Day 229 And Spring Answers the Call!

I met this mismatched group of fowl at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Clearly they are on a mission. The main activity amongst the water fowl at the garden these days is nest building, mate choosing and arguing about who likes who better. A popularity contest that is full of squawks, much quacking and i am sad to say chasing and biting. sigh.... (oh! her little beak was cut off in the typepad  upload of the photo! I assure you i did not, would not cut her beak off like that)

This is one of the first rhododendrons to bloom along the path to the pond. She turns her face to the sun and in spite of the cold wind and hail she is doing her best to protect her party dress. All pink frill. Lovely!

This is destined to be one of my favorite photographs ever. This is Witch Hazel. Up until now i have never been able to catch her dressed in her spring best because she is a winter bloomer and can make her appearance as early as January. I haven't even thought about spring at that point in time but this year...i found her all decked out in her skimpy pink tutu!

This is a favorite gathering place for the geese in the park. It's appears to be the best vegetarian restaurant serving fresh greens after the long winter. 

I plan to witness and capture photos of the baby ducklings, goslings and rabbits as they emerge with curiosity and with much excitement out into the wide world :)

What have you captured in your viewfinder lately that shows spring at her best?

love, robin

Comments

[rhayne]

Robin, thank you so much for reminding me of what is so precious in this big beautiful world of ours. It's these little things, finding the beauty in the simplest things that makes our world turn round.

Love you love you xoxo

[sandyz]

Your blog is a visual treat! I need to spend more time here when I find the time.

[Isabel]

That Witch hazel photo is magnificent! You captured Spring at its best, my dear Robin :)

[John Maslowski]

Fascinating images Robin, amazing the number and variety of ducks you captured. Just love the colors and the sharpness in these pictures, really creates a feeling of spring. Beautiful compositions, look forward to more spring pictures.

[Marcie]

Looks like spring!! Love the wood duck you captured!!!

[Gillian]

The witch hazel is so breathtaking. Robin I loved all of them but that was my favourite.
xo

[dutchbaby]

How do you do it? The way you consistently deliver photos with so much heart and soul and words to match!

I have been greedily capturing the brand new tips of bright green grass here in California because before long I know they will turn a dried golden yellow. The yellow is beautiful on its own merits, but there is something about the transience of the green... My post about Andy Goldsworthy show this stark contrast.

The Bouquets to Art exhibit at the De Young Museum announces spring in San Francisco in the most beautiful and creative fashion. I have taken so many photos there, I don't know how many more posts it will take to share the experience.

[JudyG]

I sure would love to have those web footed fellas in my backyard...they are gorgeous

[Sammy Girl]

Hi, Robin!

Your commentary on the ducks reminds me of junior high ... lol! We know you would never cut off the beak of the mallard drake. Isn't he gorgeous!! The feathers on his head remind me of the color of peacocks. I, too, must admit that my fav is the witch hazel ... but ALL of your photos are spectacular.

Have a super day and thanks for reminding us of the beautiful things outside our windows.

Betty :)

[Emily]

Beautiful - almost magical - images. :) What a fantastic way to start today: thanks!

[gavin hart]

Well, I can't show you any spring photos at present as it is just coming into Fall or Autumn in the southern hemisphere. However, your collection of Spring images here is great. I particularly like the flower shots, nice bokeh effects and that wonderful group of water fowl ... what characters!

[Se'Lah]

Awesome, beautiful, heartwarming images! Love, love, LOVE!

[naturegirl]

Robin: The images are simply stunning! The colors of those ducks..beautiful!! Don't you just love the new beginnings happening in Spring! hugs NG

[Barn House]

The photo of the ducks make my heart ache (our shipment was delayed until next week). But it gives me and Joe time to get their new home remodeled before they arrive. I can't wait!! Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures as a reminder that Spring is really here, even though we woke up to snow again today.

[elizabeth]

witch hazel is captivating.

I like the hood "ornament" on that middle duck!

[Suvarna]

I love how you caught so many different ducks in one photo! beautiful signs of spring, I'm hoping we get some of that soon. It's suppose to be 16 celsius on the weekend!!
:-)
xoxoxo
S

[Kelly]

Robin these are simply gorgeous!

[Kath]

wonderful!
I did a post, Spring in Niagara earlier in the week. I'm watching my pussywillow tree very carefully ...

[corine/Hidden in France]

I just added your blog to my blog roll :-))

[nyla]

that duck photo is phenomenal.
the jewel tones of those feathers are divine!
mother nature knows her color schemes, don't she?

[Laurie]

Oh Robin... The photo in the park with the trees and the geese took my breath away. The ducks are beautiful and the colors so vivid. I love the witch hazel tutu and the rhoddie showing the first wonderful signs of spring. I enjoyed the beautiful pics on such a rainy cold day!

[Elizabeth Harper]

They're all lovely, but the Witch Hazel is my favorite too! That one is so interesting to study.

[margie]

hello robin. glad to see you here talking of spring because really, who knows better about spring than a robin. xo

[Liss]

I love all the different types of fowl.

I did a post on flash photography for you, hope it helps or gets you going in the right direction.

[Paris Parfait]

Such lovely signs of spring! Merci!