It Happened So Fast!

 A week ago after work I went out toward Oakland Camp to check on the status of the Mountain Lady Slippers.  See the top photo in the blog of May 5.  I saw several of the plants with no buds yet.  Yesterday, I went to the same spot and Voila!  Blossoms.  They are not yet fully open, but certainly identifiable as the flowers of the Mountain Ladyslipper.  I had n't even gotten around to posting all of the photos of other species that I took on that trip last week.  But these new blossoms were so exciting, I decided to jump ahead.  Also, just a few feet away from the Ladyslippers were dozens of

specimens of the Spotted Coralroot, another orchid, in full bloom.  I hadn't noticed even small shoots last week.  The soil temperature and moisture must be ideal, because things are happening fast.  Also, every time I turn around I see another species blooming for the first time.  Western Dog Violet, Scarlet Fritillary, various species of Ranunculus (buttercups), a few Stickseed (Forget-me-nots), among others.  My favorite photos from yesterday's outing was the newly blooming Lemmon's Wild Ginger.  Tomorrow morning I'll start catching up wth the photos from both outings, May 5 and May 12.  Remember, you may click on any photos in the blog for enlarged views.