Just as the adjective intricate has many synonyms, Dodecatheon meadia has several common names. When I first discovered this lovely wildflower as a child one early spring, my mother called it Shooting Star. It is also known as American Cowslip, Indian Chief, Rooster Heads and Pink Flamingo Plant. I still prefer Shooting Star!
Its dainty and delicate bloom is also quite ornate.
Wild cottontail rabbits thrive in the hedgerows and blackberry brambles of open fields surrounding our neighborhood. In late winter to early spring they graze my front yard, and twice I have discovered nests in dry, secluded corners of winter gardens. Late spring now, the air warms, light enters earlier and lingers longer into the evening, so critters and birds have moved to safer environs farther away from human contact. Our beagle, Jello, bred to sniff out, chase, and catch critters like squirrels and rabbits, is four. We have been together almost six months, walking daily and recently I have been experimenting with allowing her off-lead in safe places (other than the dog park) to see how she responds.
This is her third time off-lead in this mostly fenced and roughly mown, Bonneville Power Association right of way, which is just off the road from our usual walk. It is a superb habitat for rabbits and other creatures.
Without needing me to go to her, Jello came to my call across the field. While I have 5 million scent receptors in my nose, she has 225 million, so paying attention to my commands is difficult for her — that nose is always very busy!
Jello is the fifth beagle I have had the pleasure of calling mine, and the first who thrills at going into the briers on her search for those elusive rabbits.
On the edge of the brambles, Jello’s nose picks up a fresh scent, which throws her whole body into a mid-stride course correction!
It is very clear to me — Jello is having fun. We will continue to explore and trust together.
Motion“>
First I noticed a flock of mergansers, feeding in the bay.
mergansers
Then the seagulls moved in to clean up the leavings.
Soon the terns arrived, wheeling through the air.
What happened next was comparable to a barroom brawl!
Cries and screeches filled the air, accompanied by splashing and thrashing in the water.
When it was over all was quiet and peaceful once again.
Motion“>
Cabin #1 Beach Haven, Orcas Island, USA. On the east side of Orcas, the sun is rising, while here on the west side, sunlight stretches into the atmosphere and bounces upon the water. Every time I see this view, I stand in awe. Sometimes I remember to snap a picture!
<a href=”Early Bird“>
Three weeks ago I posted photos of trillium I had taken on the first day of spring — Wake Robin — showing one trillium as it breaks the ground, and another already starting to bloom. These are native plants from bulbs that have lived under this canopy of fir and sky far longer than I have.
This mother Mallard with her brood are like feather bobbers, as they paddle through the marshes. What a joy it was to see them up close in nature.
She didn’t think much of me invading her territory, so she gathered her young ones close and paddled away from where I stood.
While keeping a sharp eye on me, she hustled her babes off to the other side of the marsh.
I count ten ducklings. How many do you see?
sundown behind me
fir before me
ascending resin seeps
pitch gleams
