The Signs of Spring

Spring has been slow to awaken in 2023. Winter keeps dropping snow and cold on us, making this winter the third snowiest year on record with over 90 inches. We're feeling impatient for it to end.

One clear sign that fair weather is in the forecast is the traffic at our bird feeder. We live along a ravine that is filled with deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, possum and lots of birds. Last year several flocks of migrating species visited us. The first to arrive were the Yellow-Rumped Myrtle Warblers who came in large flocks of around 100 at a time. They took turns swooping in from the branches of our oak tree and emptied our bird feeders in short order.

Yellow-rumped Myrtle Warbler

Once the Warblers passed through, the Rose Breasted Grosbeak made an appearance, camping out at our feeders, munching away for a few days, then they also moved on.

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

The House, Gold and Purple Finches hung in the background during our large flock visits. Once the numbers of transient birds decreased, the finches moved back to their own feeding routine. We watched as their colors began to burst into brighter shades of summer.

Golden Finch

House Finch

Red Bellied Woodpeckers love life by the ravine. They stick around all winter and often land on our feeders to grab a treat or two. They are so big and loud. They take up space along the entire feeder so the songbirds stay out of the way when they visit.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpeckers fit better on the feeders but they tend to peck at them to reach their reward. They cause damage, like the squirrels, but we tolerate their visits; only chasing them away when they peck more than they eat.

Harry Woodpecker 

We were delighted to have a visit from a pair of Indigo Bunting. Their feathers are deep blue and incredibly beautiful. They brought us enthusiasm for the warmth and color of summer. They were daily visitors at our feeders for a week or so. We were sad to see them move on.

Indigo Bunting

Indigo Bunting

Springtime means hunting for morel mushrooms. This delicacy is found in the woods under rotting elm trees. Folks who gather morels know the best places to hunt and generally do not share this coveted information. We spent a lot of time hiking in our secret morel sites but found only a few. We'll be back at it once the snow is gone and the conditions are perfect.

Morel mushrooms

We arrived at our boat for spring launch last May and found a dove's nest with two perfect eggs. Doves are known for laying eggs very early in the spring and often build their flimsy nests in inappropriate places. Although this little family delayed our plans, we enjoyed finding the nest and watching the process of hatching and fledging. We are already hearing the coo of doves in our neighborhood. It is one of the many sounds of spring.

Dove Nest and Eggs

Newly Hatched

Our hikes are filled with discovery. We delight in every sign of warmer days. This colorful, fat Leafy Spurge Hawk larvae, is beautiful but morphs into a subdued looking brown and dusty rose moth. Nature is full of surprises.

Our gardens are chock full of milkweed which brings monarch butterflies that lay their eggs on the leaves. We have spent summers harvesting eggs and raising them through the release of butterflies into our gardens to start the cycle all over again. It's an amazing process.

Monarch on Milkweed

The ravine and gardens are wonderful places for all kinds of frogs to set up housekeeping. We find tree frogs and toads every year. They keep me company when I'm pulling weeds.

Garden Toad

Tree Frog

Over winter we enjoyed visiting the soaring eagles along the Mississippi and St Croix Rivers. It's amazing to watch their acrobatics and community lifestyle. We were accompanied by these magnificent raptors during our Great Loop adventure. We have a deep connection and appreciation of them. Winter sightings brought us memories of our cruising days and remind us that spring will eventually get here.

We have no idea when spring will arrive but we're ready! We've got big plans for the "warm" season of the Midwest, including soaking up every moment we are given. Spring, and adventure are in the air!