Nature study ~ signs of spring

We packed up our bear spray and boots yesterday for a rainy visit to Peter's Creek. Our backyard is pretty uninspiring...the grass is still brown and no flowers have poked through yet. But look what we found yesterday!

We watched the rain drops form concentric circles in this puddle for awhile.

Peter's Creek, AK

The receding ice shelf

I found this strange creature on the river bank.

Evidence of spring! A green shoot on this tree...

It's remarkable to find green leaves and shoots emerging from the layer of mulch.

Exploring under an ice shelf

Moss and fungus

This activity captivated Zoya...she found leaves which had preserved a shape in the snow.

More shoots, fungus, and even berries

Many trees were shedding bark. I brought a piece home to paint or draw on...
haven't decided what yet.