Leonard Weber

May 28, 2023

May is a month of enormous change in Eliza Howell Park. The difference in foliage from early May to late May is evident in these photos from the footbridge over the Rouge River.

By late May, birds that have only recently returned from their wintering grounds are busy making nests, each species with its own nest design and its own preferred location.

By late May, the first of the perennial meadow wildflowers are starting to bloom, the beginning of a 4-month season of multitudes of blooms from dozens of species.

Some trees are flowering now as well, adding stops to the walk around the road loop.

Deer are more visible in open sections of the park, enjoying the opportunity to graze on fresh green growth.

Recently, I have started to see butterflies on my walks, especially on sunny days. Many of those now active are small and more likely to be seen on leaves or on the ground than on flowers.

The summer wildflowers that will attract the better-known butterflies are growing rapidly, though not yet in bloom.

I have started visiting my favorite summer wildflower field, just to watch the Bergamot and Coneflower and Joe Pye Weed grow and to anticipate the flower and insect bonanza coming soon.

The field has come a long way from early March.

Every season has its own attractions and excitement, but there is definitely something special about late May in Eliza Howell Park.