spyr's Journal

It's only beginning of February. But recently, the warm temperatures and first butterflies flying remind us of the season we used to call "spring". Who can help to identify this bird by its call? Thanks a lot! https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/198087384

t is an exceptionally warm month of February. Thanks to the southerly winds ("Föhn"), it will be up to 20°C in the Rhine Valley today! Small insects, a snail and various mosses thrive in the forest. Thanks a lot for your suggestions for identification.!

First butterflies and the Wangensbach violets are in full bloom: It's end of February, and spring is here.

Thank you for your IDs for the lovely violets!

Christina Georgina Rossetti
Autumn violets

Keep love for youth, and violets for the spring:
Of if these bloom when worn-out autumn grieves,
Let them lie hid in double shade of leaves,
Their own, and others dropped down withering;
For violets suit when home birds build and sing,
Not when the outbound bird a passage cleaves;
Not with dry stubble of mown harvest sheaves,
But when the green world buds to blossoming.
Keep violets for the spring, and love for youth,
Love that should dwell with beauty, mirth, and hope:
Or if a later sadder love be born,
Let this not look for grace beyond its scope,
But give itself, nor plead for answering truth—
A grateful Ruth tho' gleaning scanty corn.