This male American Goldfinch in molt briefly perched on the shepherd’s crook before dropping down to the nyger seed feeder.

This male American Goldfinch in molt briefly perched on the shepherd’s crook before dropping down to the nyger seed feeder.

I as a little late in the day to capture these crocuses in full bloom.

It’s been a challenging spring for many of the living things in my part of the world. Much wetter than normal, cooler than normal. A lot of our plants have been slower to grow and to bloom than in past years. Climate change? Possibly. An anomalous spring, unusual but not unheard of? Possibly.
Whatever the reason, it only in late May that this iris in our back yard came into lovely bloom.

As our garden transformed last fall from actively growing into dormant and dying, we left many stems and other material in place instead of tidying up all of the dead stuff.
A few days ago this Baltimore Oriole was a benefactor of our decision, peeling fibers off of this Butterfly Bush stem for its mates’ nest.
I believe we will continue gardening in this wildlife friendly way.

A willow tree in bloom.
Not every tree, bush, perennial, annual, bursts into spectacular bloom. I appreciate subtle displays.

Spring is truly here: First sighting this year of a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. It’s been a miserable few days to be a hummingbird – chilly, damp and at times rainy. I’m very happy to be able to help out.

A carols its’ welcome to the new day.
I love hearing birdsong on a spring morning.

A Manitoba Maples’ twigs and flowers draw a very open lacework curtain across the sky.

The first major flight of Turkey Vultures is a most welcome sign that spring is here.

A Redbud tree burst into so much colour it was almost impossible to focus on one set of flowers.
