Yesterday was the northern hemisphere's last day of winter, meaning today is the first full day of spring.
Fitting, then, that I saw my first robin in the yard yesterday morning.
What an early welcome sight it was.
Such signs are why one does not need a calendar, or the astronomical accuracy of knowing that the season changed at exactly 11:06 pm EDT last night.
Nature tells us all herself if we look for the signs.
On the last day of winter I went on a bike ride to the community mailbox which is 4km down the road from our home.
I returned along gravel roads and rails to trails paths that I have not been on for a few weeks.
The conditions were good as the frost has come up out of the ground, and surfaces are drying and firming up.
Perfect for biking again.
If at all possible, I like to ride off paved roads along routes that are not as busy, and that go through the scenic backcountry.
On my ride I heard an owl call from in the woods. I stopped to listen. "Who - who, who! Who - who, who?"
Later I stopped to watch a robin (turdus migratorius) at the top of a tree. It was singing its heart-warming song over and over, meaning it is setting up its breeding territory.
The robins will start laying their first batch of eggs in late April and May.
There were geese in pairs in farmers fields, another sign that things are changing.
On this observation, some people say, "When geese are in flocks, winter still rocks. When geese are in a pair, spring is in the air."
I saw that water was running in brooks and streams, trickling away and quickening its pace on its short trip to the nearby ocean.
And I saw snowdrops emerging from the warming soil in a yard along our road a couple of weeks ago already.
And naturally, since it was the last day of winter, before I got home a few flakes of snow began to fall.
The snow may accumulate again at some point, but the coming spring is undeniable.
Nothing can stop it.
Goodbye winter.
Welcome warmer weather.
Today, the first full day of spring, is a good moment to start our garden planning and seed purchasing.
Let the season begin.
The humble robin is by far my favorite bird. It is beautiful and has the loveliest song. We here in Northern Ohio are having a cold and rather snowy start to Spring, but not to worry - all signs point to warmer weather soon. Hope you and Linda are enjoying some warm sun and spring auguries! (Also, Spring bike rides are the best!) Sophie
ReplyDeleteWe are currently experiencing a whiteout snow storm and high winds. Winter hangs on... but it doesn't stand a chance against the warming sun.
DeleteHappy Spring,
Gregg and Linda
I can always tell when winter is over simply by how different the birds sound. I can't quite explain it, but it's pretty amazing. Also, it just smells of spring when you walk out your door. It makes me smile every single time.
ReplyDeleteThe robins were all over the yard today. Such sweet, sweet birds. Still waiting for the swallows and hummingbirds.
Delete- Gregg