Pond watch

We watched a female Common Green Darner
lay eggs.
The Green Darners are one of the dragonflies our study group is tracking.

We watched Spreadwings.
They are hard to ID.
 I think this one is an Aurora Damsel.

My beginner's guide to Dragonflies states," At least 35 species of bluets are known from North America, presenting the novice with a bewildering identification challenge." I am a novice.
 I think this is a female Familiar Bluet.

Common Whitetail Dragonflies

were flying and laying eggs.

The pond was busy today with Bull frogs and turtles.

I am recording the butterflies we see during
our pond watch.
Always delightful to see the Variegated Fritillary.

Lots of Painted Ladies

and Orange Sulphurs today.

This Duskywing is to tattered for me to id.
He was patrolling his territory.

The American Snouts are early this year.
They migrate from northern Texas.

I saw a few Prairie Blue-eyed Grass in bloom.

Pond Watch is very fun.

Pond Watch

We began our Pond Watch yesterday.

We watched male and female
 Common White Tail Dragonflies.

We watched Dainty Sulphur.

We have joined the Xerces Society project
"Pond Watch".
On Tuesdays we will watch the pond at Cave Springs.

Roller coaster temperatures

Temperatures are to drop into the mid thirties tonight.

Spring has slowed down a wee bit.
The butterflies will need to take cover tonight.

I harvested chamomile this afternoon.

I will harvest more as it comes into bloom.

This is a photograph of the Butterfly Nebula NGC 6302
from the Hubble telescope.
We live in a beautiful universe.

I am passionate for nature.

I am passionate about learning.

We live in an interesting world.

Holy Thursday

The Dogwoods are in full bloom.

A cold front has moved in.
Spring has slowed a wee bit.

I bought two pink Lilies for Easter.
I will plant them in the fig garden in May.

I have thinking about family.
I have been thinking about my parents and grandparents.
I miss them.

We have been planting.

I did up a couple of salad bowls.

The Sweet Peas have sprouted.

Thank goodness for the cool down.
Thank goodness for April showers.

Dancing as fast as she can

Spring is dancing as fast as she can.

I am chasing after her.

When I saw the female Tiger Swallowtail in her
black form my heart sang out,
 "Welcome dear friend. I have missed you."

The Black Swallowtail is already laying eggs.

  I left the fennel for hosting her caterpillars.

 The miracle continues.

All of Spring has bloomed at once.

I check in the morning to see what bloomed over night.
I check in the afternoon to see what is faded.

The Chamomile could open this afternoon.

The Garden Rue is a host plant for the Giant Swallowtail.
It stayed green all winter.

The Bridal Wreath Spirea is beginning to bloom.
I cut a few branches for the house.

The Rhododendron is out pacing the azaleas.
The Scottish once called the last days of March as borrowed days.
I think these March days are borrowed from June.
Highs this weekend are to be in the upper 80's.
The peonies could bloom.
I am dancing as fast as I can trying to keep up with Spring.

Wildflowers

The Rain Dragons have brought Spring rains.

We went for a walk in the woods between showers.

The woods have greened.

I am hunting for wildflowers.

The Pale Corydalis was just beginning to bloom.

The sun came out for a little bit.

The sweet smell of Spring filled the air.

The clouds cleared.

I found a few more wildflowers.

I knew the bees would come out soon.

I want Spring Beauty in my flower beds.
I have plenty of dandelions!

We rested by the waterfall.

My lawn has lots of Wild Violets.

I love the bee guide lines

on the violets showing the way 

to the nectar.

Before the rains began last Monday 

I picked a basket full of Wild Violets.

I am drying them for winter teas.

I will harvest more.

I have been reading and making 

garden plans.

I am designing a wildflower garden

for under the front Maple tree.

I want to see the wildflowers in the wild before I buy

my corms and plants.

Spring Beauty looks to be a perfect Wildflower

for my new flowerbed.

The wind was from the southeast.
More thundershowers were in the forecast.

We will hike again when the rain stops.
We are hunting for spring wildflowers.

I am listening to an amazing album.
I am watching the Rain Dragons do their good work.