American pussy willow (Salix discolor) catkins
A few weeks ago I saw my first Bluebirds of the season. Two males were busy in the yard checking out their territories from last year. I haven't seen the females, yet, but I've noticed other birds beginning to pair up. So, I figured I'd best get out and clean up the birdhouses in preparation for their new families.
And I had a pleasant surprise as I walked past the Pussy willow bushes I planted a couple of years ago. They're just beginning to bloom! Last year, the deer pruned them back pretty severely, but they seem to have (pretty much) overlooked them this past winter. It brightened my morning to see the catkins puffing out of their bud sheaths - a reaffirmation that Spring is gaining ground!
The Silver Maple trees in the yard put out their blossoms a few weeks ago. But, winter is still holding on, so they haven't fared too well. However, the Pussy willows seem better acclimated to Wisconsin's stubborn winters.
Plus, Dawn mentioned today that she noticed the daffodil's leaves are beginning to pierce up through the leaf litter; Spring is definitely gaining steam!
And I had a pleasant surprise as I walked past the Pussy willow bushes I planted a couple of years ago. They're just beginning to bloom! Last year, the deer pruned them back pretty severely, but they seem to have (pretty much) overlooked them this past winter. It brightened my morning to see the catkins puffing out of their bud sheaths - a reaffirmation that Spring is gaining ground!
The Silver Maple trees in the yard put out their blossoms a few weeks ago. But, winter is still holding on, so they haven't fared too well. However, the Pussy willows seem better acclimated to Wisconsin's stubborn winters.
Plus, Dawn mentioned today that she noticed the daffodil's leaves are beginning to pierce up through the leaf litter; Spring is definitely gaining steam!
