Now Springtime Can Begin!!

One of my favorite signs of spring is the return of the birds singing.  It might still be cold out, but if the birds are back, you know that the turning of the weather can’t be too far behind. Noticeably absent for me has been my favorite, the Eastern Phoebe. Photos taken this same time in previous years shows that had returned at least 2-3 weeks earlier.  Knowing this, each morning for the past couple of weeks as the dogs and I have gone on a walk, I've listened for this bird that calls out its own name.  I've no idea why this cheeky-noisy-bird with its plain plumage gives me a sense of peace and why I feel so attached to it.  Whatever the reason, finally on Friday morning, I caught a glimpse of it as it sat on the fence post. Today its song joined the others in our mornings that are getting brighter and warmer.

Another sign that spring has begun happened this afternoon. I will often take CarrieAnne and Sheba on walks to explore the neighboring field. The two girls get along really well, but unfortunately that hasn't always been the case. So I feel that these walks with just the two of them helps to strengthen their connection and bond. It shows that it's working because they happily took turns rolling in the same-something that was mucky, green and smelly. This has happened before and they both feel differently about the baths that have to come afterwards.  The sparkle in Carrie's eyes seem to say that it was totally worth it.

However Sheba's eyes on the other hand, seem to be saying something else.

As for me, I say with the return of the Phoebe and wet dogs, let springtime begin!

A 2013 video of "our" Eastern Phoebe on the gate.