Tiny subjects

[dockothebay]

A couple of weeks ago we spent a few hours wandering through the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. The park is known for it's abundant wildflowers, particularly the "spring ephemerals", which flower before the forest canopy develops. I thought I'd share a few of my attempts - nothing spectacular as far as photography, but fun none the less!

White Trout Lily

Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily - this particular flower is a grows only in a 275 square mile area in Rice and Goodhue counties - it's about 2 or 3 inches tall, the blossom is about the size of a dime when fully opened.

Marsh Marigolds

Bloodroot

[Dbl]

The bloodroot, the fourth shot is a real winner!

[mmeyer]

Yeah, that first bloodroot image is killer! Nice work Jackie!

[dockothebay]

Thanks guys - that first bloodroot image is probably my favorite from the day too

[Steve Foss]

I'm with those other guys, Jackie. The marsh marigolds are great, too.

[eyeguy 54]

I love that 4th one.

[dockothebay]

Thanks everyone - the park was fun and a great learning experience for me as a photographer. That bloodroot shot and the marigolds are probably my favorites from the day, but I was most intrigued by the trout lilies. They are sun sensitive (I'm sure there's a more technical word for that!), start the morning closed and open fairly quickly at the sun hits them. They are so dense that it was difficult to get a clean background - even laying on the ground, and then there's the "sensitive forest area, stay on the path" rule. Here are some small images of the progression in about a 20 minutes time frame. Anyway, thanks for look and for the comments! It's been fun to share

Fully open

[Debbie K]

Jackie - I was in Nerstrand Friday morning. I love the series you've posted. The Dwarf Lily is just about done blooming. I did get a few flower shots, but with the windy conditions, it was tough.

[dockothebay]

Thanks Debbie - I'd like to get back down there when the next batch of flowers are in bloom.

So let us see some of your impressions too!!

[Birdsong]

I love the marsh marigolds, but the trout lily fascinates me, too, Jackie. I had to look them up on the net last night after seeing these. So thanks for posting, and thanks for keeping your eyes and shutter open. Still waiting, Debbie!

[Debbie K]

Jackie - It's gonna be a couple days until I can get pics posted, no free time until Sunday afternoon. But I will get something posted.

[dockothebay]

We can wait

[panthrcat]

wow that bloodroot is something I don't see here in Ontario,, nicely done! that marsh marigold is beautiful too!! love them all!!

[jonny_redhorse]

Beautiful shots Jackie!....really like those "trout lillies"...I can't recall seeing any up here in my country....maybe I just gotta keep looking

[Birdsong]

Beautiful shots Jackie!....really like those "trout lillies"...I can't recall seeing any up here in my country....maybe I just gotta keep looking

If you haven't seen them on YOUR little walks, can they possibly be there? Worth the pursuit, though, keep the little walks coming. You, too, Jackie. Hmmm. Come to think of it, I think I need to take a little walk. Think I'll just take my little fur friend instead of my camera this morning. But my eyes will be open thanks to you two.

[dockothebay]

Thanks everyone - Jonny, from the range maps I've seen, your area would be on the northern most edge of the white trout lily range. The MN dwarf is on the federal endangered list. This is the first I've seen either of them.