As usual - Spring is moving by too fast. We've had so much cool weather...several light frosts and very little rain...until just a few days ago. No we've had our first 1" rain in May here...we had a pittance in April and March as well. But that one inch and all the humidity brought on by southern Gulf air has transformed everything into a jungle of green! Although we are being listed in a "Severe" drought so far this year, it "looks" pretty enticing for the moment.
Gray Catbird
photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison
Most of our favorite birds have returned...still waiting on the Dickcissels. Although most are "favorites", we seem to have some very social Gray Catbirds this spring; so fun to watch! It is bird song heaven around here now, and even the Cricket Frogs started singing last night. You know the temps have warmed the water when your hear these little buggers...the American Toads have been singing each night for some time now too, and the Chorus and Northern Leopard frogs seem to be done with their monkey business for another year.
I've been working in the pastures here more than normal...trying to rein in some bad actors. Been mowing parts short and seeing what shakes out when I keep it up through the summer. Right now there's some really nice things blooming - all the usual early/mid spring forbs like Blue-eyed Grass, Starry Solomon Seal, Fringed Puccoon, Ground Plum, and the Golden Alexanders.
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium campestre)
photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison
The Blue-eyed Grass in the pasture varies from blue to light blue, to white. I automatically look for it here on May 15th each year...I've only found it earlier in unusually warm and early Springs.
Fringed Puccoon (Lithospermum incisum)
photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison
The Fringed Puccoon is always out before or with the Blue-eyed Grass, and I'm beginning to find it in more locations around both the north and south pastures. I'ts likely always been in both but possibly the grazing of sheep and/or cattle in years previous to our arrival had suppressed these and they're just making a come-back again...?
Ground Plum (Astragalus crassicarpus)
photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison
The Ground Plum is a fun one...I personally like the common name "Buffalo Berry" but the fruit is more "plum" size and in appearance. I guess its edible but its restricted to just one location on the pastutre and I'm being very protective of it...would like it to spread around some.
I'm far behind with chores around here and these are all the forbs I've been able to photograph so far this spring!
Hope your spring is a nice relief from the covid year we left behind, and that you're able to get out and enjoy it again; its moving too fast!
Be good to one another and see you again down the road to summer!
