The Daily Bucket is a place where we post and exchange our observations about what is happening in the natural world in our neighborhood. Each note about the bugs, buds, and birds around us is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns of nature that are quietly unwinding around us.
Spring time is known for rains. They come in many forms from slow and gentle warm rains that wake up the dormant grass, heavy soaking rains of several inches, to the violent thunderstorm downpours that can dump an inch in ten minutes. This year in Iowa we have had little in the way of rains.
Our normal for this time of year is about 6". Our total precipitation this year is barely over 4". Our son-in-law farms not far from us. I asked him about his preparations for planting corn. He said it is still too dry and early. The monetary risk is high if you have to re-plant acreage.
Over the weekend, we did a very gentle and light rain of 0.10". We saw the rain coming on radar. So, we decided to get out for a walk before it arrived. Along the way were two retaining walls made up of stone blocks on the north slope of a hillside. It's a very shaded and moist area. A lot of ferns are growing there and taking advantage of the niches provided by the stone wall.
Also, we saw several patches of May Apples. These are an indigenous species to North America. I didn't know the root is a powerful laxative, so powerful the FDA has warned against using it.
Warning: The unripe fruit is a strong laxative; don't eat it unless it's fully ripe. All other parts of the plant are extremely toxic and should not be eaten. The rind and seeds of the fruit may also be toxic. Despite historical uses of the root internally, I would not recommend it as it is now known to be highly toxic; it absolutely should not be used during pregnancy. The FDA has declared that the roots are too strong to be used safely as a laxative.
There is a little more below the birdnest.
After we returned from our walk, the rain did finally arrive. It was one of those very light and sporadic rains, almost a mist at times. On my way out to get the mail, I walked past some plants near the sidewalk. I noticed the accumulation of drops on the leaves. No wind had disturbed them. They were as large as they could get before dropping off from their own weight. They were worth a close-up macro view to be shared.
What is going on in your neighborhood? Give us a report. Drop something into the bucket. After that, we will hope for a little rain to add to the mix.