Sapsucker and Tulips

There is a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker excavating a nest hole in the woods behind our new garden. We dig in the earth and listen to the tapping, excavation sounds of wood being chisled. We are excited to think we will witness the nesting life of this bird.

Tulips are bursting, their petals uncurled, pollen-laden anthers visible agains the dark throat. The yellow stigma stands at attention, waiting to be pollinated. The promise of reproduction is in the air.
All photos © Lillian Stokes, 2006