Rose-breasted Grosbeak

The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks returned this morning.

The Bleeding Hearts are at peak bloom.

The Japanese Iris are blooming.

We are waiting for the Baltimore Orioles to come back.
 We have seen the scout.

In the meantime a male Red Bellied Woodpecker
 has found the grape jelly.

Lots of nest building.

The Northern Cardinals are nesting in the Holly.

I think I can get a photograph through a window.

We will soon have more House Sparrows.

It has been a mild, wet April.

Hummingbirds and Orioles

The male Hummingbird arrived on April 20th.

Now I am waiting for the females to come in.

He seems to be getting comfortable in my backyard.

The Baltimore Orioles arrived on April 22nd.

A lovely Earth Day surprise.

It warmed up just enough for the bees to come out.
It has been cold and stormy.

Hummingbirds and Orioles made my
Holy Week extra wonderful.

A beautiful April Day

The Magnolias are at peak bloom.

The bees are awake.

All the Daffodils are in bloom.

The wild violets are just beginning to bloom.

A Black Swallowtail butterfly surprised us this morning.
My husband found a chrysalis the first of March while cleaning
up the hops. He brought it inside. I placed it in a bowl with dried flowers.  We were much surprised to find the Swallowtail on the windowsill this morning. Spring is here.
March went out cold and damp.
April came in sunny and warm.