I made an early spring trip to the New York Botanical Garden this past weekend and had a wonderful time. I always find this period between seasons most interesting as one state of nature wrestles with another to gain the upper hand. The tussle was especially dramatic as the sunny temperature reached nearly 50 degrees but there was still plenty of snow on the ground.
Of course, the witch hazels and snow drops were in full bloom, and a few crocus in sunny microclimates had opened tentatively (see my BloomTime blog), but the real treat was the persistence of winter bird life. If you walk behind the wetland that is the northern edge of the Children's Adventure Garden, it is a birders delight. As many as four male cardinals shone electric against drab brambles and white snow, but the titmouse and the chickadee stole the show. Especially the chickadees (Poecile atricapilus), which someone has surely been feeding at close range. All you need do is hold out your hand at the sight of the black-capped bird and within a minute, the fluffy fellow will alight on your finger.
Birds are a delight to watch, but how magical to feel as well — a rare treat. The frail delicacy of the tiny feet is more tickle than grasp, and they weigh practically nothing. It is a wonder that a creature so athletic and acrobatic in flight could be so delicately made.
photos: Amy Mosedale