A look at the springing up of Spring
While we barely dipped our toes into a traditional Rocky Mountain winter this year, the transition is upon us. Spring is beginning in earnest, and the change is upon us.
Here in the foothills, some of the earliest signs have already been spotted. The first Pasque flowers have begun showing their demure blooms. I am also hearing a few familiar birdsongs in my willows that denote the turning towards warmer days ahead.
After my first sighting of some locally sourced photos of the mountain bluebirds returning, I headed out the next day and found my own first pair. Often returning to the same nesting territories every year, I’m sure this cerulean couple was quite familiar with the paparazzi outside their cozy nesting box.
In my morning scroll of the socials before I dove into writing this article, I saw a post with images of a pair of ospreys returned to their nest in the southern regions of the state. Some of you know well how much I enjoy these amazing hawks and their fishing. I still hold hopes another pair decides to settle into the popularly viewed platform along the county line.
Moose antlers are shed and the new sets are already beginning to poke their nubby little heads from their pedicles. The elk are not too far behind, with some already having lost theirs, and others getting ready to be rid of last year’s remnants.
A little PSA to the newcomers to the area, this time of year also sees an increase in moose around town. For the next 6-8 weeks we may see them frequently in town and around our homes. They are commonly found foraging for the new, tasty shoots on the willows and aspens, as well as the sweet non-native grasses of human lawns.
As I’ve mentioned before, the mammals in general are showing that familiar “bed-head” look. Winter coats coming off unabashedly, and the new, sleek coats of summer are starting to grow in.
Other signs are a little more concerning. As I write, I see we are expecting weekend temperatures to hit 90 degrees down below. That kind of sign denotes a jump completely past spring and a dive directly into the heart of summer.
The little creek that runs through the yard is running at a very moderate level. Snowpack is at a frighteningly low level. Where these warmer temperatures would normally bring the exuberant voice of the laughing waters through town, it seems but a murmur.
The great prognosticator of weather and the seasons, The Farmers Almanac, is calling for warmer than average temperatures extending into early fall throughout the west. Sadly, this is coupled with lower-than-average expected rainfall. We know all too well the potential issues that arise with these conditions.
They have been known to be wrong. Whether it’s thoughts, prayers, or whatever it is you might do to lean energy towards a positive goal, let’s all get out there and do our part. I vote for community rain dances and whatever else it might take to convince Mother Nature to send some loving moisture our way.
For now, I look forward to more signs of the seasons. We are incredibly blessed to enjoy first-hand many of these transitions. From wildlife to wildflowers, our little slice of paradise is putting on a beautiful show you don’t want to miss!
Originally published in The Mountain-Ear
