Springwatch: April 5

April 5: Redbuds are in full bloom, trees are looking lacy-green leafy, male cones are growing on the pines, and trout lilies are spreading across the forest floor. The trout lily were exciting for me, because I don't see many around the farm, but they were plentiful in one area of a nature trail I walk frequently in the city.



( More pics )

No photo, but another exciting sighting was on April 6, a redwing blackbird in the reeds north of the river. They're common in the farmlands to the east and north, but in the hills and mountains, not so common at all.