When we arrived, the Birds of Vermont Museum was not open yet. We crossed the road and headed to one of the trails* carpeted with wood chips that leads to a pond. The shaded path gave comfort from the heat of the day. *See trail map further below.
At first, there was not much activity around the pond. A few birds (Common Yellowthroat and a Veery), a few damselflies, and many frogs conversing. The sound of the stream as the overflow departed the pond was mellow and delightful.
We strolled slowly along one side of the pond, stopping to sit on one of the benches for some quiet birding. We listened to a Phoebe as it persistently introduced itself by sounding out its name Phoebee, Phoebe, Phoebe. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak darted from a willow tree to hawk for insects in mid-air. Later, two Great Crested Flycatchers did the same before chasing each other across the pond.
We met a couple from Jericho sharing the ambiance and natural wonders with their young child (the mother is a wildlife biologist).
Later we headed back down for a quick tour of the Museum.
About a half hour later, it was like someone rang the sex bell. Damselflies and dragonflies were mating all over the place. I could hardly keep up with taking photos.
About 45 minutes later, the mating activity seemed to come to a complete halt. Again, as though someone had rang a bell, this time signaling times up.
Once the sunlight reached the outer edges of the pond, bees, wasps, and other invertebrates increased activity. After the mating event, a new set of species introduced themselves, particularly on the Meadowsweet and the Fleabane flowers.
Virginia Ctenucha Moth Ctenucha virginica
At Birds of Vermont - see the carved birds, local artists' paintings on display, rain and pollinator gardens, and check out the trails. Observe invertebrates that feed the birds.
Inverting (observing invertebrates) is the new birding!
View the complete list of invertebrates I observed at this link: iNaturailst Birds of Vermont July 15
Great Spangled Fritillary Argynnis cybele
View the list of 26 bird species Maeve observed here (e-bird checklist).
