Kip’s Comments - March 23, 2026

Nature’s March Madness with Extra Scores (Pics)

While so many that I know are closely watching “March Madness” basketball, I am enjoying March Madness - Nature Style. In fact, today’s Nature’s March Madness included a triple-double with extra scores. Allow me to explain.

I went on a search today for the first three early wildflowers to bloom in Northeast Iowa. One species - skunk cabbage - I had already photographed a couple of times. Still I included skunk cabbage in my triple-double (two pics of the first three plants to flower in the late winter/early spring). The other two species were pasqueflowers and snow trilliums. For the extra scores I will add a couple of bird pictures.

Before I share images, know that I shot many of each species. I have selected my favorite two from each plant species. It was not easy to decide on the pictures to post tonight and I may share more later.

Skunk Cabbage:

Skunk Cabbage - Image 1077913

Skunk Cabbage - Image 1077824

Pasqueflowers:

Pasqueflowers - Image 1077267

Pasqueflowers - Image 1077463

Snow Trilliums:

Snow Trilliums - Image 1078110

Snow Trilliums - Image 1078036

The extra scores for this “March Madness” day were two birds of prey photos.

Adult Bald Eagle - Image 1077120 (Watching a red-tailed hawk flying near an eagle nest.)

American Kestrel - Image 1077195