Birds are calling

It's the time of year for birds, at least the first few that have come back for spring. The next 3 months will be a chorus of birdsong on the trails.

The first migrants back were the blackbirds, who congregate in the tall silver maples down the way every evening, carrying on a raucous conversation - but disappearing during the day.



The geese got active quickly, pairing off and seeking a pond for nesting while the ponds themselves were still frozen. But for some reason they now like to sit on the rooftop and honk loudly at anyone they see.


Now the song sparrow is also back, along with the robins, turkey vultures, and flickers. Woodpeckers, cardinals and chickadees who stayed all winter are also active. The song sparrow sits in the very top of a small tree nearby and sings it's very musical song - easy to recognize with it's beginning strong 3 similar notes.

A Rush of Changes

The world of Hanlon Creek is changing fast at this time of year. In a few short weeks (it seems like a few short days this year!), one season vanishes, and another season arrives.

The spring melt is a quick episode in the seasons, but has a huge impact. Streams rise, the stormwater ponds and meadows fill to overflowing, and water in the swamp is recharged. Without this, the swamp would dry up in late summer.

Birds return, starting with the blackbirds, and followed quickly by the robins, then dozens of other species. Meanwhile, the birds who stayed all winter - the cardinals, chickadees, and of course the geese - are seeking mates and a place to nest. The geese honk madly at us as we set out on the trails.

And daylight savings arrives, allowing walks after dinner without having to go out in the dark. For the next seven months we'll be out enjoying the trails in the evenings.

What Glorious Early Spring Days!

Well, you couldn't ask for anything better than the last few days in early spring. We've turned the corner from winter to warming weather, with longer days, and bright sunshine, at least for now. The cardinal is calling every day, a flash of red in the top of a tree somewhere near, one of the joyful sounds of spring.

The snow has changed from deep fluff to hard and crusty, softening during the day and then refreezing at night. The trails are getting icy, especially in the shade where they're trampled smooth during the day, melt a little, and then freeze.

A Red-breasted Nuthatch is visiting the feeder regularly, along with the small army of chickadees, it's gray back and reddish underside contrasting with the stark black and white of the chickadees.


The first pair of Canada Geese have headed out to find ponds for nesting, even though they will stand on the ice looking puzzled for weeks yet. And the snow is starting to vanish fast - not really 'melting', but simply evaporating into thin air.