Feel of Spring

Saturday we drove south into Massachusetts for some shopping. Snow was almost completely absent. But not in our yard in South Newfane. We still have a 2foot snow cover, but with temperatures this weekend around 50, it is beginning to retreat. The old schoolhouse at the corner is still fenced with snow (metal roofs shed the snow, but create huge piles next to a building).

Walking Saturday and Sunday we were able to see a new dam under construction by the neighborhood beavers, as well as their handiwork on some trees down river from the dam.

But the surest feel of Spring, is the return of the summer birds. We help raise a couple of Evening Grosbeak families each year. Four or five grosbeaks have been making regular visits the past week, as opposed to the quick forays through the winter.

This gentleman is attired in the splendor and finery that would have befitted a courtier in service to Henry VIII in the 16th century. But notice that he is silhouetted against blue sky - something we have seen little of in the last few months. Ah Spring!