Wildflowers in July

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Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

The wild bergamont[above] is a member of the mint family. It has a square stem characterist of the mints.  Wild bergamont can be found on Massasauga trail and at the head of main trail.

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Above is Wild Carrot(aka, bird’s nest or Queen Anne’s Lace ) which is a wild edible plant.  But there are other white flowered plants that look similar that are extremely poisonous (Poison Hemlock(Conium maculatum) or Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata))so make sure 100% sure before you decide to take a bite. Queen Anne’s Lace is the only plant with a small maroon flower in the center.

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Snapping Turtle on Chapel Path - July 4 2006

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Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

This snapping turtle is on the chapel path after being on main camp likely laying eggs.

So campers don’t have a close encounter, our program director assists our turtle down to the lake .

Yellow Shafted Flicker and other lunch remains - Massasauga Trail July 6, 2006

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Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

Walking back to my house I find this small pile of feathers from a Yellow Shafted Flicker(Woodpecker). Maybe a bird of prey had it for lunch?
Just a few feet away these ants are making a meal of their own from a much larger insect.

I’m not sure what’s going on here but it looks like these small insects are eating a much larger larva of some kind.

Insects on Maple tree behind Nature Center - July 6 2006

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Originally uploaded by Camp Naturalist.

These insects(aphids?) cover a good 2 to 3 foot section of this maple tree branch.