As we walked around the trails the dew was dripping from some of the berries in the bushes.
Indian Pipe Plant was growing in some of the darker areas. The Indian Pipe Plant lacks chlorophyll so relies on a fungus to supply its nutrients in a saprophytic manner from leaf mould in dark, dense areas of the woods. Tough photographing conditions due to low light levels. This photo shows the plant in its flowering period. Very soon after the flowering period, the flower heads and then the plant turn black and soft ,almost slimy, and disappear altogether back into the forest floor until they reappear for a short period the following year.
Indian Pipe Plant (Monotropa uniflora)
In the more open areas of the trail, a few varieties of damselfly and dragonfly were making an appearance. I love photographing dragonflies. They are so cooperative. Almost always come back to the same perch over and over again. Just have to be patient :). Dragonflies and damselflies date from prehistoric times. Dragonflies rest with their wings out to the sides. Damselflies rest with their wings back alongside their abdomens. Great eaters of insects and both the adult and larvae forms are wonderful mosquito controllers. Susceptible to pollution and pond draining activities, these skimmers are becoming rarer in some locations.
Half-banded Toper (Sympetrum semicinctum) 
Damselfly – i.d. not certain
Our other “Old Quarry Trail” blog entries.
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