Early Spring

It has been a very mild winter.  I haven't used the new snow blower, and I only plowed the driveway twice.  Even then, we only got a few inches of snow.

Last year we had a lot of snow . . .
 

. . . as we did two years ago!

This year there are just a few piles on snow by the barn.

I checked by the rock wall near the barn, and the daffodils are starting to push up.  They should be emerging in a few weeks.

I went cycling today, and heard the call of red wing blackbirds.  I was lucky to see one displaying. I also heard robins, though I haven't seen any yet.

I am sure we will get more snow - maybe even a significant storm.  But you know spring has arrived when the red wing blackbirds appear!

What Was That . . .

I went for another ride today.  It was around 42 degF, with winds out of the southeast.  The first 18 miles were fine, but as the sun set lower and I headed into the wind, I was growing cold and tired.

Then I heard it . . .  conk-a-reeee.

It lifted my heart. I kept a lookout for the culprit.

I heard it again . . . conk-a-reeee.

I looked up and saw it!

Yes, it was a red wing blackbird!

As far as I am concerned, Spring is officially here.

Snow has to melt (we still have 1 foot on the ground), and the rivers and lake are ice covered.  But the cycle has started back.  Though we will officially recognize the Spring equinox next week, as far as I am concerned,  Spring is here.

Has Spring started where you are?

It's Official!

It was a beautiful day. I decided to go out for a quick bike ride after work. I had the sun in my eyes on the ride out so I couldn't see them, but I could hear them . . .

Red wing blackbirds!

I had a flat. I fixed the flat and then headed back home. As the sun was setting, I could then see the red wing blackbirds.

It is officially spring!