Earth Almanac: May/June 2007

Fairest Flower

All manner of Rocky Mountain habitats—from hot, dry talus slopes to moist aspen groves—are brightening with blooms of Colorado columbine. Petals vary widely in color, from blue to white to purple. The word columbine derives from the Latin “columba,” for dove. Turn the blossom upside down and you’ll see a circle of doves drinking. Now look at one of the spurs at the base of each of the five petals and see if you can make out an eagle’s talon. The resemblance is thought to have given rise to the plant’s generic name, Aquilegia—presumably from the Latin “aquila,” for eagle. On April 4, 1899, the Colorado General Assembly adopted the plant as the official state flower and, 26 years later, made it the legal duty of all Coloradans to protect the species.

Swinging Eggs

In old orchards and open woodlots throughout the eastern two-thirds of our nation, female orchard orioles are weaving their swinging, baglike nests out of grass, yarn, animal hair, feathers, plant down, and any other soft material they can clutch in their long, thin bills. Construction takes the better part of a week, and as many as a dozen females may build in the same tree. This, our smallest oriole, frequently takes advantage of neighboring kingbirds, whose aggressive behavior toward predators benefits both species. After the female finishes her nest she lays two to seven eggs and incubates them alone for about 12 days. Both parents brood and feed the hatchlings. Because of its subdued color you are likely to hear an orchard oriole before you see it. Listen for the call note, a blackbirdlike chuck or a rattling tarrrrr, and the song, a quick, robinlike burst of whistled notes, ending with a downward slur.