Spring has surely sprung and all the signs are pointing to
a great wildflower season. I've already seen several species
in bloom with many more to follow. April is probably the most
active month of the year for the
spring ephemerals,
to mention but a few: Alumroot, Bellworts, Bishop's Cap, Bluets, Blue
Cohosh, Columbine, Dutchman's Breeches,
Fire Pink, Foam
Flower, Wild Geranium, Dwarf Crested Iris, Jack-in-the-pulpit,
May Apple and many more. It's
also the month to look for many of our spring blooming trees,
such as Dogwoods, Serviceberry
and Redbuds. What you'll find, and when depends a lot on your
elevation, exposure and soils. But wherever you go at this time
of year, you're assured of seeing something beautiful.
The first of our regular migrants
will be arriving any day now - the Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds! The males will be here in short order, if they
are not already here - if you see one let me know. I'll post
the information regarding the first reported sighting in next
month's report. Shortly after the males arrive and establish
territories, the females will arrive and before long you may
get to see the male's up and down, J-shaped mating flight. If
you see one doing this don't think he's neurotic, at least no
more so than his mating urges require!
This region of the country has
more variety of species, at least botanically, of any region
in North America. To learn a little about why that is check out
this month's trivia.
I've got a few programs scheduled
during April, a couple which are open to the public. For more
information on programs and walks I'm leading, click
here.
Lastly I'd like to say hello
to everyone who attended the programs I did for the Henderson
County Bird Club, and the Champion Hills Garden Club, both in
Hendersonville. It was nice to meet everyone and as always I
enjoyed sharing my take on this wonderful region.
