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.
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.
The fall foliage is creeping towards peak here in Huntington. The colors make a fine backdrop for blooming Jerusalem artichoke along the Main Road in Huntington Center.
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 14-140mm lens @ 102mm, ISO 800, f/16, 1/80″ exposure.
This wonderfully colored black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia) caught my eye as I headed for a swim at Blueberry Lake in Warren, VT.
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro lens, ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/500″ exposure.
A close up view of a chicory blossom reveals delicate stamens dusted with pollen.
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro, ISO 800, f/8, 1/320″ exposure.
This little solitary bee was diligently gathering pollen on a rough-fruited cinquefoil blossom in our front field. I love the detail revealed at the center of the flower.
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 60mm macro lens, ISO 800, f/8, 1/800″ 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
We went for a short hike up Mt. Hunger in Waterbury today (dutifully turning around at the “Trail Closed” sign above the waterfall…) I’d thought that, after being away from the Vermont woods for a month, that we’d missed the spring ephemerals. Not so! The trail up the mountain was alive with all the “usual suspects”! In places, the spring beauties covered the forest floor, and their fragrance sweetened the air! What a fine welcome back to the hills of Vermont!
Panasonic GM5, 12-32mm lens @ various lengths, various ISOs, apertures, and shutter speeds.
John Hadden Photography 