The Birds and the Bears

The ice and snow have entirely melted from our deck, leaving piles of birdseed and husks all over the ground. The trees this morning, after a warm day yesterday (in the 50s!), are alive with birds. We've had visits this morning from the nuthatch, juncos, cardinal, chicadees, titmice, and mr & mrs woodpecker. There are brilliant blue jays in the trees, crows squawk overhead, and if you open the door, birdsongs fill the air. I'm supposed to be blogging, but I can't keep myself from watching the flutterings out the window as the birds play tag in the trees. And I wonder if I'll see the goldfinches and sparrows this morning, too.

A burst for other bird feeders: we were warned last week to take down our feeder in mid-March to keep the freshly awakened, hungry bears from snatch-and-grabs. It was even suggested that there might be a law in Belchertown regarding the removal of bird feeders, but I didn't find one. Nevertheless, it's good to keep in mind that the bears will soon be out and about, hungry for their seasonal breakfast, and a feeder of birdseed is like a little mini-fridge.

The weather is warming, the days are lengthening, the animals are frisking. Spring must be on its way!