While out on a wildflower walk up at the Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area today, I came across a motherlode of sharp-lobed hepatica. Dozens of blossoms were blooming along the trail, and keeping good company as well with trout lilies, blue cohosh, and spring beauties. I’ve dubbed the place “Wildflower Junction”!
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro, ISO 1250, f/13, 1/500″ exposure.
Song sparrows are an early returning species in our area. Their lovely fluid song means spring has truly arrived. This little fellow was quite patient with me as I took several shots of him.
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 100-300mm lens @ 300mm, ISO 1600, f/7.1, 1/400″ exposure.
The prolific patch of bloodroot we have down by Fargo Brook has finally decided to open up fully. I learned from Mary Holland’s excellent book, “Naturally Curious Day By Day”, that bloodroot will close its petals on cloudy and chilly days, only opening fully when it’s sunny and above 47 degrees. It does this in order to save pollen and prevent self-pollination. When the temperature is above 47, some insect pollinators will become active and do the job. I noticed one such pollinator—a fly—doing just that as I was taking this shot. The fly was wary of me, however, and wouldn’t let me get a shot of it on the job.
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro, ISO 800, f/11, 1/640″ exposure.
Robin & I paddled around the mouth of Lewis Creek yesterday morning. We had the pleasure of getting in close to this osprey and its mate who were camped out in a tree on one of the small (now inundated) islands out on Lake Champlain. This fellow had recently caught a fish and was enjoying a morning meal.
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 100-300mm lens @ 300mm, ISO 800, f/11, 1/500″ exposure.
Many species of willows are popping out now. These soft “pussies” are along the fenceline of our front field.
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro lens, ISO 1600, f/13, 1/50″ exposure.
The lilacs are leafing in the back yard.
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro lens, ISO 1600, f/8, 1/250″ exposure
It’s looking like another good year for wild apples this time around. Many of the wild trees on our property have had a great bloom. More cider in our futures!
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 100-300mm lens @ 150mm, ISO 800, f/5, 1/2000″ exposure
Simple, elegant, beautiful. An cinnamon fern slowly unfurls in the woods across Fargo Brook.
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 30mm macro lens, ISO 640, f/4, 1/640″ exposure
The purple magnolia in my Mom’s front yard is in magnificent bloom. The movers came today to take her stuff to her new apartment. All’s well if not a tad bittersweet. Transistions…
John Hadden Photography 