First Orchids

Showy Orchis 

Two days ago (just before a nasty stomach virus knocked me down a couple of days) I went to a new favorite spot where I had seen emerging Showy Orchis and Yellow Lady Slippers  a couple weeks ago. This was a new site for these orchids which  I found just by being out and about.
 I saw Pink Lady Slipper leaves near here last fall and hoped for a trifecta of early orchids, but could not find them again

Yellow Lady Slippers

I had a couple of bird experiences this week. I am not a dedicated birder but do enjoy spotting new ones. I know its time for Warblers to show up here so I keep an eye out and spotted a pair of

Yellow Hooded Warblers.

Scarlet Tangier 

Then today sitting on the porch I saw this Scarlet Tangier fly in and had the chance to grab a camera and lens to get this shot of a beautifully colored bird

Smoky Mountains

Last Year, I spent a few days in Mid April in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This year, I found myself back again to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary. As usual, the days were for the tourist trap, but early mornings were mine for hikes. I went back to Porters Creek and Cove Hardwood trails, both reputed to be the best wildflower hikes in the Smokies. I enjoyed both hike, and love the Smoky Mountains, but as I have expanded my horizons in West Virginia, I can now find almost every wildflower here at home, the exceptions being White Fringed Phacelia and Yellow Trillium. I can remember every year hoping to see Showy Orchis along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and now, I hav found four locations here at home, two in the past two weeks, just by spending more time walking and exploring. A couple highlights were some White Fringed Phacelia that was light blue and a new wildflower.Below are many pictures from the trip.

White Fringed Phacelia (blue variation)

Streptopus lanceolatus (Rose Twisted Stalk)