Spring visitors, at last.

Well, a few days ago I definitely heard the distinct call of Mountain Chickadees in the yard, but I was not able to spot them. Yesterday, I saw a pair of White-winged Doves in one of our pine trees and have been hearing them ever since. We have had a pair of Mourning Doves here for about three weeks. Things are finally starting to happen. The Robins have also been showing up. I put out some dried cranberries for them. This evening I listened to quite a concert from a flock of Great-tailed Grackles in the top of the ancient elm tree next door. The weather is still trying to be winter but only for short spurts. I think I will go ahead a plant some spring flowers. For the past week my husband has been seeing some flights of Sandhill Cranes starting the migration northward. Suddenly, our thoughts have turned to the expectation of seeing our first hummingbird! Usually, we put out feeders on April 1st but it seems that this year they could be here weeks earlier. Stay tuned.