Early Butterflies in the Woods

Last day of March and first Tiger swallowtail floated low in front of me by Elm Bridge. A day of warm soft spring clouds. Northeastern Tree Loop both a bright orange Goatweed leafwing butterfly and a dainty sulphur were flitting close to the ground in the sunny patch where the native thistle grows. Green growing swiftly. Honeysuckle greening up on the floor of the Woods, box elder leaves opening in the understory. When their leaves are fully flushed the Woods will be transformed from the open winter/ early spring. The small white flowers of Cardamine/ Dentaria bittercress were open at Beaver Dam. Red buds are in full bloom now. On the spring roadsides bright yellow dandelions are abundant. The first reddish-purple flowers of Erodium storksbill are showing. Single red-shouldered hawk calling and calling in the highest branches of its nest tree cottonwood.