Planting Virgina Roses at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge...

Today, I spent the day planting Virgina Roses by the Bird Blind on the West Pond Trail at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens.   During the time I was working there I kept my ears and eyes peeled in observing the movement and sounds around me.   As a result, during my work, I first heard then spotted Two Eastern Towhees by the pond, then I heard a Northern Flicker, which I also spotted.   In addition, I saw a number of Yellow Rumped Warblers, a Comma Butterfly, a Spring Peeper (frog), A Monarch caterpillar and I saw the elusive Muskrat.   Not bad for a day's work while planting.   I had my trusty camera with me and I was able to photograph the Peeper and Monarch caterpillar. I will post pictures of the Virgina Roses at a later date. Thank you to my helpers Nancy(Morning help), Sebastian, Ian, Isabelle and Yocasta (afternoon help).


Spring Peeper...not easy to find.


Monarch Caterpillar on Milkweed plant.