Spring's In

OK, I’m back. No excuse, just back. No juncos this winter but an abundance of robins almost straight through, only a few stretches of a week or so without a flock around.

Now it is spring and today’s herald is a Red-winged Blackbird, who dropped in to the feeding area a few minutes ago -- the first of the season. Blue jays and robins and White-Throated Sparrows stayed through the winter along with Mourning Doves, gulls, cormorants, crows and a pair of cardinals. Winter visitors to the pond comprised a few Hooded Mergansers and one pair of Red-headed Mergansers.

On March 13, a Great White Egret buzzed the deck – the first since they left town in the fall, but not spotted since. On the morning of March 22, a Black Crowned Night Heron made itself known, again, not any around since late fall.

House sparrows made it through a winter which was marked by three major snowfalls and just two or three cold snaps (under 25 steadily); each running about a week. Overall, pretty mild, which might account for the robins.

Mallards filled the pond in groups to 30 individuals on some occasions, but they are winnowing out as one pair establishes dominion over the pond and scours the land for a nesting spot. Canada Geese were in the area, but have pretty much learned the pond is not a welcoming spot; most of the land access that they need is fenced off.

A couple of yellow-shafted flickers hung around about two weeks ago for a few days, but otherwise none have been seen since fall. Two Downy Woodpeckers and a Red Throated Wp were regular winter visitors to the suet cage hung between the house and our choke cherry tree.

One of the strongest nor-easters in 30 years ripped through here March 14, knocking down trees and taking power out for days (3-1/2 in our case); it left the choke cherry minus a huge limb and accompanying branches, putting the suet cage in reach of the squirrels who made quick work of what was in it. Today the cage will be rehung from the refurbished tree. The space afforded by the missing tree bits mean an easier practice field for the resident fly fisherman.

Crocuses popped up March 14 and daffodils are ready to go, having already done so a few miles inland on a protected south-facing hill.