I am quite amazed at how far this spring season is behind last year. Of course, last year was probably advanced, but coming one after the other, the contrast is dramatic. I first noticed the red on the Maple outside the window where I work all day many weeks ago, but then it was like the tree had second thoughts. The buds remain, but they are no further along than when I first noticed them. It is pretty amazing that trees can do that. The flowers will come…they will just come in the tree’s own good time…when conditions are right.

For comparison, this is the same tree on March 23rd last year.

That was March 23rd, or over two weeks earlier. Amazing.

Top shot: Canon SX50HS. Program with iContrast and Auto Shadow Control. 1200mm equivalent field of view. f6.5 @ 1/1000th @ ISO 800. Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness. Last year’s shot. Canon SX40HS at 1680mm equivalent.