It was only a matter of time. Spring has arrived, in the form of returning migrant birds and budding flowers, and it's at this point that I can honestly say that even I was worried. I embraced winter, but when snow fell on March 14, a bit of gloom crept over my thoughts.
But the snow didn't stick, which was a good thing, and it allowed us the chance to get out and think about things like the Pembroke Herring Run, and the fact that the fish – the few alewives left – are starting to think about their return.
We know that fact because spring migration is already in motion. Tree swallows returned this week, like this one staking out a nest box at the Burrage Wildlife Management Area in Hanson. Red-tailed hawks are already on nests, and one Carolina wren has already been reported to be sitting on eggs in Massachusetts.
Skunk cabbages are up.
Praying mantis egg cases have already been prepared.
Garter snakes are mating. We caught these two in the act this morning, while another pair conducted their business nearby.
Color is returning to our New England world, and spring doesn't even officially start for a few days.
I, for one, am ready.
