Regions in the upper plains are not known for static weather patterns. Above average temperatures this week plunged into cold rains this weekend. We continue to keep all manner of clothing at the ready.
Despite the unpredictable nature of our weather, some things keep chugging along. Bats are cracking as major league baseball kicks off a new season. Chubby red-breasted robins are making their presence known with early morning chatter. Bouncy little juncos are tanking up on a few more meals before they head north to check out the tundra social scene. Daylight is increasing each day by 2-3 minutes as we hurtle our way toward summer solstice.
Here are a few spring pics from my home away from home, Arrowhead Park.
Tucked away in the trees is a comfortable bed for the local deer. The birds also love this hideaway. A chubby fox sparrow scritch-scratches in the duff under the trees. Velvety cedar waxwings make their presence known with gentle tzee-tzees. A black and white downy woodpecker hops along the tree bark, searching for hidden treasures. The breeze is gentle and nature's creatures take advantage of winter's respite.
Lichens create masterpieces on the granite outcroppings in the park. Greens, grays, pinks and yellow tones add visual interest to rocky canvases. The task of classifying lichens is still a challenge for me. I wish they would wear name tags.
The ice is melted so the spa is open for business. Birds are stopping by and flapping away in the water, removing winter's grit and grime. Chattery robins and jet-black grackles are the most frequent customers. A couple of song sparrows add a little ambiance with their background trilling.
The park purchased this house last year and transformed it into an event center. I can only imagine the quarry view from its patio. This is the largest quarry pond and it is usually busy with mallards, geese, kingfishers, herons and a crazy lady with binoculars.
This little pied-billed grebe did his best to elude my photography attempts. He was playing a game of now-you-see-me-now-you don't as he ducked under the water looking for food. He may not be a winner in the beauty department but he definitely has skills.
This tree is not in the park. He is on our front lawn and will soon be no more. Sadly, he needs to be removed due to the threat of the emerald ash borer. Mr. Green Ash provided us with many years of shade and was always a sign of spring when his leaves popped forth. He was a home for many birds and a stopping point for just as many curious dogs. Our neighborhood is losing many of Mr. Ash's cousins and they all will be missed, greatly.
Nature has spoken.