היומן של aphili8

Seems like there are only two in my area but I'm not entirely sure. Also seems like ID is dicey - the fumitory project says they can't ID to species unless very specific photos are taken. However, I think it may be possible with the very limited options in Pennsylvania - I just haven't had time to research.

I"m keeping tabs on references so I can learn in the future. So far I have these:

https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/blue_celery/14150-fumitories-of-north-america

https://naturebftb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Fumitories-and-Ramping-fumitories-crib.pdf

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/fumitories-in-the-usa

"Explore" function reveals that Fumaria officinalis makes up the bulk of observations in the NE USA. There are a very few records of Fumaria muralis (Common ramping fumitory). There is a single Schleicher's Fumitory (Fumaria schleicheri) recorded in Maine.

Nice tips found on this observation:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131742184

Looks like it's increasing in presence here... I will need brush up on identification of it.

Good comprehensive collections of pics.

Apparently Tupelo can have toothed leaves....
https://www.carolinanature.com/trees/nysy.html

https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/nyssa-sylvatica

http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/plantid/species/hillblackgum/hillblackgum.htm

Inspired by Annebekker's observation here
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/119676436

good discussion on Ilex crenata vs glabra
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/103906914

Pretty hopeless for me, but here is some information if I get the chance to devote time to them

Grout's text on Mosses - on the older side but apparently still used. I worry that perhaps the taxonomic tree has changed since then.
https://archive.org/details/mosseswithhandle00grou_0/page/n15/mode/2up

There is a book "Outstanding Mosses and Liverworts of Pennsylvania and nearby States" By Susan Munch
This looks good because only a hand lens is needed - no microscope.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2157875.Outstanding_Mosses_Liverworts_of_Pennsylvania_Nearby_States

also
Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians
By McKnight - also doesn't require a microscope

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17028276-common-mosses-of-the-northeast-and-appalachians

I've been going with my gut for most of my poison ivy identifications, but recently had a correction - apparently I haven't really differentiated between vines with roots on them.
Here's one source.
https://natlands.org/mariton-poison-ivy-and-virginia-creeper/

Virginia creeper germinating
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/46423097

I'd never much thought about the damage feral cats do, but I'm starting to think they should be limited with a heavier hand. Seems like I've seen too many instances of cat prey on here. Here's an example...
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/69623442

I was wondering where I might see a flying squirrel and did an "explore" to find out. Good thing that I won't have to travel far for the southern species. Bad thing that the northern species is endangered... Cats can't be helping.

A discussion on the best way to issue project invites is here
https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/contact-observers/28025

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/85376189

Parts of goldenrod
https://uwaterloo.ca/astereae-lab/research/goldenrods/goldenrod-morphology

Genus divisions
https://uwaterloo.ca/astereae-lab/research/goldenrods/classification-and-illustrations