We’re heading back to Idaho in early June to meet a new grandson, who should arrive a couple of before weeks we get there (if he’s not, Lynn will probably have some harsh words for him.) In anticipation of the upcoming trip, I thought of the many Western Tanagers we saw while out there last year about the same time. Apparently the tanagers hanging around last year was due to the unusually late spring; too cold to move on to their normal summer territory. I don’t expect the same good fortune this year, and am grateful for last year’s opportunity. Here are a few photos.
Monthly Archives: April 2011
Lanceleaf Trillium – Trillium lancifolium – Added to USWildflowers Database
Lanceleaf Trillium, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (04/23/2011.) Scientific name is Trillium lancifolium. Photo below was taken on Pigeon Mountain in Walker County, Georgia on April 2, 2011.
Wild Azalea and #Butterfly #WingsOnWednesday
My wife and I took a ride up Estelle Mine Road on Pigeon Mountain on this past Saturday. We wanted to go back to a spot to see a very vibrant batch of Wild Comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum) that we had spotted the week before with only a single blossom open. Turned out to be a great drive. Not only was the Wild Comfrey fully blooming, but we saw many other wildflowers, including our first ever encounter with Yellow Honeysuckle (Lonicera flava) and the bicolored form of Bird’s Foot Violet (Viola pedata.)
My wife captured a photo of this butterfly in flight at a Wild Azalea plant. I think it was actually leaving the plant at the time, but I like it because it looks like it’s dive-bombing the azalea.
Yellow Honeysuckle – Lonicera flava – Added to USWildflowers Database
Yellow Honeysuckle, a native species, has been added to the USWildflowers database (04/11/2011.) Scientific name is Lonicera flava. Photo below was taken on Pigeon Mountain in Walker County, Georgia on April 9, 2011.
Update on The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain
My wife, a grandson, and I took a trip down to Pigeon Mountain to check out an old minesite, but that was just an excuse. We couldn’t avoid a walk around the boardwalk part of Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail. Other than the time with my wife and grandson Joseph, who is learning his wildflowers well, the highlight along the boardwalk for me was the beginning of the wild hyacinth bloom. Photo by Joseph Ibach.
Carolina Wren #Birds #WingsOnWednesday
This Carolina wren – Thryothorus ludovicianus – was active around our house last year. I hope for his return this year.
Update on The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain
It was a beautiful day today, and I got to make a brief trip to The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain (with author Jay Clark, but more on that later!) This is just a quick update on what’s blooming now. The dominant species is probably the Bent White Trillium – Trillium flexipes. But read on for more.