Wild Nantucket: Target Species

Swamp Candles, Lysimachia Terrestris

Swamp Azalea,
Rhododendron Viscosum

As a birder, I’m used to thinking about what species I might see when I head out for a walk. During July, as the bird species are more stable and there is a smaller chance of seeing a new species, I often hunt for wildflowers.

I have described the procession of flowering plants which I love following in Nantucket. Early July means colicroot ( aletra farinosa) and ghost pipes( monotropa uniflora) for me. Oh…and swamp candles ( Lysimachia Terrestris) and Swamp Azalea ( Rhododendron viscosum).

Colicroot,
Aletra Farinosa

Ghost Pipes,
Monotropa uniflora

So today I headed off to Stump Pond with those target species in mind. The last of the Quaker Ladies were there in the shade, and the tail end of the ox-eyed daisies. The arrow wood viburnum’s bloom are also losing steam. The yarrow is starting.

Common yellowthroats were the most numerous birds; I guess that’s why they are called “common.” Yet they hide so well, I haven’t got a picture of one yet this year. Towhees, robins, red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows and blue jays joined me on the walk, with a red-tailed hawk, barn and tree swallows and a couple of yellow warblers. The great crested flycatcher and red -eyed vireo were highlights. A brown thrasher and black-and-white warbler were heard but not seen.

The Carolina roses were blooming in profusion in Windswept bog, where last month the wild iris blue flag flourished. Our threatened sand plain blue-eyed grass is along the edges. We are eager to see how the renovation of the old cranberry bog changes the landscape. Now there is more standing water and new greenery, but no new flowers that I could see.

I found my target species, as well as an American wintergreen, pyrola. A successful hunt!