On The Trail With Mark

Not sure what this insect larva is. Thought it might be related to monarchs. Hadn’t seen one like it in the

park. UPDATE! Thanks to John White he correctly identified this beast as a Grapevine Epimenis (Psychomorpha epimenis). Thanks John!

 Dusky Slamander Habitat (above) Actual Salamander (below). 

In June 2008 a fellow Naturalist and I were herping around Hemlock Overlook. Along a path I noticed something peering through a cavity at the base of large tree. About two feet off the ground (see pic on left) was an American Toad tucked away -maybe waiting to ambush an unsuspecting human.  I have no idea how he managed to climb that high  into that cavity? Close up of same toad in right photo.

This plant lacks chlorophyll and resembles a pine cone.  Habitats include upland woodlands, bluffs, wooded slopes and ravines, and usually in association with leaf liter and oak trees. Because it lacks chlorophyll the plant must obtain its nutrients from the host tree.  This plant spreads to new locations by dropping seed or from its seeds passing throuh the digestive tracts of certain animals.The photo was taken along the Horse Shoe Trail in the woods near Hemlock Overlook.

Butter n Eggs found along Clifton Rail Raod Tracks 7/8/08

Photo by Barb Ballard

From the hedges in my backyard, a baby grakle cries out to its parents . During the spring, these birds are prolific and my yard is alive with their calls.