Welcome 2010!

Well, it surely looks like Spring is coming soon, despite what the prognosticating ground hog or others had to say about it. The northward migration of the Sandhill Cranes started last week. The Canada Geese and ducks are also following. Our six male Red-winged Blackbirds showed up earlier this week. They are filling the air with their distinctive songs and cleaning out the feeders every day! Speaking of songs, there are so many beautiful spring songs from the Juncos and Bushtits. Last week or so I saw Mountain Chickadees that I hadn't noticed before. They have a sweet spring song, too. The Robins returned a couple weeks ago and they seem to be everywhere too. Today I noticed that the Mourning Dove male of our annual pair has arrived. I've also seen a Roadrunner hanging around this week. Our Ruby-headed Kinglet is also still around singing his spring song. The Ladder-back Woodpeckers have been here all winter enjoying our suet cakes. In the evenings we hear the great Grackle chorus singing to the sunset. I really love this time of year. It is so uplifting.