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Sunshine Yellow Flowers In Winter
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis). Given to me a few years ago by a dear friend. A small patch in the garden glowing with the color of happiness, right now, mid-February. Not a native to North America, but of France, Italy and the Balkans. In my garden it’s well behaved and hasn’t spread at all, so…
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The Wood Frogs Have Returned
The Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) have returned to my pond with their noisy, “Clack, clack, clack!” Incredible frogs that spend the early part of winter hunkered down in leaf litter, hibernating. That leaf litter only gives these frogs minimal protection against the cold. They will spend much of their hibernation actually frozen. They don’t breathe,…
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Shape Of The Day
The shape of the day, of course, is the heart. These are a few of the hearts from my many photographs. Created by nature, or created by an expressive person. This one, above is a cherry pie. Walk slowly, otherwise you’ll miss something, like this heart, made by nature, on a Sassafras leaf. A mincemeat…
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Floral Witnesses Of History
There is a very old cabin a short walk from the cabin where I live. It’s believed that it was last occupied in the 1950s. In going back through deeds, I can trace the cabin to 1905 but it is possible that it is older than that. The paper trail ends leaving no more hints.…
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Butterbutt
More formally known as a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata). A black, white and gray bird accented with that lovely bright buttery color. A bird that shows up at my birdbath occasionally during the winter. I’m patiently waiting, hoping one will make an appearance. Often it is mid-February when I’m able to capture a photograph. This…
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One Crazy Winter
Ice on a vernal pool. February 13, 2018. Perhaps a normal winter. What IS normal these days? February 10, 2023. I miss seeing ice. I won’t even mention my feelings about snow. You probably already know. I miss going out for a walk in the woods and not thinking about spraying myself with an insect…
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The Pointer
A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) that looks as if it is posing for an artist. About to become a museum piece on canvas. This Junco, the one that I am used to seeing, is one of 14 or 15 subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco. Each having the same basic size and shape but colors that…
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Spiderwort
Today a few leaves of Spiderwort (Tradescantia) were spotted emerging from the soil. It’s native to eastern North America. Come May, blooms will be gracing the garden, to the delight of bees. _____________________________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts, sign up here!
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Feather Care
A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) yesterday at the birdbath. Feather care. Keeping those feathers clean is essential for health. Clean those feather little bird. Keep those feather free of dirt, parasites, and bacteria. Keep those feathers in tiptop shape. The birdbath next to the garden here at the cabin is a busy place even during the…