April 13, 2026
Male Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
A brilliant scarlet Cardinal surrounded by the soft colors of spring in its beginning. Pinks of Redbud (Cercis canadensis) in the background. Pale greens of just emerging leaves, ivory of bracts, and tiny dots of yellow green of the actual flowers of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida).
Each season has its own beauty.
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April 11, 2026
Blooming all over the mountains up here, trying to get as much attention as the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees. Nearly as common as those two trees, the Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium).
This small tree is native to eastern North America, Connecticut west to eastern Kansas, and south to Alabama and Texas. Its berries (called drupes) turn to blue-black and are consumed by many species of birds from late summer through winter.
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April 11, 2026
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum). An herbaceous perennial plant that’s between 1 to 1.5 feet tall. They’re native to nearly every state east of the Rocky Mountains, from the Great Lakes down to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
Nonflowering stems of each plant produce a single leaf. Flowering stems produce a pair of leaves. Very soon buds will form into fragrant white flowers, opening to 1.5 to nearly 3 inches wide. Thereafter, the fruit is produced.
All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets. And if you dare, the fully ripe yellow “apple” is said to be edible, but caution must be taken even then. Seeds must be removed and those “apples” should be eaten in cautious moderation. Not a step I’d be willing to take.
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April 10, 2026
Clumps of Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) spent from a tough winter. Sending up new fronds to meet spring, dancing as they arrive.
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April 9, 2026
Spring, and loads of ferns emerging from the earth as they unfurl. These will grow up to be Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum pedatum). Even more beautiful in its grown up form.
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April 8, 2026
A Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) gathering nectar and pollen from the blooms of Blueberry bushes (Vaccinium sect. Cyanococcus). Of course it doesn’t realize it, but its efforts result in blueberries appearing on the bushes in late May. Soon after they ripen, they will become blueberry muffins, blueberry pies and toppings for many bowls of cereal.
Thank you pollinators! I love having you around!
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April 7, 2026
Providing protection as the flowers are developing in late winter and early spring, what appear to be petals on blossoms of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) are modified leaves called bracts.
The actual tiny flowers, in a shade of soft yellow green, are at the center of the four bracts, each one complete with stamens and pistils, the male and female parts of the flowers. And with the help of pollinators, will develop bright red berries in autumn.
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April 6, 2026
Cauliflory, a word which refers to trees that bloom and produce fruit from their trunks. Of course it’s the opposite of what is normally seen, blooms and fruit growing on new growth. It’s a happening that is rare in temperate climates but common in tropical forests.
It surprises me to find that there are three cauliflorous species of trees that grow right here in my woods, Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida), Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and in the picture above – Redbud (Cercis canadensis).
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April 5, 2026
Quite the surprise this morning. The Wild Easter Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) came by for a visit. On the one hand it was really a disappointment since it showed up with no Easter basket filled with goodies. No chocolate bunnies, no dyed eggs, no jelly beans, no Peeps. But what a treat to get to see it. I’ll bet not many people got to see the Easter Turkey this morning.
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April 4, 2026
Right now I’m seeing many Goldfinches (Spinus tristis) that are looking quite mottled, as a result of molting. Changes in the amount of daylight, and temperature changes, in early spring trigger hormones, causing a partial molt, involving only body feathers, but keeping tail and wing feathers. Males become a more brilliant yellow and females become a more subtle olive-yellow. There is also a change in the color of their feet, legs and beaks, going from a dull brown to orange for the spring and summer seasons.
This molt is the first of two molts that Goldfinches go through. The second occurs between late August and October, and again involves taking hints from the amount of daylight, and temperatures. This one is a complete molt involving all feathers. Warm, strong feathers, for the cold winter, and colors that are not as bright, providing camouflage.
Nature – amazing!
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