January down. Let’s hope February is easier.
The leaves on my Hellibore plants took a beating with all of these weather changes, but here they are blooming right on time.
This is a macro of Iodized salt (on the left) and Kosher Salt (on the right).
The Junco is a common visitor to backyard bird feeders in winter. They rarely breed here, instead returning to Canada. One site said it was second in numbers only to the American Robin, while another site had Mourning doves listed as number one. Either way, there are a lot of them.
I got out in the cold and snow a little this afternoon with a short hike at one of Ohio's newer nature preserves. Located just south of Bremen, this park features a small pond and several miles of trails.
Luckily I found a place to pull off. The sunset was very nice this evening.
This Finch feeder has been refilled for a few weeks now. Today was the first time I have seen any birds on it. Two of them spent several hours while it was snowing plucking out seeds.
Handles on an old building. The pictures I took today are part of our club scavenger hunt, so I will make the rest of them available after the contest in April.
I took this picture as part of the MPPC Scavenger hunt, so it will be posted later.
Behind the mall in Lancaster there is a wetland area. Even though there is a lot of city between here and Mount Pleasant, the angle of the land camoflages it well.
On a hike at Clear Creek Metro Park we found the Skunk Cabbage. This plant is the first native plant to bloom in Ohio. I creates its own heat and actually melts the snow around it. Its stinky yellow flower head is hidden inside the leafy structure and attracts flies for pollination.
Today's winter hike at Christmas Rocks SNP didn't feel much like winter. Blue skies and temperatures near 70 made it feel more like a spring or fall hike. The bright blue sky only added to the beautiful day. This is one of the rock formations and giant trees along the trail.
Yesterday at the Christmas Rocks hike I noticed some interesting moss, lichen, and fungus formations on top of the Roof over the Arney Run Park sign. I was too short to get a good shot. Today I returned with a step ladder to get a few shots. This was my favorite. Some of my other favorites are in a separate post.
Another shot of the mums I brought in last fall. The petals came out all curled into tubes. It will be interesting to see if they open further
We stopped by Pickerington Ponds Metro park on the way back from Columbus today. This is a focus stacked image.
I did the 3 1/2 mile hike at Boch Hollow today. There are some rock formations along the trail. Today this one really looked like a face to me.
I spent some time with my hand in the aquarium this evening. This shot of a White Cloud was the best one, but lacked interest. Now I have made it a Neon White Cloud.
At photo club today I had a bit of time before we got started so I was able to photograph this Anthurium at Olivedale.
Another hint of spring from the greenhouse.
Inside the green house I found these blooming today. A litle taste of spring.
A sparkly treat for Easter.
This one is in the yard, close to the road. The yellow crocus and my miniture iris, which are always the first to come up, are in full bloom. I also have pictures from a hike at Clearcreek today, but had to go with the crocus. I will post some pictures from that hike tomorrow.
Some plants are starting to show signs of life. This Heuchera leaf reaches towards the sun today.
After last nights rains Big Darby Creek was full to the brim.
