Birds, blooms, and insects fill the landscape this May! Palm Warblers and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin nesting, while mayflies emerge in swarms and star-nosed moles hunt using the 100,000 nerve endings in their nose.

Lilacs and Lady Slippers start to add some color to forests and gardens, but only lady slippers are native to the region, despite the popularity of lilacs. Warbler migration peaks mid-month, bringing small colorful birds from Central and South America.

Meanwhile, winter birds like Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows head north. By month’s end, Green Herons and Yellow-breasted Chats—our largest warbler!—are nesting as well.

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Photo by Lori Schaull