“Nature’s gatherings; nothing by chance; each with purpose” – Ed Lehming

As I spend more time on the trails, more and more patterns become noticeable to me, what once seemed random, begins to fit into patterns. Such is the case with early spring blossoms, one follows the next in a steady, often cautious progression.

It begins with the first few leaves unfurling from the forest litter of leaves, each plant slowly reaching out for the energy of the sun, gradually warming. Then the first few flowers open, bringing a splash of colour to the dull grays and browns of the forest floor.

Amonth the first of these are Spring Beauties, their tiny size and low profile protects them from spring frosts. They may be small and delicate but the do provide among the first nutrients to flying insect like bees and wasps. Notice the bee happily feeding on one in the lower right corner? I didn’t see it as I composed the photo, but it was a pleasant surprise when I reviewed it later in the day.

Next are the Trout Lilies. They first show as a bright green carpet of green and brown mottled leaves which resemble trout skin, thus the name. They also stay low to the ground for some time before putting up blossoms, but once they do, they fill the forest with wonderful splashes of bright yellow, complimented by the pinks and purples of the Spring Beauties, their early spring companions.

I’m hoping to get back out in the next day or two to see the trilliums, as I have now exhausted all my recent photos.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/500 sec, f/11.0, ISO 200

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