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Scenes of Spring: A Photo Essay

Spring wildflowers bloom early in the New River Gorge of West Virginia. From the photographer: “Bloodroot is one of the first to blossom, fittingly coming in around the first day of spring. The reddish sap that exudes from all parts of the plant — especially the root — when cut is what gives bloodroot its common name.”

Our contributing photographers reveal the fresh sights and subtle joys of the season.

Photo Above: Spring wildflowers bloom early in the New River Gorge of West Virginia. From the photographer: “Bloodroot is one of the first to blossom, fittingly coming in around the first day of spring. The reddish sap that exudes from all parts of the plant — especially the root — when cut is what gives bloodroot its common name.”
Photo Courtesy of Ed Rehbein.

This scissor-tailed flycatcher has become an unlikely local in Jonesborough, Tennesee. From the photographer: “Though the species typically lives in the Great Plains, this elegant visitor has returned to the same nest in the oldest town in the state for several years.”
This scissor-tailed flycatcher has become an unlikely local in Jonesborough, Tennesee. From the photographer: “Though the species typically lives in the Great Plains, this elegant visitor has returned to the same nest in the oldest town in the state for several years.” © Ryan Rice
In Church Hill, Tennessee, a freshly bloomed sweet white trillium grows at the base of a tree along the Laurel Falls Trail at Laurel Run Park.
In Church Hill, Tennessee, a freshly bloomed sweet white trillium grows at the base of a tree along the Laurel Falls Trail at Laurel Run Park. © Joshua Moore
Three curious fox kits peek out from behind tall grass in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Three curious fox kits peek out from behind tall grass in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. © Pete Emerson
An impressive display of serviceberry blooms below the 6,684-foot summit of North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell, the highest point in America east of the Mississippi River.
An impressive display of serviceberry blooms below the 6,684-foot summit of North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell, the highest point in America east of the Mississippi River. © J. Scott Graham
Signs of early spring abound at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. From the photographer: “While hiking the shoreline, I saw a small brood of goslings foraging through fresh green grass — a quiet, unspoken signal that the season of renewal had arrived.”
Signs of early spring abound at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina. From the photographer: “While hiking the shoreline, I saw a small brood of goslings foraging through fresh green grass — a quiet, unspoken signal that the season of renewal had arrived.” © Jay Michaud
In the Smokies, a 6-month-old cub takes a quick power nap. From the photographer: “Cubs stay busy following Mom, exploring their world, playing with siblings and foraging for food. They are high energy — until they run out of gas.”
In the Smokies, a 6-month-old cub takes a quick power nap. From the photographer: “Cubs stay busy following Mom, exploring their world, playing with siblings and foraging for food. They are high energy — until they run out of gas.” © Bill Lea
Swans glide on a pond at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. From the photographer: “I was turned the other way, capturing dogwood blossoms. When I looked behind me, I noticed this family of swans swimming my way. Sometimes the best shots are the unexpected ones.”
Swans glide on a pond at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. From the photographer: “I was turned the other way, capturing dogwood blossoms. When I looked behind me, I noticed this family of swans swimming my way. Sometimes the best shots are the unexpected ones.” © Blaine Owens
A male cardinal sits in front of a cascade of weeping cherry tree blooms in Kingsport, Tennessee.
A male cardinal sits in front of a cascade of weeping cherry tree blooms in Kingsport, Tennessee. © Jay Huron

The story above first appeared in our March / April 2026 issue.

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