Spring is Blooming

The weather is finally getting gorgeous here.

Everything (almost) is starting to bloom. There are a few things not quite blooming yet, and I'm a little concerned that some of our plants (like the lime tree) might have perished over our very odd winter.

This is from one of the thousands of Oaks on the property.  Couldn't believe how velvety the tiny little petals were.

Can never remember the name of this bush - but it just looks pink and red 

all over from a distance.  It is a surprise when you walk up to 

one and see these delicate, precious flowers that make 

up the overall showiness of the bush.

This looked like a "flora" butterfly to me.  About ready to fly away.  The sturdiness of the buds impressed me.  They are hardy, ready to burst into their next stage.

And, for some strange reason, they looked very happy.

(There's probably some scientific study that proves that when I'm happy, everything around me seems happier - or maybe IS happier - as well)

Of course, I can't leave out the dogwoods.  

Wow - what a fragrance!  

They are blooming all over the property right now.  

I want to move some around and see if we can get even more of a springtime show from them.  

And, now that this posting is up, I'll go do some springtime weeding and bed cleaning.

Enjoy however spring is showing herself in your neighborhood!

The Finches are Back!

The Goldfinches are back!  I haven't seen the Purple Finches yet... but I'm hoping it'll be soon.  They aren't really purple, but a beautiful, deep red.

They've been out there all day - mostly three and four at a time. They love this particular food  - it's just something inexpensive from the feed store, but they are happy with it anyway.  

I had fun shooting with the telephoto lens. Although these are shot through a window.  They birds don't tend to come if I sit on the deck nearest the feeder.

I loved this fellow's downy appearing feathers - and their color!

We've also had quite a few Cardinals.  The Cardinals are here all winter, but in the winter we don't see as many females.  I noticed yesterday that the females are back in full force.  

Caught this guy with food on his face!

Look at the outstanding coloring on his back feathers!

Spring is beginning

The great affair, the love affair with life,
is to live as variously as possible,
to groom one's curiosity like a high-spirited thoroughbred,
climb aboard, and gallop over the thick, sun-struck hills every day.

Where there is no risk, the emotional terrain is flat and unyielding,
and, despite all its dimensions, valleys, pinnacles, and detours,
life will seem to have none of its magnificent geography, only a length.

 

It began in mystery, and it will end in mystery,
but what a savage and beautiful country lies in between.

 

~ Diane Ackerman ~

 

 

("found poetry" from A Natural History of the Senses)