Headed over to Duke Gardens on Sunday to see if the camellias were doing much. I found 10-15 different species in bloom. Did find several new ones that should be blooming in a few weeks.
Camellia Japonica ' October Affair' one of my favorite japonicas!
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Camellia X 'Dawn' Clearly this is my favorite hybrid camellia! This 15 ft tall plant is in the back of the gardens. One flower was showing and a few flowers were on the ground as I walked by. I looked up towards the sky and noticed at least 50 blooms open! I'm sure many people walk by and never see all these flowers.
Snow drops, there were two patches of these in full bloom, easily missed if you were not looking down.
Duke Gardens did not have any crocus I could find, these are from our back garden. I counted 24 blooms. Believe these 4 flowers are from one bulb planted in the fall of 2009.
I ran into Bill Majoros of
Third Bird From The Sun you have to see his site, he has some amazing bird photos! We both took photos of Cedar Waxwings and Bluebirds eating berries and getting water in the gardens. The CF card lost my first shots of Cedar Waxwings. This shot was my best one, they moved around constantly.
This male Eastern Bluebird had just taken a drink of water.
Bluebird giving me the evil eye?
Shame the Bluebird was not in focus, this was a split second shot and hand focused to boot. Can you see the water droplet on the chin of the Cedar Waxwing?
Out of focus or not, the birds are so beautiful. We get the cedar wax wings here, but they are nearly impossible to photograph unless we catch them at water. They are just so beautiful. I enjoyed the flowers too. And btw, hope you are successful in making the bird treat. Thanks for checking out my recipe. Organic sounds like the way to go, especially the peanut butter. I may have to rethink my ingredients. cheers. ann
ReplyDeleteJudging from what I am seeing on several NC gardening blogs, you'all must being seeing more signs of spring than we are just over the border. I saw my first C. japonica blooming at a neighbor's house, but it was not very enthusiastic, maybe later it will be.
ReplyDeleteOh man, that shot of the Bluebird and Cedar Waxwing is a once in a lifetime kind of shot. I am in the market for a C. japonica -- cultivar named 'Janet Waterhouse'. Going for the family names in a garden area. I like the Camellias that look like they are tie-dyed. Glad to see spring is on its way....heard snow in the forecast for the mountains.
ReplyDeleteThe Camellias are so pretty! Ours won't be blooming for another month or so. Both of these are birds are ones I'd love to see in person one day.
ReplyDeleteI caught some Cedar Waxwing shots the other day, they are one of my favorite birds. I've gotten some bluebird shots too, this is the first year I've seen them around our house this much. Hoping they stick around!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the photo loss, I had that happen once on a trip to NYC. It can be devastating!
Love the picture of the waxwing and the bluebird drinking together!
ReplyDeleteWow, great shots! The one with the bluebird giving the "evil eye" seems like it belongs on a postcard or a greeting card!
ReplyDeleteAwesome camellia and bird shots. Looks like spring has sprung in your neck of the woods. We have 4" of snow here and no sign of spring yet. Send some my way when you can please?
ReplyDeleteI loved the Duke Gardens. I know we went in June, because the southern magnolias were blooming. Awesome place for a walk!
ReplyDeleteWhat a vibrantly colored post, both in flower and feather! I love your crocus, such a sunny shade, and they just scream that spring is coming! I'm not sure that Mr. Bluebird appreciated his moment in the spotlight though...too cute.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images Randy! I just love the Cedar Waxwings. They are so beautifully marked. I wish we had them here. Your crocus just make me smile. I love the cheery yellows.
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of images Randy, looking forward to snowdrops and Crocus here. They are just coming through the soil now. Pity the snow and cold has come back - that was a surprise yesterday morning.
ReplyDeleteWaxwings don't seem to sit long do they? Your male Bluebird never ceases to catch my eye - what an incredible blue it is. Loved the last shot - yes I saw the droplet :-D
Randy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo of the Cedar Waxwing and Eastern Bluebird! And I'm glad you're seeing some camellias in flower.
Ours in the Botanical Garden are looking pretty subdued at the moment -- the waves of really cold weather have zapped flowering. But, hopefully we'll have a nice late February and March.
Lisa
Hi Randy, i've not be here for awhile, i am glad my favorite flower will jump on me as i opened this, snowdrop and crocus. I've seen them just once yet in person, and i love them from then on. And those blue birds are so beautiful too. But i haven't known what happened to your bananas which you cut and covered with plastic before the snow!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely pictures, as usual! Those cedar waxwings show up around here occasionally, they're so pretty. We see more Blue Buntings than bluebirds here, unless you're in the mountains.
ReplyDeleteSpring is on it's way, can't wait!