Signs of Spring

Several signs of spring preceded the spring equinox yesterday--robins, bluebirds, ladybugs and caterpillars. Robins have been singing their melody at dawn for over a week and a pair of bluebirds inspected the bluebird houses yesterday.

Male Western Bluebird

Ladybugs and woolly caterpillars are emerging from a long winter tucked away in a crevice under leaves or bark. Small flying insects are also starting to emerge, but no mosquitoes yet.

Another spring migrant, the spotted towhee made its presence known with its call from the bushes and a flash of orange and black as it hopped around. Tundra swans are stopping in the Kootenai Valley on their way north and the honking of Canada geese echoes across the valley wetlands.

Spring is slowly coming with highs in the 40's this week and plenty of rain to melt the snow. More signs of spring will appear as the days continue to become longer and warmer.