The Earliest Signs of Spring

It’s not quite spring, but at least February is finally over. We’ve been searching for the earliest signs of spring, and here’s what we’ve found:

Best early color

The area near the Capitol has some of the best color now:

There are also a few trees in bloom by the Washington Monument:

Birds mating

A rare capture of owls in the act of mating, in Rock Creek Park:

The female owl goes looking for a nest:

Many species of ducks are partnering off:

New plantings

A horticulturist is planting at the Smithsonian Gardens this week:

People

First volleyball game in the courts by the Lincoln Memorial:

Runners:

Relaxing on the Mall:

Pops of color

It takes some searching in and among the woods, but there is lots of small spots of color in Rock Creek Park:

Still waiting

We are waiting on the magnolias, which should bloom soon.

Rawlins Park is almost ready to be completely covered in magnolia blossoms:

Cherry blossoms