The calendar says it’s March, which means the Vernal Equinox – the official start of spring – is not far off. This year it’s Tuesday, March 20 at 10:46 a.m. Eastern Time.
That doesn’t mean wildflowers will be suddenly blooming and warblers will be headed north right away. Spring’s arrival is a process, a wonderful process that anyone who enjoys the outdoors and nature revels in.
It’s also a reminder that it won’t be long before some species we’ve come to enjoy at our backyard feeding stations will be leaving us and heading north. That list is short compared to the number of species that will be migrating our way soon.
Still, they’ve kept us company through the depths of winter. The dark-eyed junco is a favorite that will be leaving us in the coming weeks, same for purple finch and tree sparrow.
Enjoy them while you can and keep your bird books and binoculars handy for the magnificent show that will follow.
