Today started out at 42 degrees F. Our spring continues to unfold slowly!

The day is cold and cloudy, with occasional drizzle. Not that pleasant. At 6:30 Spot started barking and barking- a sign that he has spotted something. He went tearing around the end of the barn at full tilt.

I looked out of the window to see what he had smelled or seen. He was staring up, barking. I figured it was a squirrel or chipmonk, but could not see anything.

Then, silhouetted against the clouds, were large hunched forms… turkey vultures! There were five of them. They roost in the oaks. They are a sure sign spring is here!

At 6:45 two of them spread their wings and took flight, doing large circles out over the road. But, they came back. The sun was not warm enough for the thermals they ride. They sat for another twenty minutes, Spot looking up, and they ignoring him!

When it was finally warm enough they took off, flying toward the marsh up the road.

I am sure they will be back this evening…

The other sign of spring is that the Primula vulgaris are in bloom! So exciting! It is the first perennial to bloom here, and gives a full six weeks of color!

PRIMULA VULGARIS

Two years ago a woman sent me small plants of Primula vulgaris sibthorpii, ( Thankyou, Jan! ) but most died in that bitter winter. And the ones that did survive did not bloom last year. I am hoping they will this year!

Sibthorpii is a color variation from the pale yellow primrose…

For more about Primula vulgaris sibthorpii read:
Primula vulgaris, ssp Sibthorpii,
a Tale of Plant Lust

I will keep you posted on the Sibthorpii!