Is it Spring Yet?

Many look to the American Robin as a clear indication that spring has arrived. But what about that Robin you saw in January? There is much confusion surrounding this common and well-known bird’s wintertime habits so let’s do some clarification.

Where Robins winter is more dependent on food availability than temperature and they will travel to where the food is. In fact, some flocks will fly north during the winter and then back south depending on food availability so it’s possible you could see them during any part of the winter. In other words when you see robins in the colder months say hello but don’t get too excited for spring because they might just be visiting until the food runs out. However, if you look closely and see they are gathering materials for nesting, it’s a good sign spring is here to stay.

Want some more clues spring is on the way?

• Keep an ear out for woodpecker drumming. Woodpeckers drum in late-winter/early spring when establishing territories and mating.
• Look and listen for Redwing Blackbirds- most if not all migrate out of our area in the winter and return when spring is around the corner.
• Also keep a nose out for the smell of skunk- they are one of the first mammals to emerge from winter “hibernation” (technically winter lethargy).
• Trees also provide clues. Parts of Willow trees turn golden-yellow long before any green leaves emerge- a great spring harbinger and a welcome splash of color.
• Also keep an eye out for sap buckets in the sugar bush, it means sap is running in maple trees as they prepare for leaf out.

Enjoy late winter/early spring!