It is not clear why a plant would have the word “rattlesnake” as part of the common name, but two that do were on view at Wilket Creek on this 8 degree sunny morning. Some say that parts of the plant were used to soothe rattlesnake bites.

Rattlesnake Root:

Rattlesnake-weed has distinctive reddish purple borders on the leaf veins:

I love the whitish-pubescent look of the leaves of this species of Serviceberry:

May-apple is very distinctive with its “beach umbrella” appearance:

“Peltate” means that the stalk of the leaf is attached to the middle of the leaf:

Other botany:

Some park scenes:

This morning’s group:

We had only a few migrant birds this morning. Perhaps the majority are busy winging their way north in this good weather.

I was unable to get a good photo of this Nashville Warbler but you can make out the gray hood and yellowish throat:

Species list: red-bellied woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, downy woodpecker, great crested flycatcher, blue jay, black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, house wren, American robin, ruby-crowned kinglet, Nashville warbler, brown-headed cowbird, Baltimore oriole, northern cardinal, American goldfinch, white-throated sparrow, song sparrow.  (17 species)

From the feeder area:

NATURE POETRY

Evening by Archibald Lampman

From upland slopes I see the cows file by, Lowing, great-chested, down the homeward trail, By dusking fields and meadows shining pale With moon-tipped dandelions. Flickering high, A peevish night-hawk in the western sky Beats up into the lucent solitudes Or drops with gliding wing.The stilly woods Grow dark and deep, and gloom mysteriously. Cool night winds creep, and whisper in mine ear. The homely cricket gossips at my feet. From far-off pools and wastes of reeds I hear, Clear and soft-piped, the chanting frogs break sweet In full Pandean chorus. One by one Shine out the stars, and the great night comes on.

Miles Hearn