As a kid, I was taught that dogwood flowers were symbolic of the crucifiction. A crown of thorns in the middle of the cross, and blood stains on each petal. They're a little late for Easter this year!
Wildlife
Wisteria
Normally hiding in plain sight, draped over trees, wisteria is in full bloom, with huge cascades of purple flowers. The bumblebees love it!
Redbuds
Spring is finally here! Eastern redbuds are in full bloom, and the dogwoods are not far behind. This is posted partially in response to the Daily Post's Weekly Photo Challenge - "Prolific". See other submissions here.
C’mon Spring!
Spring is trying, REALLY hard, to get here.
Fossil Tooth
Fossil tooth from an extinct tiger shark, find at Westmoreland State Park, on Fossil Beach (of course!).
On the Prowl
A beautiful redtail hawk, looking for mice, rabbits...maybe squirrels?
Spring at Last!
Spring is finally here, I think. Happy Easter!
Miocene Fossils
The prize that everyone seeks at Calvert Cliffs is a fossil megalodon tooth - the hand-sized weapon of a 60 foot shark that cruised this area in the Miocene (roughly 20 to 5.3 million years ago). But other, more ordinary shark tooth fossils can be found (upper right), as well as mollusk shells (whelk, scallops…Read more Miocene Fossils
Winter Casualty
Every year this time I see relics of those who didn't survive the winter. I'm not a forensic expert, but based on the thin orbital bones (around the eyes) and the occipital ridge (across top of head), this appears to be a striped skunk whose remains were probably scattered by vultures. The skull, but nothing…Read more Winter Casualty
Nesting Time
We've noticed a group of 3-4 male cardinals slowly diminishing in size, and notice them instead hanging around with females. Nests can't be far behind! Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Keeping Watch
I spotted this fellow as he took off out of a field filled with last year's corn stubble, and landed on an overhead power line to watch for another hunting opportunity. American Kestrels are among the smallest raptors, and they have the ability to hover over their prey, lining up a strike. Beautiful colors too!…Read more Keeping Watch
House Finch
Maybe spring is coming after all. This male house finch has been hanging around. His red color is a nice splash against the grey late-winter landscape! Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Dreary
It's been raining for a long time now, days on end. Rain and thorns seem to embody the collective mood, caught between winter and spring. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Odd Bird Out
A collection of barn swallows at Mallows Bay. Everybody seems to be focused in one direction, except for this guy - he's either the only one that knows something, or the only one that doesn't! This is posted in response to the Daily Post's Weekly Challenge - "A Face In A Crowd". See other takes…Read more Odd Bird Out
‘Possum Tracks
Some of you may have seen this on a recent YouTube title screen, but wanted to share frozen evidence of a roving opossum. 5 toes both front and back, long fingers/toes from a circular footpad, and splayed fingers, as well as "thumb" on rear foot. The critter walked across mud that then froze solid overnight,…Read more ‘Possum Tracks
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 