The sixth week of 2024 saw little variation in the status and abundance of bird species from the previous week, but there were several botanic changes.
Small birds, and even some of the larger ones, need to be on guard at all times as a pair of overwintering Cooper's Hawks are hunting the cemetery. Look for piles of feathers for signs that one had recently dined.
A trio of Northern Shovelers have been spending their time on Sylvan Water, away from the crowds of nearby Prospect Lake. Swirling along the surface of the pond, they use their unusual bill to filter seeds and aquatic invertebrates. The two males have begun ritualistically head bobbing in an attempt to impress a lone female.
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Common Lilac
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Dutch Yellow Crocus
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| Snowdrops |
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| Hellebore |
As the amount of daylight increases ever so slightly, more botanics have started to wipe the sleep from their eyes. Snowdrops are a common sight by mid-February. Hellebore are still nodding, but will be fully awake by next week. I was surprised to see the lilac trees already budding. The Dutch Yellow Crocuses are suddenly, and brightly, punctuating sun-drenched east and southeast facing slopes. Despite the name, they are not of Dutch origin.
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