Spring's Resolve Bluebirds and Tree Swallows

Property disputes between bluebirds and tree swallows, and tree swallows and tree swallows seem to be resolved by now and life is very busy with serious nesting preparations here at Flower Hill Farm. 

Today I took my first butterfly photo of 2014 — caught a whisper of light in a Cabbage White while she rested between sips of daffodil nectar. I invite you to scroll through to see the animated birds and a honeybee too. 

Migratory songbirds are showing up daily to claim their territory. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet is displaying his crown while very near the ground. I fear for the hundreds of sleeping pupa and caterpillars hoping for a season to spread their gowns. But I am happy to see these familiar bird friends return.

Everyday, new Iris reticulata stems are breaking earth and pushing their way through last years detritus spreading petals of blues and purples across the garden floor. 

Meanwhile, I am working at the computer most days into nights and often into nearly dawns trying to finish my new website. Gathering and resizing then grouping years of photos of wildlife and gardens, skies and landscapes all arranged on pages that hold this place in pixels. Flower Hill Farm and all her beasties are being catalogued and soon will be presented on my new site caroldukeflowers.com. 

I will be back here a few more times to invite you to visit. 

Snowdrops and Returning Birds Announce Our Real Spring

Spring is finally here in Western Massachusetts! 

Snowdrops are ringing their tiny white bells.

Bees are answering their chimes.  The woodcocks have returned along with the Phoebes and Tree Swallows.  Robins are singing at dusk and dawn.  It is a wonderful season.  I just finished my butterfly page for the new website.  They — the butterflies — apologize for not making an appearance here as well but there is just not enough time to be everywhere.  I look forward to sharing the new site with everyone soon.