Opportunist

New green tinges the hills and dogwoods are in full bloom,

their white bracts like spots of light scattered through the woods.  

Lilacs send their fragrance through the air, inviting bees and butterflies, 

and the icy days of winter seem far behind us.  

Aside from all of that, it would still be apparent that spring has arrived, 

because the tufted titmice are coming around looking for nesting materials. 

Early yesterday morning, while I was thinning out the radishes in a big pot near the house, 

minding my own business, 

one of my wide-eyed friends flew in for a visit.  

She made herself quite at home in my hair, 

pausing occasionally to rest on my shoulder or the top of my head, 

but mainly it was all business.  

For all the pulling and rearranging the little thing did, 

I don't think she made off with much.  

If she had, I'd be wearing a hat by now.

Come to think of it, that might not be a bad idea.





A post script: This may well be the same bird that came around last year.
You can see it here.


Thanks Don, for taking the pictures.

Linking with Camera Critters,
Saturday's Critters
and Wild Bird Wednesday

Morning

 

And God saw all that He had made,

and it was very good.

Genesis 1:31

Linking with Saturday's Critters

Bluebird Memories

The bluebird house outside our bedroom window has new occupants these days, 

and the male has found a suitable perch nearby. 

Have you noticed how strongly fragrances evoke memories?  

This bird house is on an oak tree above a fragrant patch of Sir Winston Churchill daffodils, 

and the little ones will probably be imprinted for life.

What could be sweeter?

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Sweet Anticipation

On a gray morning, rain drips off and on from half-hearted clouds.  

Outside, dogwood bracts unfold to reveal tiny emerald treasures that will soon open, attracting a menagerie of pollinators.

The first blush of deep pink has appeared on red bud trees, and it looks, for the first time in years, 

like they might bloom simultaneously with the dogwoods.  

Our icy winter compressed the first side of spring, and the results could be glorious.

Male goldfinches have discarded their drab winter garb and donned bright yellow down jackets for the season...

and male bluebirds have pulled on their brightest little t-shirts.

I can't remember when we've waited this long to see toothwart and rue anemone, 

but now that they've appeared, other wildflowers are following in swift succession.  

A brief look around yesterday revealed Johnny-jump-ups, 

bluets, spring beauties, pussy toes, and dandelions.  

Verbena covers the lake shores, and henbit, the poor gardener's ground cover, decorates the town.

Service berry trees are in full flower...

 ...and wild plum blossoms exude their intoxicating fragrance.

Now the rain has stopped, and cloud curtains, blown in the breeze, part to reveal the sun. 

The sweet anticipation seems inbred

Of clover underfoot, the hum of bees

Of new leaves growing overhead

And poppies swaying in the breeze.

 But in the meantime...

Life is pretty good.

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Thanks to Kim Klassen, who provides fabulous free textures.
The one I used today is Just a Touch.