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The cool morning air vibrates with the shrieks of newly-fledged starlings that fill the surrounding trees.
That big event seemed to happen about three days ago, though I’ve yet to capture an illustration.
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Moving, and small distant subjects are becoming more of a challenge.
When Grant spotted an eagle in a tree, he slowed briefly to a stop and the bird was far enough away not to be disturbed, so I was lucky enough to get a picture that is at least identifiable.
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A yellow barn against a dark sky is more manageable.
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The only problems being getting the driver to stop in the right place, and dealing with a rain-splashed windshield.
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The ploughed fields were looking healthy and the day had not yet given in to being completely wet.
It seemed a good combination of rain and shine that one supposes would greatly benefit newly sown crops.
As if one knows the first thing about horticulture.
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My only experience is that when we have warm, wet weather everything grows, out of control.
Particularly those plants you would prefer didn’t.
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Last Fall we acquired a load of “dirt” of suspect provenance. It was mostly for Grant’s vegetable plot but the leftovers were used to top up the flower beds.
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The weather being delightfully mild and the air being full of birdsong, weeding was a pleasure yesterday.
That’s something I never expected.
Grubbing around in the dirt.
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Apparently I liked it once.
Maybe it’s a return to childhood.
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Dames rocket, this very pretty flower, is sadly damaging to critical food resources for birds. butterflies and other species, although it is apparently edible for humans.
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It is certainly flourishing this year but I read that it was introduced from Europe in the 1600’s.
What kept it at bay for 400 years?
And what re-activated it?
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It is not possible to dislike such a pretty plant, whatever its sins. I can only agree not to encourage it.
So far, I have not seen it on my property.
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Cresting a hill, a bright yellow field came into view.
Something much smaller than dandelions, but I was not able to get a close look.
Clover, perhaps. On a dark day it was a startling sight.
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Beside a small pond, someone had erected a little bird house.
In these dark times, this cheers me.
A sign that not everyone has lost their soul.
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In late afternoon, there was a brief intense sunny period before the arrival of an overnight deluge.
We will be doing this trip again on Tuesday, but it’s never the same twice.
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Now I think I’ll pop out and do a bit more weeding.
No, not you, dear. You’re too pretty.
Really, it’s a matter of moving grass from the flowerbeds to where I would prefer it to grow.
Nothing harsh.
As they say – a weed is just a plant in the wrong place. A hybrid rose bush in the asparagus is a weed.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your horticulture musing, and the beautiful photography, as always!
Joanna
Every little helps when it comes to nature!
Greetings to all, long time indeed.
Love your eagle photo – that yellow beak stands out so beautifully! And in your photos I can always see how many different shades there are of the colour green – it’s pleasing to the eyes! Oh, and yellow … the last photo of the flower covered in rain drops is stunning!
I have been weeding between patio slabs today. Not something I can remotely enjoy, whatever the weather. The Eagle is magnificent. You are lucky to be able to behold such a majestic bird.
Best wishes, Pete.