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Susan J Tweit's avatar

Oh, what a glorious celebration of spring in the eastern deciduous forest! And that waterthrush song is a bonus. Thank you for sharing the wonder of life renewing itself on your mountainside. We are all blessed to be connected this way, to share this terraphilia and the sacred force of life. The reminder is especially timely right now. Hugs to you Jeanne!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

"...the sacred force of life" -- thank you for that, Susan, and thank you for your loving presence. Sending you a hug back1

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Mark Loyacano's avatar

"... smack dab in the middle of a grand rebirth. Hope springing right up out of the ground."

The song of that Louisiana waterthrush (audio) is so beautiful, every bit much as are your words and photos. Thank you for writing about spring and hope. Central and western Kansas is lagging. Our Kansas naturalist group field trip yesterday, all outdoors in the Smokey Hills...temps-35º, wind-35mph with only a dusting of snow overnight. Hope is within reach!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Oh, goodness, Mark, winter is really hanging on out there in your homeland. Wow! (I envy you, though. I’m already missing the joy of walking in cold, crisp air. It’ll be a long time before I feel that again.)

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Lindsay's avatar

Thank you for sharing spring leaves with us and the video with the lovely Louisiana Watertrush song. That must mean you have a healthy waterway! See research here: https://www.birdscaribbean.org/2021/03/lessons-from-the-louisiana-waterthrush-how-water-quality-affects-the-survival-of-a-small-migratory-songbird/

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thanks SO much for sharing that article, Lindsay! I didn’t know much about this bird …but now I do. I’m happy to report that I heard a second one doing call and response with the one by the stream, so I’m hoping maybe that means we have a breeding pair here.

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Allison Delman's avatar

So beautiful and poetic, thank you Jeanne. A good reminder of what we can all too easily take for granted, but which is so necessary for our soul.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank YOU, Allison! And I agree, these tiny marvels are so easily overlooked but we need them now more than ever.

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Jim Melvin's avatar

I've walked these paths with you many times. This is one of the most beautiful times of year on our land.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you for being my walking partner, amidst all the magic. You are so patient with my constant stops.

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Jim Melvin's avatar

One step forward, two steps back. 😂

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Irwin Epstein's avatar

The first signs of Spring

So sweet, so tender and innocent. Always new. Always thrilling to behold.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

“Always new .. always thrilling …” YES, Irwin! That’s it exactly. Thank you!

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Jenny Wright's avatar

The Louisiana waterthrush has a beautiful song! What a wonderful way to awaken. New leaves are delicate and hopeful, and they unfurl so fast! Touching them is like touching life anew each spring. Thank you, Jeanne💚

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

“….touching life anew” …. that’s beautiful, Jenny! Thank you for encapsulating it perfectly.

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Heidi Campbell's avatar

Lovely post! Very hopeful, as each Spring should be. Enjoyed the photos and the video very much.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Heidi! I know you love photographing nature’s delights, too. Happy Spring to you!

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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Lovely reminder that the world goes on. Thank you for these delights.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

You are welcome, Julie, and thank you for being here!

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Steve Johnson's avatar

I really enjoyed this article and especially all the photos of the spring ephemerals. I remember going to Station Cove Falls in February and March to search for the first spring flowers.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Yes, Steve, Station Cove Falls is great trail to walk this time of year. I’m glad you have nice memories of it.

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Debbie Fraker's avatar

Beautiful.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you, Debbie! See you Tuesday at Bee Well! 😄

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Debbie Fraker's avatar

I missed you. I was running a little late today.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Thank you for every bit of this, Jeanne, especially the song of the waterthrush and the palette of green coming up in the South Carolina hills. Thank you for giving yourself to it. Much love.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

You are so welcome, my friend, and green love comin’ back to you!

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Ann Schoenacher's avatar

So lovely! Thank you.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

You’re so welcome, Ann! Hope you’re enjoying the singular delights of a Florida spring.

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Ann Schoenacher's avatar

I am! The weather has been delightful, heating up during the afternoon to tempt me to turn on the ac, but I refuse to turn it on in April. Today we have a cold front with temps in the 60s, a little reprieve before the brutal heat of summer begins.

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MK Creel's avatar

A lovely service of baby leaves, blooms and birdsong. Love your description of "cotton ball daubs of dogwood" too.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you, MK! I’m glad you joined the service! Hope your spring is full of delights, too.

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Kate MC's avatar

Every walk right now is absolutely a worship service. Love seeing everything you noticed

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it all, Kate, and thank you for being here. Happy Spring, happy walks to you!

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Sarah Kelsey's avatar

What beautiful words and pictures, and the waterthrush song! I love the Trillium discolor, a species I had never seen until April of last year. It shares space with so many beautiful flowers.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

So glad you liked it all, Sarah, and I’m glad you know T. discolor. I had never seen it, either, before I discovered it all over our woods.

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