family in bloom and newly emerged Indian Pipe. Leaders: Mike Crewe, Chris Marks, Catherine Busch, Bert Hixon, Tom Baxter, Mike Hannisian, and Nancy Watson.
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| Indian Pipe [Photo by Catherine Busch] |
