First Willow Buds Opening

And I heard a Red-winged Blackbird this morning.

Quiet Sunday Morning

Very quiet outside at 5:30 this morning except for a "wup, wup, wup, wup, . . . in the distance to the north. I have no idea what is making that noise. Part of the feeling of quiet is the fact that there seems to be no wind after being very windy yesterday.

Listening for the American Woodcock. They should be back soon. Thought I might have heard a Killdeer last Thursday but was not sure enough to write it down. Skunk Cabbage has been blooming for over a week. Soon more spring sounds and flowers will be perceived after our almost non-winter.

Monday Morning Birdsongs

Cardinal

Crow

Blue Jay

Chickadee

Starling

Nuthatch

and new

American Tree Sparrow!

(Wonder where the Carolina Wren is this morning?)

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Just noticed on my map yesterday that lots of people are visiting

from a variety of places even though I have seldom

been posting lately. Wonder who and why?

20 February @ 8:43 : Warren, Ohio, US 20 February @ 8:37 : Fulton, New York, US 20 February @ 8:34 : Modena, IT 20 February @ 8:15 : Lvov, UA 20 February @ 6:42 : Wautoma, Wisconsin, US 20 February @ 5:52 : Bangkok, TH 20 February @ 5:48 : Epsom, GB 20 February @ 4:03 : Uganda, UG 20 February @ 1:33 : Grand Valley, CA

Blogging Today

Every day I write a blog . . . in my head. Then, when I get back to the house and the computer, there are many other things that take over my brain and the blog disappears before it gets posted. OK, another trial to put up something more often.

Some special events: I found the Skunk Cabbage blooming again this past week on Friday, Feb. 17th. It was blooming at the RBG Hendrie Valley where I usually look for the first blooms and also at the RBG's Arboretum along the Capt. Cootes Trail. Just for the record, this is the earliest in the year that I have ever found the Skunk Cabbage in bloom.

This morning I heard the Cardinal starting to sing it's spring song. Several times before I thought I had heard it but when I listened again it was the Carolina Wren that has been here all winter this year. This morning it was the Cardinal for sure.

The Chickadees have been singing for at least two weeks now.

February Butterfly

I know these butterflies hibernate, but I never expected to find one in February.

February Flower #16

This is the 16th species seen this week.

February Flower

One of 15 outdoor plants found
blooming today. Seven of them I had never seen before in February.

Warm February 1st

It was +8 degrees C when I checked the thermometer at 5:30 this morning. What will the groundhog think tomorrow?

Sent from my iPhone