Sunday, April 24, 2011

Out of My Rear Window 4/24/11 - Pink Violets?

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it!  And, Happy Sunday to everyone else!  It's just an ordinary Spring day here.  There isn't much sun, but no rain either, and the temperature is in the mid-40's.  The yard is looking decent.  It's greening up nicely.  We had high wind a few days ago, and there are some dead branches down, that I have to take care of.

While I'm thinking about it, I have been asked by a couple of you how the bird watering station, on the right, is working out.  It's OK, but, I don't think I would advise anyone to buy one.  In high wind, all the water sloshes out, but, ever more frustrating, it's very hard to get the base unscrewed to refill the contraption.  I'll keep it up now that I have it, because I do see evidence that the birds are using it, but, if it breaks, I won't buy another.

Visitors to the feeder included this Canada goose, who shows up just about every day, sometimes spending hours just hanging around.  I like the two squirrels playing catch me as you can, too.
We're down to two Turkey Ladies.  I hope that the other three are nesting and I hope that the eggs don't hatch until after this wet period is over.  Turkey chicks don't do well in wet weather, and I think we need to see babies this year, after two years without any.
There was a new visitor to the suet feeder this week.  This handsome hairy woodpecker has paid several visits.
Spring flowers are making their appearance, at last.
Forsythia

Primrose
Promising flowers to come
Columbine
And, the brilliant red new growth of the peony.  I always love how they don't green up until they are pretty well grown.
And, perhaps most fascinating of all -- violets.  But, pink violets.  They came up this year under the lilac trees.  I've never seen any violets this color before.

Anyone have any ideas about just what kind of violets these are?

I'm celebrating Easter with one of my best friends and her parents.  We're having the very unconventional fare of Thai food -- yum!  And, for dessert, cheesecake -- double yum!!   Hmmmm, hope my after dinner mint doesn't turn out to be a couple of Tums.

14 comments:

KB said...

I too am rooting for turkey chicks this year. I'd love to see them under your feeders!

The flowers are so uplifting!!! Columbines are my absolute favorite. The wild ones don't bloom until late June but my garden ones seemed to be sprouting already before the latest snow. I can't wait!

Samantha said...

Hoping for turkey babies for you..and very Happy Easter!
We've had some oddball colored violets pop up now and then. I wonder if it's just a soil ph thing?

Upupaepops said...

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/perennials/26641/1

some of the cultivar violas can be pink. Odorata

you would have to relaly evaluate the leaves and the flower structures to figure out, violas are challinging due to the many different species.

I imagine any native viola has a potential to be abnormal color due to soil condition.

me too hoping for little gobblers

Dreaming said...

I love the playing squirrels. We used to enjoy watching them chase each other - especially when they would jump from tree to tree.
Thanks for the warning about the bird waterer. That would never work here!
Interesting violets... or maybe they are pinklets?

TexWisGirl said...

love that stand-still goose among the two monster squirrels! and the beautiful yellow primrose! lovely! pink violets - neat!!!

happy Easter dinner, dearheart. :)

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

The squirrel photo made me laugh. Your yard is so cozy surrounded by the protective trees. Reminds me of a fairy circle.

Sounds like we won't be buying that bird waterer, and I don't think our area would ever sell them either, what with our fierce 40-50 mph winds all Spring and Fall.

Lovely Forsythia! I really need to plant some here. They seem to do well even in our dry climate and add such a beautiful splash of color.

Oh! I adore non-traditional holiday celebrations. I hope you have a wonderful time.

~Lisa

chook said...

i think i have those same pink violets. here they are a little invasive and i pull them out without feeling guilty at all, even it they are darling.

Terry said...

I'd love to see turkey babies out your window!
Your flowers are beautiful - so Spring-like.

Unknown said...

Just checking that you're alright as we haven't heard from you. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Inger said...

What a beautiful goose! I hope the turkey ladies are OK and that there will be babies this year. The flower photos are beautiful as always.--Inger

Jim said...

Have never seen a pink violet either. It may be a mutant one....hey you could be rich!!!

Love the photos and a look at your visitors.
Love Thai food too! What a sensation....all that heat!

Vicki Lane said...

Love those pink violets! I think our turkeys are nesting -- only see a few now and then.

So glad your spring is finally there!

fromsophiesview said...

You have one busy backyard...exciting! The flowers are so uplifting and the pink violets...I goggled them and all that came up was your picture and request...interesting...does that mean they are the only ones? Hmmm

My Mind's Eye said...

Hi Louise
Spring has sprung in Western NY.
Everything is colorful and alive.
You are right about the little watering container. My small birds love it so I keep it up too.
I normally have to stand on our recylcing bin to reach ours. I tip it just a tad to get some of the water out before taking it down.
Happy Monday,
Madi and Mom