June 30, 2018: June 2018 Photo Collage

June 2018 photos from the blog by Wolf. Oesterreich and Kevin Kane.

June 29, 2018: Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are native to North America and one of the most popular wildflowers grown. They tend to blanket open fields, often surprising the passerby with their golden-yellow beauty.  Members of the sunflower family, the “black eye” is named for the dark, brown-purple centers of its daisy-like flower heads. This patch was found in the southern prairie area. (Kevin Kane, 6/16/18)
https://www.almanac.com/plant/black-eyed-susans

June 28, 2018: Red-tailed Hawk

This Red-tailed Hawk was found perched on the Inuksuk during my second lap of the day.  Several times, Red-winged Blackbirds swooped down to harass the hawk.  Eventually the hawk dropped to the ground and then quickly returned to the perch.  In one talon was an American Toad.  The Red-winged Blackbirds wouldn't leave the hawk alone, so it dropped down to the ground again to consume the toad in peace. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 6/24/18)

June 27, 2018: Butterfly Milkweed

It's a beautiful time of the the year with the butterfly milkweed's orange flowers dominating in the park's prairie areas. (Kevin Kane, 6/16/18)

June 26, 2018: Indigo Bunting

This male Indigo Bunting was found along the Upland Trail's east slope.  Several pairs appear to be nesting at the Park. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 6/14/18)

June 25, 2018: Gathering Storm

Storm clouds gather on a late afternoon over the north lake (Kevin Kane, 6/18/18)

June 24, 2018: Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Orioles can be found throughout the Park (and probably at your feeders) and have been quite numerous for the past two years.  This male was found on a Mullein (last year's flowering head) along the Upland Trail. (Wolf. Oesterreich, 6/14/17)