Neottia smallii (Appalachian Twayblade orchid)

On this day, all the signs pointed toward the first wave of blooms of Triphora trianthophoros or Three-birds orchids in my favorite spot of the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, North Carolina.

After photographing these beauties, I made a short trip up the mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway to see what had changed since I had been there just a week before.

To read the full trip report, please go to Jim's Blog.