April 09, 2019

Even from a distance change in the magnolia behind the Carriage House was obvious.
Close up, the buds weren't just ready, they weren't waiting.
The Japanese cornelian cherry had progressed since last week.
Most blossoms were now fully open.
The Little Bluestem Meadow looked unchanged from last week.
In the Fern Glen, spring beauty barely had leaves last week and was now budding.
Dutchman's-breeches were starting to flower this week.
And sharp-lobed hepatica was just waiting for a ray of sunshine.
There along a bright edge one couldn't wait.
If horses wore mittens leatherwood buds would be what they look like.
At the pond, bullfrogs had returned.
Last week's few trout lily leaves were joined by many more.
An unwelcome return was Japanese primrose, this in spite of years of removal before flowering.
Along the road red maple was starting to flower.
These were perfect flowers, i.e., containing both male and female parts.
On the Cary Pines Trail, woodpecker chips were scattered strangly far from a log.
A glance up revealed the source of not only the chips, but the log itself.
On the Wappinger Creek Trail, Japanese barberry was beginning to leaf out.
Lower to the ground, invasive lesser celendine was unfolding.
A surprise in the back Old Hayfield was northern water snake.
It was cool enough to sit still for a portrait.
Round trip brought us back to the front Old Hayfield by Gifford House where there was just a hint of green in the grass.
Next week changes should be even greater.

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