My chipmunks have been out for a few days and one tried to venture up to my porch when I was standing there, but today I didn’t see much activity. Maybe the wind was too strong and they were afraid they might blow away.
Chipmunk Watching
Picture of the Day for March 20, 2021
The calendar says it the first day of spring and the temperature was in the 50s, even if I have a little snow still on the ground. So far no signs of any wildflowers blooming in my woods yet, but hopefully soon instead of white snow there will be white bloodroots.
Bloodroots Blooming
Picture of the Day for March 19, 2021
Although there is still some snow around, more hints of spring appeared today with my troublesome chipmunks emerging from their winter dens as the call of the killdeer could be heard in the field. And on my lawn, my cat tried to catch the first butterfly of the season, a Mourning Cloak. The adult butterfly hibernates during the winter and is often the first spotted flying in the spring.
Butterfly Out of Hibernation
Picture of the Day for March 18, 2021
With the snow melting again, maybe this old pickup truck can take a backroad sightseeing trip.
Old Pickup
Picture of the Day for March 17, 2021
There wasn’t much green around here this morning with snow covering most of the ground. So the little leprechauns might find this place more appealing to hide and play during this St. Patrick’s Day.
Leprechaun Playground
Picture of the Day for March 16, 2021
It looked like winter again this morning with the ground covered by snow. During a walk through the woods on Saturday, I searched for any signs of the hepaticas poking up as they normally one of the first wildflowers to bloom around my place. I found no hint of them yet and it was a good thing since they would have been covered in cold snowflakes today.
No Hepaticas Yet
Picture of the Day for March 15, 2021
The skunk cabbage is able to generate heat by cellular respiration and is able to melt its way through the icy ground to bloom early in the spring. That heat may also help spread the odor that is in its name. It might need that heat to melt the snow that fell today.
Eastern Skunk Cabbage
Picture of the Day for March 14, 2021
A pair of geese were in the creek under the fallen willow tree at the farm and another pair of geese made a visit to my pond. I spotted a red-winged blackbird today but it might want to head back south if there is much snow tomorrow. And in a few more weeks, they will be squawking at me when I approach my pond as they like to nest in the cattails there.
Red-Winged is Back
Picture of the Day for March 13, 2021
Most of the snow has melted except in the ditches, some drifts and in the woods, although some snow predicted for this week. But the ice is melting on my pond, creating some open water so hopefully soon some ducks will return and nest in the waiting duck boxes.
Waiting for Arrivals
Picture of the Day for March 12, 2021
It is time the time of year to look for pussy willows poking out as spring approaches. They name comes from those soft silver tufts which resembles tiny cats’ paws.
Springtime Pillow Willows
