Red Buds

The woodlands are brushed with the palest colors these days as an early burst of warm weather throws nature into a tailspin: new leaves in apple green, shadbush blossoms in pink and cream, oak buds in pale red.

Faint scarlet, the feathery emerging buds of oak trees are stunningly beautiful right now, silhouetted against an early evening sky and illuminated by the first rays of sun as they creep up over the extreme eastern edge of the Island.

Soon the bass will be running and the farm stands will be open with fresh asparagus and rhubarb pie.

Soon, but not for a few weeks yet.

First come the red buds on the oak trees.

This is fleeting spring at its finest.