The blooming of Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) in the woods is a highlight of spring. Something that makes it even more wonderful is when there is FOG blanketing the mountain. Wait until the light is just right and you’ll see what I mean. Then, in that moment, it’s not a pale gray nearly white fog like you usually see, but it becomes a pink fog, wrapping around every tree, every rock, every just emerging Bloodroot and Mayapple. Pink fog.

Though delicate in appearance, the flowers of Redbud are tough little things, surviving snow, ice, and most anything that the spring season can throw at them. They come through like champs.

I’ve been surprised to see birds eating petals of blossoms on my fruit trees. These Redbud petals and flowers are also something that Cedar Waxwings and Northern Cardinals will eat.

And another bird will eat those flowers and petals. Caught in the act here, a Goldfinch.