Meteorologically speaking, Spring arrived on March 1st. Astronomically speaking, Spring will arrive today at 4:58pm CDT. For our resident pair of Sandhill Cranes, they arrived yesterday⏤about three weeks later than last year. But Minnesotans know best. Winter is not over until three snows on the robin’s tail. At least that’s what my neighbor tells me. But what does that mean? There’s plenty of snow left on the ground right now and if a Robin hops onto a snow drift and its tail inadvertently gets covered with snow, does that count for one episode? I’m hoping that counts.
From a bird’s perspective, they must think it’s Spring. Some birds returning to our neighborhood. Presently there are numerous Canada Geese, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Grackles and American Robins through the valley as well as many Sandhill Cranes and a few ducks. Next will be Northern Flickers, Song Sparrows, Woodcock and a host of others. I am anxious however to see if any Eastern Phoebes return. Last year we had three major snow events in April and the Phoebes were caught off-guard. Ours disappeared and never nested. Usually we have two pairs that nest on our land. Did they survey and go elsewhere or did they perish? Only time will tell.
On a final note, we’ve had an interesting Northern Cardinal visiting our feeders for the past six months or so. It’s coloring is quite different. It appears to be a female with patches of bright red on her chest. When I first caught a glimpse of this bird late last summer/early fall, I just assumed it was a juvenile but now I think it’s a female who’s a bit more colorful than most. No matter, it’s a beautiful bird.
That’s about it for today. Happy Spring!
⏤Alan Stankevitz