Every spring we tap maple trees and process the syrup. We also use maple water in our tea—it’s a natural sweetener and full of nutrients and enzymes. One of my favorite poems about spring and tapping maples is Sean Hill’s “Spring in Bemidji.” You can read the full poem in his book Dangerous Goods (Milkweed Editions).
Bird Nest
The first robins have started to arrive this week, and soon they will be building nests. This next illustration was inspired by Ginny Lowe Conners’ lovely poem “Bird Nest.”
Hummingbird
This morning started out with heavy rainfall, but by the afternoon the sun came out and temps rose to 57 degrees! I’m excited for the hummingbirds to arrive—although it’s still quite early. Maybe they are on their way, making the big migration north. This illustration was inspired by the artist Charley Harper and the poem “Hummingbird Abecedarian” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.
