Signs of Spring: 2011

Ok...say it ain't so...
I just observed a male HOSP singing while doing his "doobie dance" to attract a female just a few branches away from him...and he hasn't put on his dark beak and full breeding plumage yet...
Must be practicing, getting the kinks out and perfecting his act...HA!
Have mercy! It's not even March yet! No wonder they're able to have so many broods each breeding season...Good Grief! :O

Tehehehehe, Susan;

Hello Lily,

LOLOLOL...Valentine's Day! :D
Thankfully she wasn't all that impressed. She probably thought he was a nutball anyway...thinking to herself..."Well, he better find a secluded birdhouse because I'll be darned if I'm going to build a nest in a tree void of leaves and be naked and exposed to the elements and preditors sitting on the nest!"

I have seen the mockingbirds squawking and chasing each other. The mourning doves are chasing each other -- running around on the ground...hilarious. Lots more singing, too. Signs of spring everywhere!

^.^ YAY spring flowers

Oh that looks so nice!

More spring flowers :) Here is some Witcthazel.
Julie, that's so inviting a setting.

That is neat looking Lily!

Thanks, I love my wooded area.

Have you noticed how many of the pretty things of spring are colored yellow? haha

Yes I've. lol, next will be purple. Julie, what are those carpeting of purple that grow on the field? They are everywhere here, we've had a week of Indian Summer, and those blooms covered the vacant field. As far as our feathered friends those that didn't migrate North. They're busy--building their nests... What's glorious sign to see.

Thanks Pelle, Witchazel is crrious looking, isn't it? Usually Butter cups are the first to bloom in my garden, but not anymore, now that I've a Witchazel to become the Champ. lol.

Here is another signs of spring; look closely one will see the Bumble Bee enjoying the flowers as shown.

LilyLove, Is it the weed called henbit? or purple deadnettle? I see it around a lot. It is pretty if it's not in my front yard. haha


Here is another yellow one... Sassafras bud. One of the first to open on my trees, and it is starting to swell...hooray!

Our 1st RWBB arrived...WooHoo!!!

Adding...
I just saw our weather forecast...another big snowstorm is on it's way for Thursday...
This pretty much sums it up for me...
http://www.someecards.com/2011/02/01/church-sign-whoever-is-praying-for-snow-please-stop

Oh, no! I am sure you all feel enough is enough!

Here's a pic of our 1st RWBB...arrived this morning...2/22/11. I just checked our records and this is the earliest arrival in 3 years. The previous 2 years dates are 2/24/09 and 3/23/10.

ooo, jealous of the pansies!

Susan, I hope the weather will improve soon for you. Marna, Pansies flourish down South from early Fall right on through early to mid summer here. I've spring bulbs planted under there. The Pansies are "top dress" for those spring bulbs yet to arrive. :)

:((

I want them!!!!!

Saw my first displaying American Woodcocks in OK at dusk tonight. Two peenting females and one displaying male. The 'skydance' is a spectacular show. Rare for this neck of the woods. No pics, too dark.

How delightful to be able to watch such courtship 'skydance'. I would like to see. Marna, will Pansies grow up North?

Pansies are the one of the first thing we see in the nurseries here, but it is never soon enough for me! LOL. We don't get as long of a growing season with them then, because before you know it it is too hot. Then they are available again in the fall.

Thanks for the woodcock reminder, Red. I think there are some local trips in the spring to watch the display.

Other than the continued bird singing, no new spring bird sightings here. getting ready for the snow again.

Marna, not knowing if Woodcocks can be found down South. But if an opportunity available, I'd love to see their 'skydance' one of these days. Snow again??? Ohhh well, it only 3rd week of Feb. Down here we've enjoyed the record high weather, thus the landscape is changing at breakneck's speed. The short coming of that is hot and cold fronts whips up some turbulent weather this weekend locally. :((

Too bad about the Pansies short live up there. They tolerate occassional snow flurries here.

As far as migratory birds I've noticed Goldfinches molting. Yes, molting. I'm learning to use my new camera, will post some pics. soooon.

If you are a nature lover, the 'skydance' should be on your bucket-list! Yes, they migrate through AL. The range maps don't show we have them here and there aren't many, but I've had my bird dogs point a couple in Comanche County which is western OK. If you can find a displaying ground, it's usually good for years. A good way to locate is to check last sightings for your county or state on eBird.

Looks like March 19th is the first Illinois Audubon Field Trip here. Three hour drive though. I know there are supposed to be some around here.

Another sign of spring: when the wildlife begins celebrating the arrival of spring by playing leap frog!!

HA!!!
Too funny.

Gotta love that!! ^_^

That's too cute!

Whoa! Most spring blooming flowers are about to bust forth here. We'd a stormy evening yesterday, after the rain everything is about to bust. Birds are busying with their nest building chores. Seems like every species are pairing up. :)

Rose, That's hysterical!

What a funny shot, Rose.

Rose great picture.

Still not spring here. Was 3 degrees above yesterday morning, warmed up to 20 degrees, and this morning 8 degrees and cloudy. Still snow on the ground .

Donna

Donna, hope you could come down South and visit. Spring is about to arrive here as evidence by flower buds are swollen and about to erupt.

have seen male cardinlas chasing females around!! The nuthatches seem to be doing some flirting too!

Heard a couple of Red-winged Blackbird's at Pipe Creek today...plus Killdeer's were present...good sign's for here.

Saw several Myrtle Warblers this morning!!

Also noticed Chickadees and Bluebirds checking out tree cavities

Have heard the Mourning Doves cooing. Loads of Red-winged Blackbirds yesterday at the fields!

Oo, I haven't heard the Doves yet.

Don't you mean, Coo, you haven't heard the Doves yet?