Study of Sumac Buds

One of the perks of taking photos is that sometimes you can see more in the photo than initially with your naked eye.

Sumac buds first appear as fuzzy nubs. But as they open, from the fuzz something beautiful emerges.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Showy Bush Buds

Several bushes are beginning to form leaves and bud. Red-berried Elder  and Wayfaring Tree have a couple of the early showy buds.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Tree Flower Buds

Some of the trees are forming flower buds.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Unfurling

Horse Chestnut buds have swollen to the point of unfurling.  There are a few of these trees along the marsh road.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Celebrating Snowlessness

Some of the trees and bushes have come out in celebration of the recent snowlessness.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Starting to Come Through

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Spring Cling

Bare twigs expose the woody wild grape vines.  They cling to anything within growing reach.  

Today I found some fungi (Turkey Tail) that clung back.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Blushing Pussy Willows

It seems no one told the pussy willows that spring has been held up by snow.   They are starting to blush.

Enjoy!

~ Robin 

Pussy Willows Playing in the Snow

Although the snow has not left yet...  

It hasn't stopped the pussy willows from coming out to play!

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Popple Pop!

Some trees go by many names.  This one is a Populus tremuloides.  Better known as many other names, like:
  Quaking aspen,
  Trembling aspen,
  American aspen,
  Quakies,
  Golden aspen,
  Trembling poplar,
  White poplar,
          or just plain old POPPLE.

Popple are one of the first to 'pop', and she is holding true this year too.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Spring has Sprung

In the middle of forest area at the corner lot, there is a piece of old farm equipment given over to rust.   Isn't it kind of "iron"ic   that near the metal springs, evidence of spring is shooting freshly forth?

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Aspen Buds

Saturday I explored with another photographer.  We investigated the MAC wildlife area in Crystal, MN.  Some of the younger Quaking Aspen trees were budding along the path and starting to fluff.  There are a number of these trees along the marsh road.  It might be a little early yet for the budding.  The weather man is warning of the possibility of a foot of snow in the next couple days.  It will be interesting to see how things look by the weekend!

Enjoy!

~ Robin