How astonishing the wild encounters of May: the first stained glass swallowtails fluttering in the western field, ferns, wild leeks and jacks-in-the-pulpit swaying in the deep rich soil near the creek, jeweled dragonflies swooping and circling in the air over the hill, columbines along the trail in red and gold.
After a winter that seemed as if it would last forever, here are trees and songbirds, leafings and buddings and a thousand and one other wonders painting the air with glorious color and fragrance and song.
Setting off down the trail with a camera around my neck, a bag of weighty peripherals slung over my shoulder and the pockets of my photographer's vest crammed with an assortment of other bits and pieces, I cover only a few feet before I find myself sitting down on a sun warmed rock and just drinking in the light and the season like wine - no, better make that champagne. The world dances and sparkles like the best bubbly, all golden and fizzy and madcap and too wonderful for words. Even the grosbeaks high in the overstory seem intoxicated.
It seems this is to be another one of those years when I never make it all the way to the back of the Two Hundred Acre Wood. There is just too much to see along the way.
6 comments:
I do love these words and stained glass is perfect for that wonderful butterfly. It is a hard decision...cover the whole of paradise or just sit and wait for it to come to you.
Beautiful photos of the Swallowtails, Cate! They should be here at Round Hill any time now as they usually appear at the same time as the white lilacs bloom.
wow Cate, the light through the wings--oh how stunning.
Fabulous photos. Your ability to grab the moment has perfect timing. Seeing the Swallowtail on the flowers portrays the essence of pollination. It is incredible to capture in a photo.
Surrounded by the Joy of Just Being - how enlivening! I love the "expotitions" that you take us on :) Shall I bring a honey jar? :)
Hi Cate
What lovely photographs the Swallowtails are just beautiful.
Guy
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