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NR_Signs_of_Spring

Feature Article March 6

Feature Article March 6, 2003

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Signs of SpringIf you listen to the messages on Groundhog Day, you will hear that there is going to be six more weeks of winter or spring is coming, because the groundhog did not see his shadow. Whatever that message, according to the calendar there will be six more weeks until the vernal equinox, when spring officially arrives. But before that we can start watching for signs of spring.

One of the early signs in the birding world can be the nesting of Great Horned Owls. These stalwart birds will start to nest in February. The Grey Jay is another bird that starts incubating eggs before the snow storms have passed. Watch the American Goldfinches at your feeders - the males will start to sport patches of bright yellow, starting as early as late February, and by May be in their brilliant yellow and black breeding plumage. March will bring the early male Red-winged Blackbirds to claim a territory before the females follow later. On ponds and lakes the ducks will follow the receding ice and try to reach their territories as early as possible. The Eastern Phoebe appears so early you wonder if there are enough insects available (but they too are responding to the spring season).

What about the animals? One early sign is the Groundhog, though rarely by Groundhog Day. But when the weather is warmer and the animal is roused from its hibernation, you may see its trail on the remaining snow. Often this is the trail of a male, as he is eager to find a mate. The Eastern Chipmunk may appear on mild days in February or March looking for a supply of fresh food, but will quickly retreat to the warmth and safety of its burrow if it turns cold again. The female Red Fox may already have her den prepared for the arrival of her pups, and it is sometimes possible to see her curled up in the snow not far from the den entrance, absorbing the warmth of the sunshine.

The trees will also be responding to warmer weather, as our maple syrup producers know. The sap will start flowing. Buds will start to swell, and lose their caps in preparation for the bursting forth of leaves and flower buds. Pussy Willow buds that have broken out of their winter shells show the first fluffy white. Cut and bring them in as a bouquet, and in the warmth of a house they will quickly open out to the pussies. However, they are not in bloom until the yellow stamens appear on the catkins.

One of the earliest plants to appear is the Skunk Cabbage. These plants have the ability to produce enough heat to melt the surrounding snow as they seek to find the spring sun. In the deciduous forests the trilliums, hepaticas, bloodroot and other spring flowers will be awaiting the disappearance of the snow and the arrival of the early rains - they need to finish blooming before the renewing canopy blocks the sun.

Yes, it is time to watch for Mother Natures signs of spring!

Observations: Few signs of spring as yet - too much cold and snow, but let me know what you see as the seasons change. Jean Griffin - 268-2518.

With the participation of the Government of Canada