Digital Challenge #746: Spring Breaks(out)

I think we're all tired of winter, right? For this challenge let's see your images of spring: Blooms, blossoms, tree buds, Budweiser's on the beach...Easter bunnies...it's wide open, be creative!
This challenge begins when posted and ends at midnight GMT on February 27th, 2023. Winner of this challenge will be announced shortly thereafter.


The Challenge Rules:

1. Camera: Any DIGITAL CAMERA is allowed, not just DSLR.
2. Time: Any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
3. Size: Please visit Image Posting Rules.
4. Post Processing: Do whatever you like, and the host will decide if it works.
5. Posting: ONE PHOTO per photographer per challenge. List camera model & lens used. Post brief EXIF data: ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
6. Commenting: No commenting during challenge. When the posting is closed and a winner declared, comments can be made in this thread.
7. Keep it clean, and both Family and Work safe.
8. Have questions, PM me.
9. Have lots of FUN!

>> THE WINNER ALWAYS SETS THE THEME FOR THE NEXT CHALLENGE, POSTS IT AND JUDGES IT - BE PREPARED

Our daffodils are all in bloom, way early this year.

Budded too soon.

Breaking the ice

California decided to go into the ice age this week, so here is this weeks ironic image. DO NOT pick this, as I will be unable to judge next Mon. Just an entry to show what's happening in "spring" weather. LOL

Image hosted by forum (1199134) © TerryPink THIS IS A LOW QUALITY PREVIEW. Please log in to see the good quality stuff.

Challange closed!
Thanks for the entries! With our crazy weather patterns I was worried we all forgot what spring was

OldCrow: Daffodils- What a nice burst of color Don, and I agree with the early part. Well done.

Eidelweiss: Tulip- Stark contrast between the snow and the red tulip. I like the snowcap on the top...these bulbs just can't wait can they? Nice comp.

Happygav: Budded too soon- Again I like the stark contrast between the drab BG and the red buds. I like the shallow DOF, giving it a bokeh-y finish. Nicely done!

RDWP: Breaking the ice- This is a nice silhouette. Is the BG ice or sand? With the tone of the image, it looks more like sand to me and has more of a summer look to it. Nicely done nonetheless

TerryPink: California- California?? I thought this was taken in the Austrian Alps Crazy weather to the NTH degree.

All are great but only one can win...I'm giving this one to Happygav for his icy buds, with Eidelweiss a close second. OldCrow gets the HM.

Thanks again for the participation and ... take it away Gavin

Thanks for the pick Ed.
Congrats to all the other great shots last week.
I will get the next topic up shortly.

Good images and competition theme. Congrats to Gavin - lovely shot.

Just wish there was something around here that looked a little more spring-like. Ed, those birds are on the ice edge of a fresh water lake. Taken deep into the Golden Hour - virtually nothing in post.

Congrats Gavin and Chris, well done.

OMG, Gavin, I just noticed that those were tiny buds! Wonderful ironic Spring photo from the ice-ages.