Spring is late this year, everyone says so. The wait is especially long because the winter was so cold and the snow never seemed to stop.
Our April showers were snow showers; now, we are having May rain.
When we are delayed like this, the flowers seem to come on all at once.
Erythronium americanum (Trout lily, Yellow trout lily, Yellow dogtooth violet)
This week we have narcissus and daffodils, finally! The trout lilies started on Monday and by Wednesday there were dandelions.
Seal mothers patrol the beach looking for likely spots to give birth.
We used to have a seal every spring come and balance on a rock until her baby came. The tide would float her off and she would always be there as the water receded, bowed and bouncing. Then she would leave the howling baby on the rock while she fished. We named her Lucille and when she stopped coming we felt abandoned and empty.
Now we have more numerous un-named seals competing with the loons and the eagles and the osprey for the fish in the bay. Mergansers, eiders and cormorants are back, too!
Osprey
I know that the Ruby-throated hummingbirds are here because I have been dive bombed and buzzed, but they are not at my feeders yet.
Next week the black flies will be out, without a doubt, and our netted hats will finally replace the wool and felt of winter.
