What's blooming: front yard

Our native blue flag iris in the raingarden, with penstemon and roses in the background

Mockingbirds: Smarter than Mourning Doves?

We took this picture of the mockingbird nest in our garden fence on May 9. We've been peeking in on the baby birds periodically but if we approached with a camera the parents would fly straight at us like something out of a Hitchhock movie. Today we checked and there were no babies -- hopefully they've fledged!

What's blooming: Yellow ladyslippers

Stopped at Thompson Wildlife Management Area to see the yellow ladyslipper orchids. Matt thinks the curly petals hanging on the sides make them look Hasidic.

Another short-term pet: Grey Tree Frog

Matt was digging in a client's yard when he nearly put a spade through this little critter, still hibernating underground. He brought it home and fed it crickets from our basement for a few weeks before letting it go in Rock Creek Park.

Another sign of spring: morels

Matt's find from a foray with the Mycological Association of Washington