May 4, 2014

The Lake Wicwas Music Festival has returned for its 2014 season.  Their season opener presents a well-know chorus consisting of a full complement of amphibians, featuring in particular the Spring Peepers.  These free concerts are open to anyone who partakes in an evening walk - or just opens their window.

Later in the season the troupe will add featured soloists such as the wood frog and that famous bass player, the bullfrog.

At the conclusion of the opening night performance, the musicians were presented with a fragrant bouquet of spring's first wildflowers;  the Trailing Arbutus being the first to bloom as usual.

Trailing Arbutus (Mayflower)

There is still great visibility in the woods before the leaves fill in the open spaces.  I saw the Osprey and  a Hawk sitting up high in the trees.  I didn't see another late-night vocalist, but I did hear the first Barred Owl hooting one night under a crescent moon.  This time of year also reveals just how large the cliff is behind Lake Wicwas.  During the summer all but the top of it is hidden behind tall trees, but presently a substantial portion of the sheer face is visible.  There was a group up on top enjoying the beautiful weather on Saturday.

Crockett's Ledge from Chemung Road

We still haven't had a warm stretch of weather, and the flowers and trees are a bit behind schedule, but only by a few days.  The Red Maple leaves have progressed to the point where the first emergent leaves are barely visible.

Red Maple Leaves Emerging

I was able to find a bit of ice still hanging on deep in a crevice in the ledges, but it won't last much longer now.

The Last Ice?

It sure is heartwarming to see the sun, moon, and bright mornings reflecting off liquid water.