Early Blooming

12:36 PM, Temp 43° F, Dew Point 38° F, Barometer 29.93 in, Wind Calm, Humidity 82%

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
I took a short hike today in Deception Pass State Park.  I was surprised to discover that Oregon Grape and Red-flowering Currant are already starting to bloom.  It looks like it might be a very good year for wildflowers.  Recently, it has been a fairly typical February, chilly, overcast and rainy.  The first part of the month, however, gave us clear, sunny skies and temperatures hitting 60° F, 16° C.  Perhaps that gave the plants a little boost, causing them to come to life ahead of schedule.