Nature Notes: More of the same

I like to use nature notes as a nature diary of sorts but in spite of lots of new growth, more of the same seems to sum it up.

What I mean by that is that, there are so many flowers ahead of schedule like azaleas.

Also, we continue to have some rain most days and some clearing most days.

The odd thing though is dogwoods which are usually amongst the first trees to bloom, are coming later than others this year.

My poor tulip was beaten down by a hard rain.

I think the web below almost looks like someone is spinning a hammock.

I worry about the oak trees already having their pollen capsules because they will be upset if the leaves form and we have a hard frost which is possible.

I am enjoying the trees that are flowering.

It lightens my spirits to see a sky of blooms.

It's fun watching the birds fly together and then separate as if a courtship is progressing slowly.

In the mornings I see so many different birds in the trees and the bluejay (below) usually announces its presence vocally.

The brown thrashers always crack me up.

This one was a contortionist as it primped and preened.

It used all the water and then fluffed out.

The feathers almost looked like fur, reminding me of a leopard.

I enjoy seeing more and more American Robins.

Even though I see some robins high up in the trees in the winter, they are more abundant and come to the ground and bird baths in the spring.

The female cardinals have such full beaks.

I also notice the red in their feathers after a bath.

Although the male cardinals are more flamboyant, I think the females have their own beauty.

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