Springtime has come to the swamp

This ol' turtle was making his rounds through the swamp.  There were squirrels, snakes, lots of birds; and trees are quickly opening their buds.

The swamp is awakening

There were signs of Spring in the swamp.  Trillium was coming on with its bud, turtles were sunning on a distant log, and I even saw a snake enjoying the sunshine.  The nature center hosts an art show, this time of year; pictures that always amaze me.  These interpretations of swamp wildlife were done by local elementary- school kids.

Lovesick and Foolish

The deer, I mean; he was following a doe. Behind a veil of vines and at a steep downhill angle, I missed him, clean. He stood looking for the doe, ambled a few more feet, and I was able to connect.

I had headed to the hills Thursday night after work and, when I stepped out into the chill there were several coyotes howling back- and- forth nearby. It was clear and still, nearly midnight, with lots of stars overhead. A pretty evening and quite a chorus, but after shirt- sleeve weather all day, the falling temperatures made me too cold to stay. Pine knots and oak splits soon had a fire kindled in the stove, and I was too comfortable and lazy to go back outside for the rest of the serenade.