It feels like spring—until it doesn’t. But isn’t that the way spring comes in everywhere? The trees are budding, flowering, and/or leafing out, depending on the species and location. (I do my best to identify wildflowers, butterflies, etc., but I welcome suggestions.) Below are bloodroot, star chickweed wild violet, and toadshade; I’ll post more later.
The tom turkeys are gobbling and strutting. (In the background is a hen who was not interested.)
The deer are still looking scruffy, and I never know where I’ll see them as I ramble.
And then there are surprises. A few days ago I was walking near my mailbox when I was startled by a loud “CHIRP!” It sounded like that annoying chirp on the smoke detector when it needs a new battery. It wasn’t any bird I recognized, and I was puzzled as to what it could be. Later that afternoon I heard a lot of the same chirps when I fed. You can listen here. I finally realized that I was hearing spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer)! Here’s another listen, at dusk.
The weather’s been in the 70s for the last few days, and it’s hard to stay inside. But another cold spell is coming, and I hope to post again before too long.
French Broad Hollow Ramble 