For two to three weeks, small largeleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla) leaves have covered the forest floor in semi-shaded openings. Bears love these leaves that emerge curled and fuzzy.
Hummingbird male In that fast-growing stage, the nutrients are largely in an easily digestible fluid form. But as the leaves mature, they develop protective secondary compounds; and the nutrients become incorporated into the leaves as cellulose, which is no more digestible for bears than it is for people. They are now mature as you can see in the picture. Coming up in the middle of that picture is one of the next species of edible vegetation—peavine (Lathyrus sp.). 
Largeleaf aster, peavine and sarsaparillaThat’s the plant with small, smooth, rounded leaves; but peavine is scarce compared to what they had with the flush of largeleaf aster leaves. Also in the middle of the picture are the young red leaves of wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis). This plant will produce what is perhaps their favorite berry, but it is available for only two to three weeks in late July and early August. Ant brood (larvae and pupae) is a favorite food that is ramping up now—especially on this 80°F day. But ant reproduction has been slowed by rain and a cool spell.
Hummingbird femaleBlueberry blossoms (Vaccinium angustifolium) are nearing their end and starting to fall. We’ll see if they turn into berries or if the hard frost on May 21 killed them. It’s the same story for the wild strawberry blossoms (Fragaria virginiana).
Blueberry blossomsOverall, bear food is in at a lull now. That could mean that lactating mothers will soon show their faces and their cubs as they try to satisfy their heightened metabolisms. Food from community bear feeders will keep them out of trouble. We’re especially looking forward to seeing Lily and learning the next chapter in her life.
We already mentioned that Shadow did not produce cubs this year at 30 years of age. It would have been a new record if she did. A couple years ago, she set the current record when she had cubs at 28. The old record was 26.
FundraiserMeanwhile, the four bears at the Bear Center are eating well, thanks in part to Lily Fans. As part of that, Lily Fans are organizing the “Abearican Idol Contest” as a bear food fundraiser. The email I got today announced “The FUNdraising Team’s 4th annual "Abearican Idol Contest!" and 1/2 year Birthday party.” It said, “Voting for the annual bear Pinatas starts June 1st and ends June 10th at 1 PM CST. 
StrawberryThe 4 Ambassador Bears are waiting for your votes.. Which bear will be given which piñata after our Birthday Fundraiser Celebration? You get to decide with your vote! Each vote is just $5.00. How to vote? Click here https://www.bear.org/website/how-to-help/bear-food/donate-now.html and place a $5 donation on our Bear Food donation page. Be sure to indicate which piñata you would like a bear to receive. For example: If you would like Ted to receive the strawberry piñata, then indicate where you type in your name ex: John Ted #3 Doe . Thank you for your support.”
Out the window, few wildflowers are in blossom yet, so hummingbirds are making many trips to the feeders. Blue jays are happy for the sunflower seeds they share with the bears.
I say, thank you team and thank you all for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center