Spring Wonders at Weymouth Woods

When a rainy morning turned into a fair and cool afternoon,

Judy and I headed to Weymouth Woods for an hour or so of hiking.

We were sure we'd get exercise, but we saw more natural wonders

than we had bargained for.

We began our hike on the Pine Barrens Trail which follows rolling
hills and valleys through ever-present groves of longleaf pines and
other plants native to the Sandhills.

The darkened trunks are evidence of a controlled burn in the
not-too-distant past.  It's all for the health of the ecosystem.

We were surprised and delighted to see Birdfoot Violet along the
trailside.  We were to see many more along the way.

This is Trailing Arbutus, a late winter/early spring bloomer.
Never had either of us seen it in such abundance as we saw
along these trails today.

I haven't identified this colorful species yet.

This is Cranefly Orchid, a dainty one-leafed plant which also
grows on my SFL Nature Trail.

This is the purple underside of Cranefly Orchid.  Each plant may
produce a single flower later in the season.  Or not!

As you can see, those Cranefly Orchids were not solitary specimens.

This is Wild Ginger, another favorite from the SFL Nature Trail.

Rattlesnake Plantain, whose white blooms resemble a rattler's rattle.

The whole colony of Rattlesnake Plantain

Wild Iris looks similar to the Birdfoot Violet, but their stems and
leaves are easy to distinguish.

Pipsissewa, or Spotted Wintergreen.  This was my "Indian Name"
at Camp Cherokee 45 years ago and will always be a favorite of mine.

The Pine Barrens Trail gave way to the Gum Swamp Trail with
great differences in flora and fauna.

This is James Creek, which bisects the Weymouth Woods Preserve.

The sign for the foot bridge didn't specify if this refers to footwear
or "cottonmouth" moccasins.

This boardwalk allowed for close-up observation of the swamp.

Evidence of deer on the tree

This is not a closeup, but we startled and WERE startled by the
takeoff of a large Sandhill Crane.  Look to the center and to the
right to see it in flight.

I can't see the crane in this picture, but it's there, blending in nicely.
Judy and I watched it for ten minutes or more before starting our
journey back.

Here's video of the crane in his swamp environment.

There's not much motion, but I was able to zoom in

for a good look.  This was a highlight of our walk,

needless to say.

The Sandhill Crane is easily hidden in the tangle of branches and
reeds of this habitat.

Another herb I haven't identified yet.

On our route back to the ranger's station, Judy spotted these
"fiddletops" of Cinammon Ferns. They will soon unfold in splendor.

This was a fitting specimen as our stroll drew to an end,

because it was a reminder of just how many other spring

wonders await.  There will be many more walks and many

more pictures.  I hope you enjoy some Spring walks yourself.