This was a truly uneventful period for us as nothing extraordinary happened; it was all about golf, pickleball, and normal day-to-day activities. This period was warm and very dry. Having planted almost 75 butterfly and hummingbird attracting plants, we’ve had to water almost daily as the irrigation system has not yet been activated.

While looking at photo files for including in this post, it was discovered that I only photographed two days this period—perhaps too much wind or too many conflicts. Regardless, I need to shoot more! Here are the results of the two days’ of shooting.

A hike on Cedar Creek Trail in Hot Springs Village on March 24 resulted in the best day of photography this year.

During the hike, at about 2 o’clock PM, butterflies began “coming up” and a few actually were still enough for photos. This “fresh” Gemmed Satyr was the first to be spotted. 

And then a male Falcate Orangetip fluttered by and landed a nearby Rue Anemone bloom.

An attractive Juvenal’s Duskywing was observed next.

And then, a Red-banded Hairstreak was settled just enough for one photograph.

Also, a Beautiful Stream Cruiser dragonfly perched for a picture.

And it was an exceptional day for wildflowers as well. 

The year’s first (as least for me) Dwarf Crested Iris was blooming seemingly everywhere on the forest floor.

And an occasional Mayapple bloom could be seen.

A first-of-season Watercress was photographed as was a first-of-season Dog Violet.

Other blooms included Buttercups, Blackberries, Lousewort, Woodland Phlox, Spring Beauties, and Trout Lilies.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a photo safari was made to our backyard which yielded a nard-to-see Northern Watersnake.

Tiny Yellow Wood Sorrels were blooming in several clumps.

Blue Violets were also seen in one bed.

And, a beautiful bloom of Spring Beauties was photographed.

Not to be outdone, a few Dandelion “weeds” remained and made for a few decent photos.