The clocks have sprung forward, the Spring Recreation guide is out and the History Museum's annual display of beautiful spring blooms is underway.
The Civic Center's 18 acres (of which Hillview Community Center is part) has many hidden beauties that reveal themselves unexpectedly. From the amazing camellia display on the northside of the library to the stunning flowering pear tree tucked beneath the huge Deodar tree outside Room 2.
The bulbs scattered throughout Hillview are wonderful surprises each year. I laugh at myself when I'm shocked to see them-- having completely forgotten they exist.
A large clump of Narcissus is the first to pop-up each year in the desolate median between the front parking lot and the street. For 11 months of the year, the packed dirt strip is enlivened only by long suffering Japanese Iris and rangy street trees. However, in late February, a gloriously scented, white cloud of happiness suddenly appears.
Last year, a special spring herald arrived that we all hoped would repeat this year. Two Dark-Eyed Juncos raised their family outside one of our office windows. What a treat it was!
Four eggs hatched and two babies grew to adulthood. The entire office staff and "in-the-know" visitors followed the daily progress from newly hatched chicks to fledglings. Once they left the nest, it was hard to keep track of them but the reassuring chirps from the hedge convinced us they had made it.
This week, they returned! Their nest was spotted a few inches away from last year's spot and already has two eggs! We'll be following their progress and providing frequent status updates. No one really knows if it's the same birds, but we like to think so. ;-)
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