In the spring, hepatica and masses of violets, bluets, and marsh marigolds brave the uncertain weather of March and April, followed by the bloodroot, trillium, and jack-in-the-pulpit. Summer brings great clumps of goldenrod and Queen Anne’s lace, asters, daisies, and black-eyed-susans along the roadside. In the fields look for columbine, the showy turks-cap lily, and the purple thistle.
Autumn’s brilliant leaves compete with the flower displays, but many varieties hold their own—goldenrod, asters, chicory, yarrow, fireweed, and ironweed. To all these are added the bright fruits of the dogwood, white baneberry, sumac, and mountain ash. It is no wonder that October draws more visitors to the park than any other month except July.
WILDLIFE
Birds.
This park is an exciting place for birdwatchers who could, if they had time and patience, spot more than 100 different species at the height of the spring migration (April and May). Other migrants bring the year’s total to 200.
You will notice first of all the soaring birds—buzzards, vultures, and ravens—because they are constantly “floating” over mountaintops and valleys. Take a few minutes to watch the raven do his stunts. He’s the acrobat of the park’s bird population. Like a highly maneuverable aircraft, he dives and stalls, somersaults and soars for hours on end, apparently with no aim but to have a good time.
On the roadside, watch for the indigo bunting and junco, the ruffed grouse, and, in the southern part of the park, the wild turkey. Along the trail you will hear the towhee call his name; the hammering of the woodpecker; the call of the whip-poor-will and the mourning dove; the screech of the jay.
The woods are filled with songbirds; if you listen closely, you may hear oven-birds, red-eyed vireoes, nuthatches, chickadees, catbirds, wrens, brown-thrashers, and black-throated blue warblers.
Bring your bird guide along. You will find your hikes and walks greatly enriched by being able to identify the birds you see and hear, and you may introduce the whole family to a new interest that will reward you wherever you travel.