Best warbler day yet. Not a lot of birds overall but over a half a dozen species of warblers: the four P's -- Palm, Pine, Prairie and Parula -- plus Northern Waterthrush, Redstart and Yellowthroat. Red-eyed Vireos still around. Also Ruby-throated Hummingbird; a single bird circled around me even to the extent of hovering right in front of my face.
I have been watching the development of the many Seaside Goldenrods scattered around the pond and marsh edges. These plants are amazingly hardy, growing in sandy soil near the water. It has thick leaves and might almost be considered a succulent. It tolerates alkaline soil and salt sea spray; it also has the ability to survive a mauling or trampling. Even if beaten down, it tends to recover as if nothing happened. The spectacular displays of yellow flowers are about to burst into bloom. Besides its obvious attractiveness, it's a favorite with nectaring insects including butterflies.
Speaking of butterflies, the numbers have been low in this dry summer, especially since the Tiger and Spicebush Swallowtails seem to have stopped flying. I did see a single Monarch and a handsome Pearl Crescent basking in the early sunshine on this cool morning.
Eric Salzman
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