It was a two walk day - first with frantic dogs on leashes (Kate's leash is the stick in her mouth or in my hand), then blissfully alone. On leashes they are less desirable company, and put my back and shoulders to the test. Plus-they scared away two mallards who had just come in for a landing on the pond. It was a good thing too, since the havahart trap was filled with a second porcupine.
The blackflies have begun to bite, but they don't seem to like getting up as early as I do, so far. Spring is charging forward in the back yard.
The chorus of birdsong in the air is continuous.
Here is some of today's wildlife: A red-winged blackbird perched on a cattail, then bursting into wing-fluttering song...
another pond bird which I don't recognize...
One of my favorite flowers - I believe these are called bluets.
I love the way they grow to either 3 inches or 10 inches depending on the ground cover they happen to end up in. My mother has always found inspiration in the fortitude, adaptability, and tenacity of the natural world, and she passed that inspiration on to her children. It is a nice thing when a tiny flower pushing through the soil, or an immense tree winding its roots around a craggy ledge can both remind me of my mom.
The pear tree is in bloom, and the "bamboo" is starting its rapid takeover...
Female Red-winged blackbird and, you got it, American Bittern. Congrats to you, Nellie and Tessa on your respective successes.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to tell you this blog made me cry. Good tears! We still own our home in Maine, with a large pond, red-winged blackbirds, bittern's and bluets. I can't be there this spring but your pictures and descriptions made my day. The only thing I don't miss in Germany is the blackflies bitting. Thank-you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carl! I wondered about that being a female red-wing b., her call was similar.
ReplyDeleteMimi - thanks for your note. I never know which posts will be meaningful to people. Good tears are nice, so long as I don't provoke too many!