Where is Spring?

Redpoll

As I write this it is 21 degrees, snowing and blowing outside. The birds at the feeders look cold and are feeding heavily. It’s hard to believe we are less than a day away from the first day of spring on the calendar. Spring is a time of transitioning from winter to summer and this year winter doesn’t seem to want to give up its hold on us. One good and positive point with the colder weather is that there is less of a change of a major crop loss like last year when temps were well into the 80’s by now.

There are signs that spring is not far off though. The Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds and Killdeer have returned and can be seen or heard all around the area. Ducks and geese are moving north in large numbers. The Redpolls, Gold and House Finches at my feeders are molting and becoming more colorful as spring approaches. Even with the cold the birds are cheerfully singing all through the day around home and in the woods.

Skunk Cabbage

In the woods we are slightly behind schedule for our spring wildflowers. Skunk Cabbage is blooming and beginning to develop the light green leaves that are so easily seen in spring and summer. At this time of year, look for the purple mottled and pointed hoods surrounding the flowers of Skunk Cabbage in wet wooded areas. Another plant visible in the wet woods and swampy areas is Marsh Marigold.  Spring Beauty leaves and flower buds, leeks and False Mermaid were also visible in areas where the snow was gone. Aspen and Alder is nearly blooming; Bluebeech and other tree or shrub buds are also swelling nicely, preparing for blooms and leaves.

Alder Catkins

Even though it is cold and snowy today there are signs of spring for those who venture out and look or listen. As the temperatures warm into the 40’s again later in the week and the snow begins to melt again, visit a local park and see what signs of spring you can find.