Overnight Deluge

We received over 5 inches of rain between 3:00 am and 8:00 am.

Stream Sampling

Our first stream sampling event of the season. I was surprised to see that the stream was somewhat low, given that we have had quite a bit of rain this spring. On the other hand, the mosquitos were quite voracious.

Bluebird Update

Newborn

8 Days Old

 15 Days Old

At 15 days old they are leaving the nest.

Frost

We had two frosts whilst the apple trees were in full bloom. Here are the consequences.

Old Scarback

I was wonderng when old Scarback was going to show himself. My first sighting of the year. I normally see him a bit earlier in the spring, but it has been unseasonably cool this year. I was digging a hole in the perennial bed to plant an apple tree and there he was.

Bluebird Eggs

First clutch of bluebird eggs of the season.

Empty to Full

This is a series of photos of a small pond that I pass during my regular walks in the country near our home. (I apologize for the rather low picture quality. These were taken with a smartphone)

The drought last summer (2012) was so severe that this little pond completely dried up. The owner used the situation to do some repair work on it in August.

By October we had finally recieved some much needed rain and the pond was beginning to fill with water.

And by April, the pond was filled to the brim from the heavy spring rains.

Creek Flow

We received 3.5 inches of rain overnight and at first light, I took a picture of the creek that I mentioned in my last post and placed it side-by-side with the previous photo. Judging by the evidence of deposited leaves and other debris, the creek would have been about a foot higher than shown in the picture during its peak flow at night.

Tornado Warning in January?

This afternoon, it was 63 °F with 92% humidity. Quite unusual for January. Even more odd was hearing a tornado siren! We received quite a bit of rain and here is a shot taken looking out my window and facing north. The water collects on the north end of our property and drains into an intermittent creek that circles our land and is just out of sight in the woods. (I apologize for the low quality....it was taken with my smartphone)

A Short Stroll By The Creek

Behind our home towards the south is a wooded area. About 30 feet into the woods is a small creek that encircles the property and which only flows during heavy rains. To call it an intermittent stream would be an exaggeration. 

Along the creek in a sand bank, I spotted a partial raccoon track. Based on the size, it appears to be a front foot.

This tree with a beautiful mosaic of fungi was laying across the creek bed.

Just above one the creek banks I discovered a hollowed-out red oak that I had not previously noticed. The opening at the bottom on the inside was about 2 feet in diameter. Seeing it reminded me of one of my favorite books as a boy....My Side of the Mountain.