Crops & Clips: Flashback to May, 2015

As has been my habit, I have brought out the retro-spectroscope and reviewed my archives from three years ago. My photos bring back fond memories of springtime at our second home in NE Illinois. My selections include favorite memes: skies, reflections, fences,signs of the season, Critters of all sorts (especially birds), and scenes which speak for themselves.

What better way to begin the month than to see a harbinger of spring, such a dear memory from childhood but absent from our south Florida neighborhood-- an Eastern Bluebird, perched on his nest box at Hickory Knolls woodlands in St Charles, Illinois:



In stark contrast is this view from the bluebird's front door, a razor-wire fence which surrounds a detention facility. While those inside look out longingly, birds enjoy the freedom of the skies:



The peaceful park is intersected by the road to the foreboding gates at the entrance of the detention facility:



Also on May 1, a nearby Chipping Sparrow in breeding plumage shows off its new bright chestnut cap:



Nelson Lake/Dick Young Marsh Forest Preserve is close to our condo. We visited it almost daily during the first three weeks of May:



Signs of spring abounded. Among the early bloomers--

Jack-in-the-pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum:



Phlox divaricata:



Dutchman's Breeches - Dicentra cucullaria:



Wake Robin:



Nodding Onion:



Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Dandelion:



Colorful migrating birds had arrived--

Rose-breasted Grosbeak:



Baltimore Oriole:



Scarlet Tanager:



American Goldfinch:



Indigo Bunting:



Yellow Warbler:



Among the less colorful but equally welcome arrivals--

Lincoln's Sparrow:



Northern Waterthrush:



Field Sparrow:



"Traill's" Flycatcher (very likely the Alder Flycatcher in this species complex):



Tree Swallow:



Sora:



Yellow-rumped Warbler:





Swainson's Thrush:



Not to be overlooked were some of the permanent residents--

Northern Cardinal:



Red-tailed Hawk (a bit shaggy after a bath):



Red-winged Blackbird:





Black-capped Chickadee:



Great Horned Owl with one of its three owlets:



I must not forget the departures--

Soon heading north is the White-throated Sparrow:



And  soon we, leaving for Florida  with memories of grandchildren...

...Graci spotting an oriole..

 

... and now (flashing forward to the present), in 2018, remembering Siboney, the Tibetan Mastiff who was a frisky puppy in 2016...



...and grew into a powerful pet, ...



...but sadly, had to be put down just this past week. Siboney was Cari's constant companion.The girls, and his elderly "Big Brother" Agramonte must mourn:



I nearly forgot to write and post this week's blog because of all the distractions between relocating from Florida to Illinois, the loss of Siboney and also preparing our condo for sale.

Yes, we plan to have only one home if the sale goes through. Keeping up two residences has become too much of a burden. We certainly will miss the extended visits, the thrill of experiencing the changes of season and the diverse flora and fauna of the Northern Midwest USA. 

Home in Florida, the view of sunrise from our back patio on May 30, 2015:

 

= = =  = = =  = = = =  = = = = =

Linking to Misty's  CAMERA CRITTERS,

Linking to Eileen's SATURDAY'S CRITTERS,

Linking to SKYWATCH FRIDAY by Yogi, Sylvia and Sandy

Linking to WEEKEND REFLECTIONS by James

Linking to BirdD'Pot by Anni

Linking to Our World Tuesday by Lady Fi

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday by Stewart

Linking to Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday) by NC Sue

Linking to ALL SEASONS by Jesh

 Linking to Fences Around the World by Gosia

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Please visit the links to all these memes to see some excellent photos on display

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