“Spring is magic – sweet to the senses and easy to celebrate” – Susan Branch, “Vineyard Seasons.”
Jesse and I are celebrating this magical spring day with exuberance, traipsing a wooded path that traverses a short distance away from the Pennsylvania shoreline of the Delaware River.
Masses of lesser celandine, cheery sunny blooms resting upon heart-shaped leaves of the deepest green, create a carpet as far as the eye can see. A variety of other early spring wildflowers, including Dutchman’s breeches and purple lamium, have sprung from the cool earth, along with bloodroot, so named because the roots of the plant contain a reddish sap. Native Americans created a red dye from the substance, using it to color cloth and baskets, as well as for face paint. Bloodroot also has diverse medicinal indications, but it comes with so many warnings and cautions that one can’t help but wonder if it isn’t more toxic than curative.
Birds are celebrating spring through song and flirtation. A pair of northern flickers pirouette around a tree trunk, coquettishly peeking at and calling to one another. A pileated woodpecker announces in his frenzied cackle that it’s spring and he’s looking for love.
And then there are birds with other things on their minds. A short distance from the trail can be seen a gathering of feasting buzzards. Jesse stands erect, nose in the air. He’s picked up the scent and proceeds to ramble over. That is until I stop him midstride with a stern, “Don’t even think about it!” I sure he’s thinking, “What a buzzkill!” (sorry for the pun) He was all set to join those vultures for a bit of breakfast, and now I’ve gone and ruined his plans.
The delightful day brings with it a number of first sightings of the season. Busily buzzing along is a chubby bumblebee, newly emerged from its winter bunker. Bumblebees sally forth early in spring as they are able to absorb heat from even the weakest rays of the sun. In addition, their bristly coat provides insulation during cold weather. I spy a spring azure butterfly, breezily floating through the air, recently hatched from its cozy cocoon. The diminutive spring azure is one of the earliest butterflies of the season, its arrival ushering in spring and balmier weather.
To quote John Muir, “Spring’s work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.” Certainly the joyous, restorative nature of the season has energized Jesse and me, putting a spring in our step (what can I say – I’m on a pun roll) and making for an outstanding start to our day.
Cindy Woodall resides in Upper Black Eddy.
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