Forest Wildflowers

[Tom Robbins]

There have been some flurries in the air recently, but the sun is getting higher in the sky every day. I enjoy chasing down wildflowers as they appear in the midwest, and would like to see what others find as winter fades.

This is a trio of Bloodroot pushing up through the leaf litter in a forest preserve several days ago in north central Illinois. I'd like to see what's going on elsewhere, if anyone has a moment to spare.

I've noticed this spring that 45 miles north or south in latitude is almost equal to a week backward or forward on the calendar. Has anyone else noticed this?

Tom

 

[Asher Kelman]

The leaves are up like that because it is evening or just the pushing through process?

Asher

 

[Edward Bussa]

I drove about 120 miles north/south on Monday. Spring was definitely more involved that much further south. By how much, I couldn't say.

I have observeed that the shore area of Lake Michigan is about 1 week ahead of the inland areas at the same lattitude in the spring. In the fall that reverses - all because of the moderating effect the warm lake offers.

 

[Tom Robbins]

Ed, interesting observation regarding the effect of Lake Michigan. I enjoyed a tour of your Spring 2007 gallery.

Asher, the photo was taken early in the morning. When I returned to the spot several hours later, the flowers and leaves had opened up, but some of the petals had dropped. This is one of those spring flowers that don't last very long, even under the best conditions.

 

[Erik DeBill]

That's a stunning photo. I love how the fresh growth contrasts with the dead leaves, and the two lighting planes separate them even more.

I used to drive back and forth between Austin and Kansas City a lot. I used to figure that there was almost 2 months time difference between the two.

Right now in Texas, ranging from Burnet down to Rockport, things seem more driven by rain than latitude. Flower supplies are also heavily dictated by planting and what remnants survived the last two years (too much rain killed the bluebonnets one year, then extreme drought did for them the next). We'll have to see how the freezing weather this weekend affects them.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Hi Erik,

Good to here from you. I'm sure you'll post what you find. You are right about the lighting in Tom's pictures.

Asher

P.S. Notice that Leonardo is back and posted a 4x5 picture of his series that he exhibited. Also will Thompson has been busy with his 8x10 and will post soon one of his train pictures.

I would be happy to see you also in the L.F. section to see the results of your new camera!

 

[Edward Bussa]

Thanks Tom,

With regards to the lake's effect on our shoreline, just for example, today the temperature is 71 inland and 55 by the lakeshore with the actual water temperature of the lake between 40 and 50.

The prevailing wind blows across the lake and cools the immediate lakeshore quite a bit!

This effect adds up to delaying spring near the lakeshore by a week or two. So, after spring has sprung inland, I can get in my lakeshore time machine and study my subjects again!

 

[Holly Cawfield]

Tom, this is wonderful photograph. It is such a splendid study in contrasts and as has been said, beautiful light as well. The lovely, soft pink/mauve tone of the buds makes such a delicate and youthful counterpoint to the 'antique' leaves.

It's also very imagination-producing. The way the leaves are curled looks rather like earnest children with their hands clasped as they're about to sing in the choir.

Thank you for sharing this photo.

As for here in southern Ontario, we finally have had our first day of true spring weather! In fact that happened only yesterday and I have even seen my first crocus, pussy willow and tulips beginning to sprout out of the ground. It's very encouraging!

Holly

 

[Tom Robbins]

Holly,

Thank you! I just enjoyed looking at the flower images on your website, Watchthelight, and was very much impressed. Your photos and kind words are truly an inspiration.

Ed,

Interesting lake effect observations. They brought back memories of long lazy barefoot summers as a kid along the shore of Lake Huron near Port Sanilac, MI. We'd have one sort of day when the wind was offshore from the west, and another entirely when it was onshore from the east.

Regards,

 

[Tom Robbins]

Erik,

Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.

As you point out, there are a lot of variables when considering latitude, season, and local conditions.

 

[Asher Kelman]

An interesting thing to point out is the layer of leaves.

This is the key to the ecosystems for frogs and other amphibians. At this time, because of climate changes, the layer is missing or stark and so the habitats are vanishing.

Ther loss of these creatures was at first thought to be a fungus, but now it seems the loss of fallen leaf cover is what is wiping the creatures out.

Asher