Rattlesnake Hawkweed, Babcock

The task for today's trek, as if I ever really needed an excuse for a walk, was to circumnavigate the Babcock Ridge and Henne trails over which I'd be leading what I hoped would be a nice gathering of like-minded people to celebrate National Trails Day tomorrow. So, slowly and with all manner of documentation gear in hand, I walked the pathways and made note of everything I saw... everything I'd try to point out. There were lots of birds calling, everything from Worm-eating Warblers and Ovenbirds to Red-shouldered Hawks and Pileated Woodpeckers, but, in preparation for reality, almost none of them put in an appearance. The plants, however, were less shy, and one unusual—for me, anyway—member of the floral cast of characters was in full bloom, just in time for our excursion. A small group of us had noticed the curious leaves of Rattlesnake Hawkweed—the name comes from their fancied resemblance to snakeskin—a couple of weeks earlier, and I'd been watching for blossoms. Patience rewarded... and a good omen.

Rattlesnake Hawkweed blooms, Babcock