We were taking a hike along the Silver Spring Trail at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary when I saw this Eastern Ribbon snake on the side of the trail. I’m not sure who was more startled! But he stayed on the trail and just looked at me.
The Eastern Ribbon snake is a slender, blackish brown snake with 3 yellow stripes. It is found near water (Silver Spring) where it swims on the surface.
The Black Locust wildflowers on the trail to Coast Guard Beach were very interesting. I had never seen them before. The flowers are fragrant and white with 3/4″ pea-flowers in 8″ drooping clusters from a broadleaf tree.
I’ve wanted to see a Ruddy Turnstone for years, but have not seen one in about 15 years. We hiked out to the beach at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary last week there were dozens of them scurrying about on the sand flats. What a treat!
I just love their coloring! Gorgeous bird, don’t you think?
I had never seen a Hairy Solomon’s Seal wildflower until I saw this one at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Cape Cod. I had no idea what it was!
It is really interesting in that it grows to about 24″ with 1/2″ greenish-white bell-like flowers which dangle from the leaf axils. You can see them shortly after you leave the visitor’s center in May and June.
Have you ever seen a Hairy Solomon’s Seal wildflower?
Cape Cod daily articles on the wonderful Cape Cod places to hike, experience and photograph. A Cape Cod Outdoor Adventure Series.
