The Monarch butterflies are back on Cape Cod and they are gorgeous! We’ve seen quite a few at Fort Hill in the past couple of days.
This Monarch flitted from flower to flower right near us so we were able to get some good photographs. The Milkweed isn’t in bloom yet, but they seemed to really like the purple Vetch wildflower.
Have you seen any Monarchs yet this season? What a treat!
The pretty pink Lady Slippers are in full bloom on the Beech Forest Trail in Provincetown. You can see them all along the sides of the trail. (Click on blog link for other photo.)
They are called Lady Slippers because the pouch-like structure formed by their petals resembles a lady’s slipper or shoe. So pretty and so delicate…
I love this time of year when the wildflowers start to bloom and every new one you see brings you such delight! I was walking to Boat Meadow Beach when I saw these Solomon Seal wildflowers on the side of the road. I always think they are so pretty as they dangle from their branch.
When doing a bit of research, I learned that “Solomon’s seal is used for lung disorders, swelling (inflammation), and skin conditions such as bruises, boils, and hemorrhoids.” It has a long history of traditional use by Native Americans for its potential medicinal properties.
We found this great new app called Inaturalist, that will identify just about anything living out in nature. It has been so much fun to use. (Click on blog link for other photo.)
You just hold your iphone up to a flower or plant or bird, or any species in nature and it will tell you what it is. It is so cool and so educational. I have learned so many new species in the past couple of weeks!
It’s just fun to experiment and identify the different kinds of species that you see every day along the trails! Have you ever used the Inaturalist app?
If you’re hiking the main trails at Fort Hill and look down very carefully, you may see a tiny, little purple wildflower that is no more than 1/8 inch in diameter. It is itty, bitty and easy to miss… or step on. (Click on blog link for other photo.)
The Red Sand Spurrey thrives in sandy, disturbed soil. This is a first for me. Have you ever seen one?
