Wondering if any folk might be interesting in sharing daily things they see/hear suggesting that spring is actually on its way.
Here in the Chicago area, I generally expect to see something around Groundhog Day - as it is a cross quarter day. The cardinals were about a week later - they started last week. This past weekend I’ve been hearing the sandhill cranes flying north. Hope they aren’t being tricked into moving too early with this exceptionally warm weather. On a bike ride this a.m., I heard the first redwinged blackbird of the season. And the baby squirrels are gamboling like idiots.
Lots of buds swelling, and some iris shoots, but no scilla, snowdrops, or crocus yet.
I have crocus and daffodil shoots (about a week now). Robins about 2 weeks, I think. My roses are optimistically starting to form buds on the stalk. Other than that, winter has been hanging on. I don’t think I’ve spotted large groups of birds going North yet. We’re on a flight path, with a small lake behind us that gets lots of traffic.
I will remember to swing by the local Osprey nest and see if anyone has arrived yet.
Today, as I walked around a large man-made pond in suburban Columbus, Ohio, I saw a bullfrog sitting on a fallen branch a couple of inches above the water. The air temperature was about 45 F, and the pond had ice on it as recently as a week ago. This frog is an optimist, and he definitely cheered me up.
I heard a single Red Winged Black Bird calling. Since we have Robins that overwinter I tend to think of the RWBB as my herald of Spring.
Of course the weather forecast has snow predicted for later this week and the 50-70F temps will be gone again. My portion of Iowa has had little moisture whether of the wet kind or the pretty white kind so I am hoping for a nice whopper of a storm dumping a foot or more of snow over a day or two.
Around here it’s the daffodils first, and they appeared about a week ago. Next up is the Japanese Tulip tree, and it’s staring to bloom now. The butterfly bush will be next. It’s still too early, though. we’ll likely have 2-3 more bouts of cold weather that will kill off the early bloomers. Spring will take hold for good in 5-6 weeks.
My vernal witchhazels have been blooming for a couple of weeks. Recently read a book that said they are pollinated by nocturnal moths that live through the winter. Boy, I sure didn’t know that!
Did some digging - ground is completely thawed. Weird for this longtime Chicago gardener!
The peach trees are in bloom. I hope we don’t get a late freeze. Stupid trees.
On a more personal note, I looked at my feet and a mild panic attack. Those things are going into sandals in a few weeks? Yikes. All recommendations for a good foot cream will be given serious consideration.
Sounds like you’re west of the Cascades, too, as we have the same showings. Some trees have buds, as well. Supposed to be sun this coming weekend, which will give things a boost.
The willows are putting out catkins. Flocks of redwing blackbirds are moving through. The frogs are out at night, too.
No scotch broom flowers yet, though it won’t be long.
Unfortunately the weather just feels rainy and cold, still. I need the nights to be reliably un-frosty before I sow seeds in the greenhouse. I am grumpy about it.
