A cloud of blue flag

Blue flag or some similar iris. It shimmers as a blue little cloud when one approaches. Caught at the height of its bloom.

“Unexpected intrusions of beauty,

This is what life is.” 

~ Saul Bellows

Killdeer

Found a nest of Killdeer in the vacant lot behind my house. There are two parent birds, and one is sitting on a nest. At least 1-2 of the eggs have hatched as you can see in this picture, parent on the left, and baby bird on the right.

Killdeer get their name from the sound of their call, which is supposed to sound like 'killdeer.' They put up quite a fuss if you approach close to their nesting area.

The baby birds can walk as soon as their feathers dry after busting out of their shells. They can fly in about 25 days, at which they all go on about their life and leave. The parents stay together for a couple years.

Daffodils 2018

First daffodils appeared week of March 12. Last several years, it seems that they have come much earlier.

Picture self-rotated. Nothing I can do about it now!

Springtime a-coming!

It's only February 7, but the weather says, "And we're off and running!" So here is the initial flower purchase of the season. As I said on Facebook, "Primrose planter presently posing pretty post purchase."

Bamboo

Planted clumping bamboo along the fence.  Should be 4-5 yrs. Then will have a green screen hedge!

Squirrels New Home

I've had a couple of squirrels descend upon the bird feeders this year - first time in ever. So I was happy to see these two working on their new abode in the park across the street. I'd like to think it is the couple that were in my yard, and they have moved on.  Probably that's just a dream on my part!

First Raspberry 2017

Seems like the raspberries are coming on, and later than usual. The plants are also shorter than usual right now - about 4-5 Ft instead of 5-7 Ft.  The berry was still quite delicious!