100 Species #23: Glory-of-the-snow

[urbpan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm rubbish with cultivated plants, but I think this is Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa sp.), a Mediterranean native that grows from a bulb. It popped up between the late winter blooming snow drops and the early spring blooming daffodils, in numerous locations around the yard. You garden-keeping folks probably know more about it than I do, so let's hear it (and let me know what it is in case I'm wrong).

Comments

[miz-geek.livejournal.com]

I think so. At any rate, I have some that I planted from bulbs about 5 years ago, but I can't remember what they were called. But that's them. Funny - we just saw some at the nature center at Goodwin Forest yesterday and I couldn't remember what they were called.

They spread (apparently they self-seed), but not as much as my grape hyacinths do (I don't think I'd call them aggressive, at least in my garden). They seem more consistent and and last longer than crocuses, so I look forward to seeing them this time of year.

[plantmom.livejournal.com]

Yup, that's right. Hey, I have a wild bird-type question for you. On our way home from church today, we saw a bird which I swear was a snowy egret. Amherst is largely reclaimed swampland, and it was standing in a creek near us. When I hit my bird book, it said the geography was wrong, but I still think that's what it was. The bill was black with a yellow band up near its eyes, and in my bird guide, it's the only one like that in that size range. Absolutely fabulous bird, and we were close enough that I could see the breeze lifting the long feathers on its chest.
Is it possible that's what we saw?

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

It's early for them (they are listed as summer birds in the Sibley Guide) but it's not out of the question. There are very few things they could be confused with, at any rate.

[plantmom.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I try really hard to pay attention to details, as so many birds do resemble each other. The beak was what got me.
BTW, my neighbor Sally and I were talking today. She follows my blog, and those of my friends. She mentioned yours in particular as being wonderful to follow. That's high praise, in my book, as Sally is a highly discerning individual.

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Thank you kindly! It's hard to know who's reading, if anyone, what with the Kremlin trying to shut us down all the time.

[plantmom.livejournal.com]

Yes, plus in her case, she's not on LJ, and not conversant enough to find other ways to express herself. A seventy-something with a heart of gold. Animal lover and gourmet cook (Oh hi, Sally!).