friday nature walk: signs of spring

it was so beautiful out today, we decided we had to go on a nature walk. there were lots of tiny flowers and bulbs, nothing big. one had to look carefully. this little crocus was found by the pine trees we sketched along the river walk.

there were many robin redbreasts hopping around!

i believe this is a whitebarked himalayan birch tree! betula utilis jacquemontii! i didn't realize it when i took the picture; i was just enchanted with the pale bark against the evergreens. but looking at it now, and googling birch trees (one of the 20th centuries greatest inventions . . where would i be without google?) i found several images and websites. i'll link to this. the only problem is that the bark doesn't appear very paper-like to me. maybe because it's so young? it's another tree to observe as spring and summer approaches.

bare grey birch branches against the sky on the high line. .

no, i can never have enough pictures of my beloved grey birch . .

and they're very patient with my picture taking . . most of the time.

running around on the high line . .

our find of the day! lovely lavender crocuses on the high line!

they were so tiny amidst the enormous billboards and buildings of chelsea . .

the sun felt wonderfully warm as we sketched.

morgana's journal page . .

and mine . .

and chanda's. after our last sketch we did in 10 degree weather, chanda has been very weary of nature walks and sketching . . it was good today's sketch was short and sweet. and warm!

ah! and when we looked up, la luna was smiling down . . or maybe she's frowning today . . feeling a bit sullen? i have days like that . .