Even now I love this time of year. Things are finally beginning to grow here in Michigan. It feels like after the long winter everything is renewed again and earth comes alive after a long hibernation. I find myself rediscovering all the little things that bring me joy again. It's a time when the weather begins to warm and the days are gradually getting longer. We spend more time outside before it gets too hot. We've enjoyed a lot of sunshine and warmer temperatures in the last week or so but that seems to be over - for now - the next few days are supposed to bring rain. My Mum always says it's changeable at the end of one month and the beginning of another.
For this Five on Friday I'm going to share five things from my walks this week and the things I've seen springing up and and the animals out and about.
These tiny flowers are actually from my garden. They are the first signs of spring I see.
A walk in the woods, such a peaceful place. Green is finally springing up everywhere! Just waiting for the trees for finish budding!
A variety of birds out enjoying the sunshine. It's wonderful listening to their chorus as they honk out warnings or call to one another. As I walk along some of them seem to let the others know a stranger is coming into their midst.
A chipmunk out and about. These little creatures are so speedy and can be quite noisy! Most of the time all I see is a little flash and a chirp and they are gone.
This has to be my favourite of the week! I wasn't even sure what it was as I haven't seen one before. The bird chirping a warning was what caught my attention. I started to take a photo of the bird and this creature caught my eye. I had to text a photo to my husband to ask what it was. A Muskrat, was his answer. Apparently they are rodent like creatures that live in the wetlands.
Hopefully the rain won't last for days and days and I'll be able to get back out and about again soon.
Sonderful shots of animals and spring - happy FoF!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos Sharon.
ReplyDeleteIs the red bird a cardinal?
I thought the Muskrat was a beaver until I read your words. Isn't he cute? -x-
Great photos, it's so good to be outside this time of year and see what's growing and blooming. Have never seen a muskrat in person, how exciting.
ReplyDeleteLovely wildlife shots, especially the cardinal (?) and muskrat...he doesn't look like the one in Deputy Dawg!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I also thought the muskrat was a beaver until reading your post. The birds are returning to our yard as well. Great shots of the cardinal (we have a silly pair that tried to build a nest in one of our bushes by the front porch, not a great choice with a cat in residence there...they relocated to the neighbor's tall tree thank goodness!) and robin. Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThe woods were you walk does look like a peaceful place and it's good to be able to get out and about during warmer days after the long Winter months. There's a lot of interesting wild life to see, but I'm sure the muskrat appearing was the most exciting sight. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt's truly a joy to read your nice post, so lovely springsigns... By the way: I often wonder, can the birds see themselves in the water-mirror?
ReplyDeleteHave a sunny weekend
I love seeing wildlife shots from your side of the pond because we have so much in common - then I spot the cardinal and it's a shock because we have absolutely nothing so brightly coloured over here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFive wonderful signs of Spring, you photos are lovely. the red bird {Cardinal?}is stunning. Have a great weekend:)
ReplyDeleteSo glad that spring has arrived! Loved your photos. I've never seen a muskrat, but now you have me humming that song, "Muskrat Love" by Captain and Tennille! LOL.
ReplyDeleteLove that woodland path and all the beautiful flowers and birds! I grew up by a little pond in New England and we had muskrats there, too. They are good swimmers! Wonderful captures. x Karen
ReplyDeleteYour little Muscrat is so cute, what a wonderful opportunity you had to take this picture ! I also love the chipmunks ! We don't have them here.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the ant on the flower. did you know an ant can hold up to 100x its own weight whilst standing upside down on a sheet of glass? fascinating creatures!
ReplyDeleteFabulous Five on Friday post, thank you so much for participating, I apologise for being so late getting round to everyone's blogs, we had so much going on that I just didn't get a chance, I hope you understand. All the Best - Tricky