Potted Springtime

Yet another warm, sunny day. It's hard to believe that only last week we were in the coldest part of winter. Blossoms are appearing on the plum trees, and will soon burst forth on the apricot trees. Leaf buds are opening on the elders and other deciduous bushes. The blackcurrant stems exude a delicious fragrance when I brush against them.

Many birds are marking or testing their chosen territories. A waxeye has begun testing a small triangle which is mostly taken up by my house, but which also includes the plum tree where I impale the half apples and hang the syrup dispenser, and on the other side the coprosma berry bush that the bellbird has also claimed. His testing song is very sweet, something like a soft canary song. If his claim is successful it will change to a call similar to a dunnock, but quieter. I can't tell if he is the male half of the little couple, or not.

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One year ago: Last year's August moonset.