3:00 snapshot, #143.

[urbpan]

Overgrown weeds (mostly bittersweet) between the deer enclosure perimeter fence and the barrier fence.

Disgusting substance of the day: the responsibility of euthanising a fledgling oriole (fell out of its nest, bleeding internally).

On this day in 365 Urban species: Pond slider. We saw tons of these on our most recent Urban Nature Walk; I definitely think they are breeding in Boston.

Comments

[squid-ink.livejournal.com]

I saw something SIMILAR to bittersweet (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/fuzzy_turtle/am_I_bittersweet.jpg).. it acted the same with the crazy vining, but it had small flowers and the leaves seemed bigger.. ???

I had two RES (they were 'street turtles' bought during the Moon Festival in Chinatown.. what can I say, it was my last day at work and I was out for a liquid lunch. Barnard passed on at the age of six (kidney failure) but Columbia is still going strong at the tender age of 11. What people don't realize is how big RES get, or how expensive proper housing can be.. the filters have to be strong and the water changed monthly (parial changes at least!) But Columbia seems quite happy in is 180gallon.. I can't imagine him in a pond fending for food.

Despite their invasive nature, they are cool animals. Who else can survive the toxins and rats of the ponds of Central Park (NYC)? Sliders.. and they do it with finesse! Hate the dumper, not the dumpee....

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

black swallow-wort?

[squid-ink.livejournal.com]

that does look like the stuff (http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/cylo1.htm).. and it's been spotted in CT. Bah.

Thx for the identification!! :)

[cottonmanifesto.livejournal.com]

rip it out when you see it!!

no problem, any time.