There has not been much obvious change to see in the grove from last week to now, although discreet changes are certainly happening on the cellular level that we cannot see without looking very closely with a microscope. I have included photos of both leaf and flower buds taken a week ago as well as one taken yesterday at Rhododendron State Park. There isn’t a lot of difference to see. For a few days earlier this week the weather was on the cool side, but now it has warmed up considerably, and we haven’t seen much precipitation lately. This may have an effect on the growth and seasonal progression of the grove, but I wouldn’t want to try to explain it. Sometimes life is a mystery – that can be good for us often.
After having looked at last year’s bloom report from this week, I see that the weather was damp then. I mentioned birdsongs to listen for and mushrooms to look for. Yesterday I saw no mushrooms and the birds were keeping a low profile. I did hear a wood thrush and noticed a few little brown birds (as far as I can get with ID sometimes), but in order to be heard well, the air needs to be more moist.
I have included a picture of a very distinctive tree that is growing within the grove. Any ideas? ( I will reveal its identity in future notes):
Even with the lack of moisture we are experiencing, the mosquitoes are thick enough at the grove that they will find you, so come prepared.
Until next time,
Ted
Monadnock State Park
P.O. Box 181
Jaffrey, NH 03452
603 532 8862
Looks like a Ginko tree to me …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba