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After a flirtation with Spring, we are reminded that this is only early April and Upstate New York – frost and snow still very much a possibility.
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Weeds, it seems are irrepressible and begin to flourish even as the last layer of ice dissipates.
Encouraged by an early warm spike, the hyacinths threw out flowers and I have seen a few wild pansies.
Otherwise there are no flowers yet.
Just a green thing or two…
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Hardy mullien survives.
It is a ubiquitous plant that I would once have described as unlovely, but these days I view things differently.
Everything has its place.
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Mullien is good for the lungs and immune system.
Not that I plan to harvest it.
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Sage too persists.
Anything that survives in my flower beds deserves a medal.
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It isn’t that I don’t care for or appreciate plants. Indeed I admire them.
But I am much better with feathered or furred lifeforms.
Red-winged blackbirds are here in force.
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Along with brown-headed cowbirds, grackles and starlings.
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They eagerly await breakfast.
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Doves and sparrows hardly get a chance.
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Nor do cardinals.
“Oy! That’s bird seed!”
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The look on Mrs Cardinal’s face!
“You should name it Guzzler, missus!”
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“I takes a meal where I can find it!”
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For a corvid, this bluejay was very tentative about asserting his rights!
Though from the looks of Zoomer’s flank, someone must have.
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Meanwhile in the apple tree above…
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A flicker had found something in a hollow.
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Gorgeous bird!
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They are easy to spot from the yellow feathers of their undercarriage.
But we don’t see them as often as we would like.
So they are a special treat.
Always a joy to see the variety of birds and animals. We woke up to 1C today, despite bright blue skies. As a result, the heating is still on, as it only climbed slowly to a current 11C at almost 7pm.
Best wishes, Pete.
The birds seem to have their best bib and tucker on at the moment!
Ha, a squirrel with toothache – that’s if you look at those puffy cheeks – but no, just way too much food in his mouth! The birds seem to be very happy to be in your garden after the winter. You are privileged to be able to see such a variety. I think they have an unwritten agreement with you: They will pose for photos if you provide the meals!
Apologies, Carolyn, for the delay in reading your lovely post! Wonderful photography, as always, of your wildlife friends, trees, and sky! Indeed, your photos are a special treat!
Joanna