“Quickies”
(All “Quickies” are photos taken and posted the same day)
These photos were taken just today at the Gardens at Waters East. - - April 20, 2011 - -
Yesterday it started to snow - again! Lots of snow, blowing wind, more snow and more wind. One would hope this is finally the end of it! Took these photos this morning. If you refer back to the most recent "Want a Quickie" of April 13th., the same crocus looked happier before the snows came. Though the snow has a beauty even this late in the season.
Enjoy
White & Purple Crocus
This morning a robin in the garden looked rather befuddled, bewildered, and puzzled as it perched on the rocks. It must have been thinks, "Did I leave the South a little early?" Robins are the state bird of Wisconsin so everyone here pays close attention to their arrival with great interest. The first robin seen in the Gardens at Waters East this year was on March 21st., appropriately enough the first day of Spring. No doubt that poor bird was a little shocked as it searched for food today.
6 foot Sculpture - "1000 Cranes"
as seen through a snow covered window
There as so many birds that pass through this area each year. Some stay for the Summer, some move on to more norther climates. The area of Gardens at Waters East is a birder's paradise. At this time of year there are tens of thousands, no exaggeration, and tens of thousands more birds that use this migratory route along Lake Michigan to move from as far south as South American up into Canada. It is a sight to behold. A sight of true wonder. So many birds out in the lake clustered together that they look like islands.
Duck on Bog Garden Pond
The shore and near waters here are teaming with water fowl. Mallards, Bufflehead, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Canada Geese, even Whistling Swans have made there appearance this month, so too the Snow Geese. There are White Pelican that pass through on their way to an island in the bay of Green Bay and have established a rookery there every year for the last few years. Birds that I've never seen amaze me every year as they pass by this property.
Crocus and Stone Gargoyle
On the land there are numerous species that stop for feeding and rest as they head North. Last year a flock of 200 Bobolink spent two days resting as they made their long journey from Argentina to Canada. A pair even stayed the Summer - nice. Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-wing Blackbirds, and so many more have already come to stay for the Summer.
Gazing Ball at Middle Walk
made of collected shore glass
No doubt all the birds are happy that the temperature this afternoon reached the mid-forties so the snows are melting. They will again find foods for nourishment, resting for the evening, and for those that are here to stay, they will continue their nest building chores.
Scilla - Siberian Squill
in the Asian Garden
Reference Note: For a complete list of the ten (10) Principles of Design used here and throughout Gardens at Waters East, check out the archive postings for November 14 – 24, 2010.
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