Still Around

March 19, 2026

A Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus). They leave their winter home for their breeding grounds further north, in late March or early April. I did a blog post a couple days ago with a photo that I figured might be the last image of a Hermit Thrush for the season. Apparently not, but maybe this one?

This Thrush has been attracted to a great source of food that attracts many birds. Gobbling up calories for its journey. The berries (drupes)of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) ripen in mid to late summer, and if not eaten by wildlife, can last the winter and on into spring. A perfect spot to get ready for the trip.

I’ll be looking forward to seeing a Hermit Thrush or two next autumn.

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Needle Ice

March 18, 2026

Early yesterday morning, and again this morning, just waiting to be discovered, Needle Ice, covering a large area beneath the trimmed stumps of Beautyberry. Those stumps just waiting for a signal to begin leafing out.

Needle Ice happens when ground temperatures are above 32°F and air temperatures are below 32°F, capillary action brings moisture up into the cold air and these strands of ice occur. They sometimes lift pieces of soil or pebbles up. Generally they are one to two inches tall. And beautiful.

Nature is amazing.

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Green For St Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2026

Last month loads of bright yellow flowers were telling me they are winter hardy plants that bloom their hearts out. Now today, their leaves are looking up to gather energy from the sun for photosynthesis.

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) native to Europe and Asia Minor, growing from a bulb, blooming at about the same time as Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis). This plant enjoys a location that provides sun in early spring with shade later provided by deciduous trees. Though this plant enjoys spreading, it is an extremely slow process, and I would not call it invasive.

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A Calm Moment In A Turbulent Day

March 16, 2026

Another day of strange weather. I captured this picture of a female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) during a calm moment, no rain, no wind, no tornadoes, thank goodness.

She looks stunning in her subtle shades.

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Hermit Thrush About to Migrate

March 15, 2026

One of my winter residents, a Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), striking a pose for me on a post. You can’t see its tail and back color. A warm reddish-brown set against its olive-brown back. Two different colors.

A color placement that allows for comparing it with two other similar Thrushes, Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrush. The Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) has a uniform back, wings, and tail of warm olive-brown, while the Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) has back, wings, and tail of grayish-olive.

This might be the last picture I’ll get of a Hermit Thrush this season, since they begin their migration in late March through early April. I’ll see you next autumn Hermit!

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Ready To Go In The Oven

March 14, 2026

Happy Pi Day. Actually not PIE DAY, but I’ll take this as a hint to get a pie created. This one, made from blueberries that grow here, a blueberry pie that is all set to go into the oven. 425° for 15 minutes, and 375° for 45 minutes longer and it will be done. Add vanilla ice cream and all set!

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Bloodroot In Snow

March 12, 2026

Yesterday and today, two days to remember. What weather. Yesterday it got up to 87°. That’s mighty warm for mid-March, then at midnight it was only down to 75°, by lunchtime the temperature had dropped to 32° and it was snowing. By the time the flakes stopped pouring from the sky — 2.5 inches on the ground. There has never been that span of temperature from warm to cold in Charlottesville as long as records have been kept.

And this afternoon I captured a Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), in the snow, waiting for sunshine and warmth. They stay closed when there is no sunlight and no warmth, in order to protect their pollen.

A remarkable couple of days.

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An Enchanted Forest of Yellow

March 11, 2026

Driving back up the mountain this morning, I noticed that Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is in bloom. The woods are awash with its yellow blossoms that lean a bit toward green. A gorgeous time to see the many trees of the forest, nearly all still with no leaves, just the splash of yellow sprinkled about.

In thinking of a title for this post, I thought of how the forest looks enchanted. That brought back memories from my childhood, growing up in Maryland, visiting Enchanted Forest. But that is another story for another time.

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