Blooms and Birds

Canola field in bloom near Milton-Freewater, Oregon                                        © Diane B. Reed

It has been a long, cold, and damp lead up to warmer weather here in the valley.  The vineyards and orchards have suffered to varying degrees—time will tell how much. But nature finally seems to have made up her mind and a late spring is finally in bloom. 

Iris at Lions Park College Place                                     © Diane B. Reed

The yellow irises that line Garrison Creek in Lions Park are in full bloom, and the Cottonwoods have fully leafed out. The temperatures are flirting with the high 70s, but the nights are still cool.

Lazuli Bunting                                                                    © Diane B. Reed

Traffic at our bird feeders has slowed considerably as natural sources of food have increased. Still, we enjoyed visits from a small flock of Lazuli Buntings, who have joined our regulars—Goldfinches, House Finches, White Crowned Sparrows, and California Quail. 

White Crowned Sparrow                © Diane B. Reed

Let's hope that the warm weather is here to stay, that the snowpack doesn't melt too fast, and that our farmers don't suffer too many losses from the fickle spring weather.