May 5, 2013

Lake Wicwas has been enjoying a fabulous stretch of spring weather - days on end of warm, sunny days with crystal blue skies, followed by cold nights with very little humidity to keep the atmosphere warm.

Daily temperature swings of 40 degrees have been common, with lows in the 30s and highs well into the 70s.  There was someone out on a tube this afternoon, and I even saw someone swimming!

I didn't see as much bird activity this week, but the warm weather has encouraged the trees to push out their leaves.  The beech and maple are well on their way, with the oaks lagging behind as usual.

Beech

Maple

I love the interesting colors the leaves make when they first emerge. 

Scrub Oak (I think)

By next week the hills will have a pale-green tinge to them as the trees start to form chlorophyll.

There are now many Trailing Arbutus blooming;  I haven't seen any other wildflowers yet, though the Canada Mayflowers have sprouted.

Canada Mayflower (Wild Lilly of the Valley)

 And the blueberries have started their work in creating one of my favorite summer treats.

High Bush Blueberry

The lack of rain and the dam lowered in preparation of spring flooding has let the water level in the lake get very low.  With a board restored to the dam last week, it is rising again.

I don't know how long this weather can last, but it sure is nice while we have it.

Tubing on May 5th!