Signs of Spring March 31st, 2015

The transition from winter to spring has been at a snail's pace this year. I don't think there are many of us that aren't glad to see the back of winter.

Signs of spring have been around for a while already, but there are still lots of firsts to come. Most of us have seen our first Robin. That happened more than a week ago for us. Red-Wings and hawks are back too, along with other early migrants.

Closer to home, we always await our resident chipmunks coming out of hibernation. We spotted the first one a week or so back. Today there were three... scampering about at the bird feeders. Welcome back guys. Good to see you.

One with cheeks full of sunflower seeds, one awaiting his turn. They often scrap with each other at the feeders. They're not good at sharing.

I was inside the house, shooting through a window so I didn't spook them. The guy on top looks like he was staring right at me. As the weeks go by, they get friendlier, often running under our legs or chairs as we enjoy a sit-down on the patio.

There are some pussy willows across the street at the start of my walking path. I check them early in spring. I shot these yesterday on my walk. They can't have opened very long ago.

 





A less obvious sign... new growth on patches of moss on the path.

At the risk of trying to hurry spring along, another first we always look forward to is our first glass of wine (or a beer or a G & T) on the patio. A few weeks away yet I expect, but we're sure looking forward to it.

- fini -

Oshawa Second Marsh March 8th, 2015

One thing about a wicked stretch of frigid weather, is that when it finally breaks, it lifts the spirits like little else does.

Since it was such a glorious day, Jane & I went to Second Marsh to feed the Chickadees. There were lots there, as always, but the most welcome sight was about 30 Brown-headed Cowbirds—a sure sign of spring. They were perched in the bushes, singing their hearts out, enjoying the warm day as much as we were. 

I didn't even need to wear gloves, so working the camera was a piece of cake.

Here's a link to their joyful welcome to spring. 
http://rgbell.ca/2/cowbirds.mp3 

There were Cardinals, Mourning Doves, a Goldfinch and Blue-Jays too.

This is probably the shortest post you'll ever see from me, but I just had to share a sign of spring. 

The Friends of Second Marsh web site...

http://secondmarsh.ca/

A direct link to a map of the paths/trails in the marsh...

http://secondmarsh.outdoorontario.ca/Recreation.html

A link to a page that has my past posts re the marsh, in one place rather than scattered throughout this blog...

http://rgbell.ca/2/

- fini -