Another Spring at Little Piney Bastrop TX

So much happens so fast in the Spring at Little Piney Bastrop TX.  Trees seem to leaf out overnight.  Wildflowers bloom and fade and make way for different wildflowers.  Favorite summer birds return.  Butterflies, bees, and dragonflies flutter and zoom about in flashes of color.   Bird songs resonate throughout the woods and fields trailing over one another in harmony.

Today I heard a familiar squeaky call and followed the sound to a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher singing out from an oak branch–the first  Scissortail of Spring at Little Piney.

Fresh green leaves glow with sunlight–so does the bright red crest of this Pileated Woodpecker!

Through the kitchen window this afternoon,  I watched a Wild Turkey peering and creeping up through the tall grass.  We haven’t seen a Wild turkey in the front yard in awhile!

Wild Turkey

In the field, this father Eastern Bluebird remains watchful above a nest box full of fledglings.

Father Bluebird watching over the nest box

Father Bluebird watching over the nest box

Father Bluebird watching over the nest box

This spring, we had more Winecups and fewer Bluebonnets than last year or the year before.

Winecup

Winecup

Winecup

Seasons change

Each season is comforting because of the return of expected elements.  The trees leaf out; the leaves turn dark green, then yellow or brown, and fall; the branches again stand stark and revealing against winter blue skies.  Then, on nature’s cue, the trees bud out and unfurl fresh green leaves as expected in Spring.  Some things we can count on always being the same.

On the other hand, each season is different.  Seasons bring changes, losses, new discoveries.  Each season is different enough to remind me that its wise never to take a moment for granted.  We shouldn’t miss the moments of this Spring because Spring passes quickly, and Spring will never be exactly the same again.