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Spring is here in all its glory! Bluebirds are nesting and many are setting on their first clutch of eggs. With the early start they got this year it would not be surprising to see three broods raised by a single pair.

Another sure sign of the season is the arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The first report I got of one was April 5th although I didn't see any at my house until the 18th. The first arrivals are invariable males who are seeking and establishing dominance of good territories. The females follow, usually within, a week or two and the games begin. My first female was seen on the 27th of April.

For me one of the big delights of this time of year are the spring ephemeral wildflowers. These little guys are putting on their usual show and I always find it exhilerating to get out and see them during their brief annual cycle. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I go out, the first sighting of a Bloodroot each year is as exciting as the very first one I saw. You can also see Hepatica (nearly bloomed out by now), Wake Robin Trillium, Columbine, Dutchman's Breeches and lots more in full bloom right now. If you've not done it before you should check out the University of North Carolina - Asheville's annual Spring Wildflower and Birding Pilgrimage. The dates this year are the 6th, 7th, and 8th of May, which looks like it will be really great timing for wildflowers. For a headstart on the flowers go to my early spring photo page.

I've already done a few programs this year and would like to say hello to all the folks from any of the three programs at the NC Arboretum and the group who went to the Baxter Creek/Big Creek walk. The wildflowers seem to be a little late here in Asheville, but I think it really is more a case of them having been early the last few years and this year they are arriving in a more traditional time frame. Baxter Creek, in the GSMNP, is a little lower in elevation than Asheville and we saw over fifty species of wildflowers on the trail! A really good day.

I'll be in Highlands on the 10th of May doing a slide program for the Audobon group there, and on the 11th will be in Little Switzerland for the Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning's yearly retreat. We'll be doing a very leisurely stroll around the grounds of Wildacres Retreat Center. Check out my schedule page for more details and contact information.