signs of spring

The sandhill cranes are migrating in droves today. One friend was even asking about a white crane in one of the flocks. (big smile- very very cool!) Even though there is snow on the ground and trees aren't starting to bud out yet, spring seens to be on its way.

There's the spring update from central-ish Indiana.

Spring update from the shores of lake Erie
Our last ice storm included thunder & lightning

Some ice fisherman had to be rescued by the coast guard as ice began to break up around them.

In the UK spring is definetly going, despite the snow and hail earlier this week. Flowers are out, trees a budding, many plants have new shoots.

And the rain is forecast - likely to continue until at least the end of May.

I had a breath of early daphne this morning, fresh and sweet! Work took me to a hearing an hour from home and there were pintails, ringnecks, widgeon, teal and ? in the roadside wetlands. Also daffodils in drifts here and there. Everywhere green and the trees had that nice green haze...It was a blessing to get out of the office.

East-Central MO

Northern Cardinals, Red-wing Blackbirds, American Robbins & Song Sparrows are singing...

Woodcocks are displaying/singing in their leks...

Ducks and other waterfowl are on the move...

Killdeer have arrived in force...

Raptors are on the move...

Begun, the spring has.

A flowering crab, surely too early? Worms in the garden that my old dog hunted with a fierceness that made me giggle. Chinodoxia all blue and white.

Last night the Wood Frogs were out, in full force, on the rainy Connecticut country roads. Oh the carnage! It's so sad to see those poor little guys squashed.