Lance-leaved Violet

Friday we counted Lance-leaved Violets.   

They are only a few inches tall and like wet meadows.

Our first stop was Butterfly Meadow.

This view is looking north with woods lining the western edge of the meadow.

Tucked in the foliage we found two box turtles - one with a GPS unit attached.   

I also found a big Blue Racer snake, but was too startled to photograph it.

This Common Yellowthroat was singing loudly, 

"Whichity, whichity, whichity, which".

We also went to North Girdham Dunes.  

The area used to be planted with pines.  When they were cleared the violets sprang up in the many low lying areas.  Now that it has been open for a while, the low areas are filling in and there aren't as many violets.

This Red Admiral butterfly has seen better days.  

He likely migrated up from Texas this spring.

This Indigo Bunting's song was dominate in this meadow.

This Spicebush Swallowtail was very docile and may have recently emerged from its over-wintering chrysalis.