The winters are long and white here in northern Minnesota. The final snow this year did not melt till early May, and ice out on area lakes was mid May. While I love the winter, it also fantastic when the Northwoods finally explode with color once again. Over the past week color has been coming back to my world.
As a wildlife photographer, the combination of birds and blossoms is addicting! Over the past week I have camped out next Lilac and Crab Trees with my camera. This morning I almost despaired that I would find anything till a flock of migrating Common Grackles appeared. Jackpot!!!
Common Grackles … not so common!
Lilac Trees and Butterflies … Tiger Swallowtail and Monarch
Chestnut Sided Warbler
Beautiful shots… the colorful flowers are perfect with the dark grackles, and the butterflies on the lilacs are gorgeous.