We rode the train to Freinsheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, for another blooming spring festival. The people were cool, and I met an older woman who grew up in Freinsheim while walking through the apple orchards. She did not speak English, and although I made it clear, I don’t speak Germanl, but she bent my ear anyway. We communicated fairly well. She explained how the apple trees are blooming 40 days earlier than normal, which explained the cuttings from the pruned tree being in full bloom. The farmers pruned the budding trees, and the cuttings bloomed out of desperation. I also got her to explain how they irrigate the orchards and rows of freshly planted cabbage and lettuce she pointed out and identified as we walked by. When we caught up to Tristan, the woman had another captive ear who could converse much better than I could. She was really sweet to talk to us, an she seemed to need people to talk to.
Sinrise
One of Tristan’s neighbor’s gnome
Another neightor’s mushrooms
I saw more Great Tits on my morning walk before heading to Freinsheim.
“All aboard!” Only us usins were on the train that came from Homburg.
Just another rock in the wall!
Freisheim has an intact medieval wall.
White Stork
Then the festival went to the blooming birds.
Hallo Paparazzo, ich sehe dich!
Bloomin’ blooming cuttings
For those people who didn’t want to walk
Gray Heron
This Eurasian Kestrel was fanning its tail and fluttering its wings to tread air like a giant hummingbird. I’ve never seen a raptor tread air before today.
Eurasian Kestrel
Common Buzzard
Eurasion Magpie
Whatcha Carion, Crow?
Another Eurasion Kestrel
Lizard love on the tracks at golden hour
Atlas put himself behind bars. He was feeling like a kriminal Kitty.
Off Center & Not Even 
I like the mix of nature, urban, critters, and buildings, plus chatty encounters. 😊
Thanks, Brad.
I love the stork photos, although all the other bird photos are great, too!
Thanks, Liz.
You’re welcome, Tim.
Ah these things are just a blooming menace. Lovely post.
Thanks, Shey.
This is a grand post, Tim. A great tour, really!
Thanks, Dale.
Thank you!!! xx
You are welcome, Resa.
XXXX
I never thought about lizards in Germany!
They have lizards and salamanders, and salamander crossings. Tristan stopped and waited for a lizard to cross the road when we were out and about in her car this afternoon. Thanks, Joe.
i didn’t want to run him over! That would have been rude.
The lizard appreciated your thoughtfulness.
Another beautiful selection of photos, Tim! You are having a grand old time there. Glad to see that!
We have had a couple of clear evenings in a row back here to catch the waxing crescent moon. She was a beauty.
Thanks, Lavinia.
Storks, you saw storks. I’m so happy to see those photos. All of them are wonderful but Storks!!! They are so big and beautiful. And Atlas, well, gorgeous.
The stork was getting ready to deliver more babies. There are lots of couples with children out here. It’s nice to see kids and families out and about. Thanks, Gigi.
I don’t know why I’m getting creeped out by the stork!
Such beautiful pictures!
Storks are cool. They are delivering lots of babies in Germany. That stork had a bird’s-eye view of the crowd below. Thanks, Becky.
Pretty soon you are going to be a full time bird blogger! Swear their city and street signs must be 4 feet long. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time across the pond.
Much longer than 4 feet. I’m having fun. I’m still trying to photograph a European Robin. They are so loud that I can hear them, even though I’m deaf. Do you think I can see them in the forest? No. Not a one. But they chirp, taunt, and laugh at me. At least I’m happy to see a lot of Great Tits every morning. Thanks, Brian.
I’m jealous!
You would probably be able to spot some of the allusive birdies.
Such a great collection of images Tim …
Thanks, Julie.