A Little Tonic for the Winter Blahs

 As we approach the month of March, the promise of spring sometimes seems very distant.  I intended to wander a nearby woodland today, but it was a mess of ice and dirty patches of snow. Windchill was also unpleasant.  So, I am going try something different.

Two years ago, we were at Longwood Gardens for their annual orchid show. (Shortly afterwards,  we were in a Covid lockdown.  We had no idea what was coming!)  I am going to step back to that lovely day to share some favorite memories.

Entering the grand conservatory, one steps out of winter and into lush banks of flowers.  The air is humid and rich with fragrances.

The orchids cover an amazing range of shapes and colors.  The word Sensual seems to best describe them.

There are also other flowers to take notice.  I love the pollen on the lily petals.

The main show is, however, orchids in February and early March.  These orchids are as close to black as imaginable.

Longwood Gardens has just completed major renovations to the orchid conservatory and resumed the annual winter orchid display.  Entry is by timed ticket.  The final date appears to be March 21.  (Tripods are only allowed from 10 am to noon.)  Orchids are renewed five times weekly.  See their website at:

https://longwoodgardens.org/

Well, I certainly feel better after going back to find these photos.

Paul Schmitt

Three Snowbirds

These three birds are undaunted by our snow and cold.  Maybe it's because the winter in their summer habitat is much worse right now.   All were found within along about 50 yards of country road.  It's about location, location etc.  There are crop fields that are enriched by manure from a local farmer.  

Here is the first subject, a Short-eared Owl.  I was waiting for other birds to approach when crows busted it from it daytime roost, and it landed near where I was parked.

When my hybrid is on electric drive, I can inch along the roadside to get into position without disturbing the bird. It is important to stay in the car to avoid stressing the birds on extremely cold days.

Next is another winter visitor, a Horned Lark.  I've shot a LOT of images to get just a few with horns, actually feathers, displayed.  The wind is often  strong and pushes the horns in strange positions.

Larks are small and very shy.  I love the yellow throat patch. Even with a long lens, I need to be within 25 feet for a photo.

Finally, here is a Snow Bunting.  They are even smaller, about chickadee size, and extremely shy. Again the coloration is beautiful.

In only a few days, I expect the lark and bunting to head north until next December.  The owl will likely be in the region longer more difficult to find.

Paul Schmitt

When Winter Covers the Botanic Gardens

On a cold February morning, I decided to explore the Cornell Botanic Gardens.  The snow and ice cover up much of the background clutter to present a different feeling.  Tracks revealed how few visited.  

There is a winter section next to the Herb Garden that features plants offering textures and colors unique to the cold season.  I was immediately drawn to these beautiful trees with their  intriguing peeling bark. 

The entrance to the Herb Garden has a wrought iron gate that I've frequently highlighted on warmer days. In February, it presents a much different message.  Few enter there.

 On the opposite side of the garden is the iconic Yarb Woman statue.  In warmer weather, she is surrounded with rich colors but today she is abandoned.  No visitors except me.

The botanic garden has many artfully crafted benches offering a restful pause among the flora. Today they too have been left deep in snow. 

Yet, my path around Comstock Knoll did find a remnant of the summer flowers.

My final stop is deeper in the arboretum where an ancient willow tree has mostly succumbed to disease. It retains a gnarled trunk bent along the ground from left to right.  There are remaining  a few growing branches arching up from the far side.  I return each year to create images to capture the decline.

When I  review the photos, I realize that winter reveals a lot textures and clean forms. I''m hurrying to do some more of this before the fifth season begins.   A fifth season?  That is "mud season" and it's a real mess. 

Savor each day for whatever it offers.  Maybe "mud season" is made for finding waterfalls?

Paul Schmitt