39th Mt Rogers Naturalist Rally
39th Mt Rogers Naturalist Rally
not yet in bloom
I find that one of the most difficult observations, is seeing what is NOT there. As a pathologist examining tissues under the microscope, noticing what was NOT there was the most difficult.
There are no honey bees in this photo. For 3 previous years there has been a very active and healthy hive in the crack between the chimney and the wall. I last saw activity of the hive in November. Winter was rather normal this year in temperature and rain. I never saw bees again, not on any of the warm days, and not now 1 month after activity would be expected. There are no cultivated crops within a mile. Within 5 miles maybe a cornfield, and some Christmas tree farms. No cultivation with significant use of herbicide. Apple orchards are 5 miles away. This is a sad mystery for me.
This is called bulbous buttercup locally, Ranunculus bulbosa
Mountain water cress grows year round near our spring, and is always a nice addition to a salad.
Apple trees blossomed 3 weeks later than last year, hopefully that will save them from a killing frost.
This is called Mountain bellwort locally, I think Uvularia pudica.
Suzie discovered a fox den while hiking; a sound alerted her. I went back and observed the den from time to time. I have seen three kits, and separately a red fox in a nearby field.
Early wild flowers on Buffalo Mountain on Earth Day
