More snow is on the way, but there are some (early) signs of spring. The Witch Hazel is blooming, and has been for about a week and a half. Which Hazel normally blooms in mid-February, and despite the extreme cold we have had this winter, it was right on schedule with the mini- thaw we had the third week of February. We have also had some groups of bluebirds visiting our feeders, attracted by the suet. The snow geese and tundra swans are here, too, even though Middle Creek Lake is still frozen solid. I expect that more will move through in the coming weeks as it starts to (finally) warm up. By the calendar, spring is only 18 days away, but it will be much later until the piles of snow are gone. In the mean time, there are a few subtle signs that the end of winter may be in sight.
Bluebirds visiting the feeder in February
Witch Hazel – just about done blooming
Witch Hazel – Just about done blooming
