Swans have knobby knees

Alanagh, Molly, and I, knew we would find huge cracks in winter’s  wall today and we did. Because we were on the road, we decided to visit the swans again on our way home. We saw and heard lots and lots of birds "singing in spring". We saw several Vultures, Robins, Redwings, Hawks and have been told of the return  Kingbirds Herons and Meadowlarks. Hope you enjoy your time with us as we enjoyed deer far away in fields, Robins on what I think is a hawthorn tree but can’t be sure, and oh yes swans from head to toe!

feet for fun

Looking for the crack in winter's wall

Alanagh, Molly and I decided to go out today to see if we could find a crack in winter’s rock hard wall. We found only hairline fractures: The flower buds on apple and maple trees are beginning to grow with the promise  of spring to come. No Red Wing Black birds yet although we have seen robins. The  ice is being pushed back  little further where the water runs swiftly. Come on! Bring it on spring! you are two days old for heaven’s sake.

Apple flower buds

Maple flower buds

Fat black duck with sleek white mature Trumpeter swans on the ice at the Narrows

Immature Trumpeter swans

Red squirrel I just barely caught. Geepers they are fast little creatures!

The ever lovely deer I could watch for hours if they let me

Starlings on roadside….. honestly the only really kindly thought I have about these guys is the beauty of the iridescence on their wings

Just what is March anyway?

She asked me what I thought of March. Without hesitation I said that it was my favourite tempestuous month … the one when the lion roars at the forthcoming lamb, the one when the  west wind blows winter’s pursed lips into a smile. Then she smiled her thin-lipped broad, warm, smile. That smile, effortlessly flashed youthful mirth throughout  her octogenarian presence. Knowing something was “cooking” I asked her what she thought of March. “Well," she said, "To me it is like the theatre is about to open the three act dance "April May June”. Those acts just fly by, but in March the lighting crew come in and turn up the lights. Lights on, the curtains of snow are pulled back and the first flirtation of colour hits the stage: The willows turn yellowish green. The theatre is warming up and some of the actors are stretching their wings. You’ve seen them I am sure. The ones that linger or are the first to early open water. Grab a glimpse them before they leave winter  fields where the cover of snow is not too deep to hear mice below. You have to be sharp because March is gone in the wink of an eye and all of a sudden you are in the breathless performance of the dance "April May June”. So look smartly, listen carefully, and feel the stage door unlocking. That is what March is to me. But then what do I know? I am merely in the audience.”

Female Hooded Merganser