There's more to May than its flowers! The month marks the peak of the spring songbird migration, the emergence of dragonflies and arrival of moderate temperatures.
Here are some things to look and listen for during the month:
Orioles return as flowering fruit trees bloom. Look for them in Holmdel Park, Holmdel.- Gulls, terns and cormorants establish their nesting colonies. Be careful to keep a safe distance as they will defend their territory by dive-bombing.
- The first Canada goose goslings hatch. See if you can spot them in Thompson Park, Lincroft.
- Daddy longlegs emerge from eggs laid late last summer in woodlands such as Huber Woods Park, Middletown.
- Swallowtail butterflies are visiting local blossoms such as those found in Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown.
- Red fox pups venture out of their dens.
- Listen for the sound of the breeze as it changes from a rush to a rustle as trees leaf out in Shark River Park, Wall.
In bloom:
- Flowering tulip trees
- Flowering dogwoods
- Locust trees
- Beach pea flowers
- Lady's Slipper orchids
- Beach roses
- Violets
- Beach plums
- Rhododendron
This month:
- Wintering seals head north.
- Female snapping turtles will travel as far as 1/4 mile for soft soil as they lay their eggs.
- Horseshoe crabs start to mate on full moon nights.
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