Greedily by the Lungful

Sap icicles on maple tree in Medd's Mountain Park. Photo: Glen Spurrell

Sap icicles on maple tree in Medd’s Mountain Park. Photo: Glen Spurrell

March 2016 Get Out!

By Glen Spurrell

The spring air smells so delicious and it’s such a tonic after the winter that I draw it into my lungs greedily. In fact I find myself unable to get enough into my lungs! Do you ever daydream of bottling a certain smell and selling it?! This would be one that I would want to try. And in my more serious moments I find myself thinking that this would be the smell I would want when I take my last breath. But of course when apple blossom time comes I know I will think otherwise!

Can it really be that this year the date on the calendar that says “spring” actually is spring?! I don’t want to give way to this hope too soon, but somehow it feels like it this year. Before I was really thinking about sap, maple syrup and sugaring off (although I had heard a report on the radio of a producer in south-west Ontario beginning in February, which he said was unheard of) I was out walking and noticed odd icicles hanging from branches where they seemed so out of place. It took me a moment to realize the sap was flowing and that a broken branch was allowing the sap to ooze and then freeze. It will be interesting to talk to local producers about what this very mild weather is doing to their production.

The mild weather had just begun when very early in the morning at first light I heard it. At first I thought I was hearing things; but no it really was birdsong! In the winter our early mornings (even though they come so late) are silent things. But spring must be here or almost here because the birds have started their “dawn chorus” once more. Through my window I hear robins, crows, chickadees and doves–and of course geese!

The same morning that I first heard the dawn chorus, my walk revealed another sure sign of spring. I heard the Red-winged Blackbird before I actually saw him. The odd “konkeree” call of this bird is to me an undoubted sign of spring. Robins are notorious now for not migrating, instead seeking refuge in wooded areas where there are berries to eat. But the blackbird is still a migrator and thus a harbinger of spring. I suppose they must overwinter just a little south of here, so the warm breezes have not had to waft them that far.

On the pond the open water has immediately attracted migrating waterfowl. The Canada Geese and Mallards are of course back but, like the robins, they are not technically migratory anymore. But real migrators are back too. Have a look and see if you can spot the lovely Hooded Mergansers or Ring-necked Ducks.

And finally on a non-migratory but still a bird note, have you seen any ravens around? I usually pay little attention to big black birds; but some of these birds look so very big. Part of my brain was registering that ravens were coming into our area (and this time the trend is southward rather than northward). It was only at a party when a friend mentioned his suspicion that it really became plain to me. So look closely at those “crows”–they may be a newcomer raven.

There’s lots to see, hear, and smell at this season. Whether it’s outside in this mild weather birdwatching or tramping the trails, or watching the changes through your window, or even listening from the cosy comfort of your bed (the dawn chorus!), enjoy! And fill your lungs with that delightful, scented air!

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