Early spring reflecting into calm water in Yellowstone National Park.
Tag: spring
Yellow Bells:Fritillaria pudica
In addition to the Glacier Lillies carpeting the forest floor these small Yellow Bells, which are also in the Lilly family, have kept us company this spring. The plants are only 10-30cm tall and usually contain a single flower. They grow scattered in patches both in open areas as shown below and in more forested areas as well.
We found flowers that ranged from the typical yellow to some that were a deep orange.
A small treasure that springs from the ground and one to look forward to again.
Simply Spring
A morning walk springs to life as fresh new leaves and vibrant colors paint the still brisk morning air.
The surprise of the day was a Dragonfly lurking about on wild roses trimmed short by the deer. Not much prey for this little predator so early in the season but don’t worry the bugs will come.
And even the coniferous trees were getting in on the action this morning.
Nothing fancy today….simply spring.
Springing
With the last of the snow melted life is springing up in all shapes and sizes. Flowers, tress, grasses and water rushing to fill the streams. In addition we sighted the first Chipmunk of the year a few days ago taking a break and enjoying their lunch as the sun warms the rocks.
Have a wonderful weekend.
On a rainy afternoon
A male Red Winged Blackbird and a female Yellowheaded Blackbird making the most of a late afternoon April shower and definitely not singing in the rain.
On the earth day earth.
Although spring had a calendar date of March 20th we have had an extended winter and this year earth day was the day that felt like spring had actually sprung.
The sun had been out for several days in a row without a flake of snow falling and the temperatures were downright warm. The snow was receding at a rapid pace and the earth became exposed. Flowers were budding and blooming all of which were no more than several inches high.
The promise of spring seemed fulfilled at last.
Flowers blooming with life inviting the early season pollinators in for a drink.
Pine cones alive on the forest floor and glow in the morning light.
Not more than an inch in height the flowers came in yellow and white.
The state butterfly Nymphalis antiopa “Mourning Cloak” basks in the sunlight on a road which only a day or two ago was covered in snow.
And then came the day after earth day…
Northern Flicker
With their yipping and drumming on on tress and metal chimney tops the Northern Flickers have announced their arrival. Full of color and wonderful patterns they add another dose of color to a season already gaining color each and every day.
