Nature Note:Chionadoxa

Chionadoxa,the glory of the snow,got a rare chance to live up to its name today.There was indeed a dusting of snow on the ground this morning,and the small blue flower with a white center was at peak bloom.This could be a record for accumulating snow.I can't recall a later date for it.The crocuses are no longer in bloom,but have spread their leaves out to make food for next spring.Plants don't leave anything for later.As soon as they can,they do what needs to be done for next year.

Nature Note:Rabbit Tracks

Every morning I've been finding cottontail tracks in the snow.The front feet leave a single,small track,while the rear feet leave separate,larger tracks.Its favorite food,grass,has been covered for some time by a layer of frozen snow.I could walk on the snow without sinking in.It had become porcelain snow from the cycle of thawing and re-freezing overnight.A number of mild days are ahead,which should bring the crocuses up and help the rabbits.