Ostriches Starting to Strut

A large patch of Ostrich fern bordering the marsh road pond have been busy unfurling over the past couple days. (Located on the eastern border of the pond.)

Enjoy!

~ Robin

The Bumble Bee Express

The park is a busy place right now.  The road is anything but express as the construction workers are busy digging and moving dirt.  One place where there is no transportation issue is among the flowers.  At first glance, it looks like this bumble bee is being hurt by, or at the least annoyed by its passengers (bee mites), but a little internet digging told they are harmless and more interested in a ride to the next flower.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Northwood's Early Spring Wildflowers

Wood Anemone are just starting to open on the forest hillside area.  The Rue Anemone are opening nicely and easily seen from the paths there.

And Little Leaf Buttercup can be found in a shady part along the marsh road.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Winter Prep

Transitional American Goldfinches are plumping up for winter.  American Robin's are starting to flock.  Ducks (transitional Mallards?) are out for a swim, before migration.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

New Arrivals

At least a few new varieties of flowers are making the scene today.  The white variety of Common Blue Violets, Little Leaf Buttercup, and Wood Anemone.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Tree Flower Buds

Some of the trees are forming flower buds.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Rise and Shine!

Tuesday, Rue Anemone were barely visible as little red sprouts peeking out from behind leaves on the forest floor.  Today, although still small, several can be seen in bloom.  

Enjoy!

~ Robin

 

February Whitening

Just when I think things are looking more like Easter than February, the weather decides to whiten things up a bit.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Bright, Brisk, Beautiful!

This morning was bright, brisk and beautiful.  There was some light frost that turned quickly to dew.  Most sumac is full blown red, but some along the creek path are still 'blending' into red.  The slightest breeze is sending leaves dropping.  Enjoy it now before they fall.  Also, most of the milkweed are also full blown fluff with much clinging to anything it floats into.  

Enjoy!

~ Robin

What's Blooming Now

Perennial Sowthistle

Purple Loosestrife

 Enjoy!

~ Robin

Compass Plant

Clearwings and Tigers

A small handful of Hummingbird Clearwing can be found flitting around the Wild Bergamot with a number of bees.  Some people call this flower Bee Balm.  

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail are also out now as well.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Unexpected Finds

A new yellow flower is popping up along the marsh road: Downy Yellow Violet.  I'm not sure if I just never noticed or if this is a new flower.  Also, there are a number of Shooting Stars forming buds along the creek.  This one has blossomed.

Enjoy!

~ Robin  

Jack-in-the-Pulpits Emerging

Jack-in-the-Pulpits are starting to unfurl.  There is a patch along the marsh road at the wettest areas opposite the marsh.  This is another plant that is male or female.  Some people call the female "Jill".  This plant also has a unique species 'safety' function.  It may switch between male and female for a season to better chances of reproduction. Watch for this interesting plant to start unfurling its leaves. 

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Brave Little One

My first wildflower find this year is a Rue Anemone.  This one is quite small and was hard to find.  Later they grow greener and larger and dot the forest hillside with their little pink flowers.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Curiosity on the Creek

Near the far east bridge over the creek, on the creek, in the middle of the creek, is a curious site.  Where did it come from?  Who put it there?  Why is it there?  There must be a story behind it, but I don't know what it is.  It is fun to imagine.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

White Flower, Red Baneberry

In the shadows of the forest, white flowers look brilliant when the occasional shafts of light hit them.  Curiously enough, this white beauty is Red Baneberry.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Slushy Day

Afternoon sun did much to melt and soften things.  Walking through 'snow' cover now is more like walking through slush.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Flock of Spring

There are a number of bird tracks near the second bridge.  American Robins have gathered there.  One might call it a "flock of spring."  

Enjoy!

~ Robin