With all the rain over the weekend and expected cold weather this week, our area seems to be doing its best to fight off spring. Still, Earth Mother will not be denied. I have already seen the signs. Trees are budding out and showing the first signs of green.

The birds know it is spring, too. I rode my bike past a Canada Goose and it surprised me by showing aggressive behavior - sure sign of a nest nearby. In fact, it flew up and head slapped me with its wings. Good thing I had my bike helmet on or it might have stung. Guess I need to stay out of that parking lot.

I've also been hearing Sandhill Cranes migrating overhead for weeks, now, and once in awhile I've spotted them in my Nikon 8x32 Superior SE binocular. Lots of new ducks visible in my Kowa 663 spotting scope, too, now that my marsh has thawed. When the sun returns, I plan to carry both on my bicycle and pedal to the marsh. It will be an all day trip, but can't think of a better way to spend a day, unless it would be the same trip with someone special.