The rain came down in buckets last night, thunder crashed directly
overhead, nonstop lightning illuminated the trees off and on for
several hours.
several hours.
Earlier in the afternoon the sun was shining and it reached 81F.
Looking through the window upstairs (sorry, there's a screen so photos
are a bit grainy) I noticed how the trees were extending their beautiful
buds toward the sunlight.
are a bit grainy) I noticed how the trees were extending their beautiful
buds toward the sunlight.
I was also able to catch this male White-Breasted Nuthatch on a branch.
This is the bird we usually see hopping headfirst down tree trunks which is
apparently a way to see insects that birds climbing up the trunk might miss!
Incredible agility comes from the extra long hind toe claw, nearly twice the
size of the front toe claws - if you look closely you can see it wrapped around
the little twig. Mated pairs remain together all year defending small territories.
The female is similar in color but has a grey cap and neck. Together they build
the nest and have one brood of 5-7 eggs per year. Both parents feed the young.
The female is similar in color but has a grey cap and neck. Together they build
the nest and have one brood of 5-7 eggs per year. Both parents feed the young.
The sun is brilliant this morning and the garden is radiant with the buds
bursting and fresh leaves unfurling.
Sadly many of the daffodils were flattened in the storm - the ones that
refuse to stand up again I'll be cutting later for a vase.
"Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"
"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling
on the sunshine". . . . . .
Frances Hodgson Burnett ~ The Secret Garden
You caught spring storming in with these wonderful photos. I think she should waltz in, but a
ReplyDeletethunderstorm entrance is quite spectacular. We had a rare February thunderstorm some weeks ago...the first of 2016.
Love the nuthatch's and spring. Not the buckets of rain.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about the white breasted nuthatch's hind feet. How nice to see green leaves unfurling. I hear tomorrow we'll need umbrellas and Thursday, the shovels need to come out again. xx Pam
ReplyDeleteWonderful photo of the nuthatch. He looks as if he's drinking from the sky. Our rain is letting up for a few days so it's time for outdoor activity!
ReplyDeleteYour knowledge of local birds always amazes and captivates me, Mary! We simply don't have these varieties here or your warm weather which I'm sure plays a huge part. Your pictures are always beautiful...screens or not!
ReplyDeleteVery severe storms headed our way as I type...A and I will be keeping watch until late tonight. March is always odd here.
Jane
Oh, The Secret Garden, my favorite book growing up. Deacon rules!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
We've had a lot of rain here lately too, but temps only in the 40's. Beautiful photos, Mary!
ReplyDelete