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The absurdly high temperatures today brought out all sorts of activity on the Mall, the likes of which had not been seen since last fall. Washington broke a record for today with a high of 78°F. The first warm day of late winter usually brings out Washingtonians in mass, and also brings out the warm-weather clothing.
Pear trees are already in bloom.
At least I think that is a pear tree.
There are still snowdrops blooming at Ripley Gardens, next to the Smithsonian's venerable Arts and Industries building.
The bush shown below is a Variegated Daphne (Daphne odora), also at Ripley Gardens.
A sign below the bush says "Awh.... Great Fragrance. Happier with a bit of shade." The fragrance of this bush is indeed quite strong.
The wetland at the National Museum of the American Indian had mostly the same birds as yesterday, but with the addition of a few swamp sparrows. The was one possible mallard X black duck hybird on the Capitol's reflecting pool. It looked like a black duck in all respects except for a green crescent at the back of its head.
