Overnight Sensations

Suddenly it's spring. The skunk cabbage sprouted leaves and the swales are greening up. As the sun swings higher in the sky, the stream banks are coming to life with marsh marigolds. Bright yellow forsythia shouts with the first color, joined by the now-golden male goldfinches. Yesterday morning, I awoke to the returning phoebe's buzzy, "fee-BEE". And the maples and budding with rich crimson flowers. Time for me to get busy waking up the garden!

Whirring Woodcocks and Snowdrops

The courting ritual has begun. For the last two nights, we stood outside listening to the woodcocks rising up into the evening sky, whirring and chirping, dancing in the waning light. Their aerial display is something to see--if you can see it. I could just make out the silhouette of one as he dropped back down into the woods.

Yesterday, I heard a Carolina wren singing, and the snow drops have appeared. Yup, spring is here!