-
How Did They Bloom So Quickly?
February 21, 2026 Just a couple days ago, they were buried under heavy, rock solid snowcrete. A short bit of time with some warm weather, nearly an inch of rain, and they are blooming as if they can survive anything. Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis). _______________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts…
-
Wood Frogs, A Late Winter Joy
February 20, 2026 It’s late winter, and right on time, even before the Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) begin their chirping calls, Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) have arrived. Their noisy clacking calls can be heard through my closed windows, as they call, hoping to attract a mate. Out of the water, it’s a bit easier to…
-
A Few Words From A Robin
February 19, 2026 An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) wants you to know that its species is not a sign of spring. They are year-round residents of the lower 48 states. They just change their behavior during the winter. Switching from their warm weather diet of worms, grubs, and insects that they find in your lawn.…
-
Not All Winter Landscapes Are Black and White
February 17, 2026 Several years ago, Valentine’s Day, there was a stunning ice storm. Here, a small glimpse of the beauty that was created. Ice on Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Deep, yummy, emerald green. Not a black and white image. Though in my heart, winter here is black and white, this is an example…
-
Half Way Up
February 16, 2026 Half way up the mountain to our cabin, at the side of the road, a stately White Oak tree (Quercus alba). It sits there as an example of something I love about winter, the black and white landscape. With a quick glance this picture actually does look like it’s black and white.…
-
Blooming Air Plant
February 15, 2026 There are four Air Plants (Tillandsia) in my kitchen window. A spot where they can enjoy the bright light. The window faces northeast so they get a good amount of direct sun in the morning. They get a soaking in a bowl of water every week or so, a soaking that lasts…
-
Snow Buddies
February 14, 2026 Well, probably not really buddies, but in the same neighborhood anyway. A Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is obvious. Look in the distance above and behind it and you will see a Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). Two birds nearly the same size, with the Blue Jay being just a tiny bit larger. The…
-
Sweets For The Sweet
February 13, 2026 I found some McIntosh apples a few days ago. My absolute favorite apple for pies. This afternoon I put together a Hatch Green Chile Apple Pie. Sweets for the sweet. Made with Valentine’s Day in mind but we had some after dinner tonight. Yum! _______________________ If you would like to receive my…
-
Playing In The Icy Pool This Morning
February 12, 2026 My camera and I got to play at the vernal pool today, the one at the yoga studio where I take classes. It has been dry for so long, much longer than is usual, so we had a great time. Melting snowcrete created a marvelous amount of moisture, perfect for imagination. One…