SPRINGTIME…the very word evokes vivid images, sounds, and smells, especially for those of us who live in a part of the world where Spring is a distinct season. Spring is also laced with symbols of rebirth and hope after the darkness of winter. Every bulb that pushes its way through clods of dirt into its first breath of air and light is a metaphor for triumph over adversity.
Since about tree weeks ago, signs of spring have been popping out daily here in the Shenandoah Valley — flowering fruit trees, daffodils and maple trees are getting fuller and more colorful. The forsythia has been vibrant this year among the first spots of color in my yard. We’ll soon be seeing dogwood and redbud. The birds have been absolutely raucous! My Phoebe has returned to make her nest in the corner of our porch, and the Carolina Wren still amazes me with the amount of sound that comes out of such a small body. Earthworms are in big trouble — I see American Robins everywhere digging in the moist ground. The spring rain today has an entirely different smell from the winter rains — fresher and filled with the promise of things to come.
Don’t miss Connection Messenger April Moore’s post on Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) at her wonderful Nature website Earth Connection . She did some fascinating fact-finding that will enhance your knowledge and pleasure every time you hear the wonderful chorus of peeping that, to me, is one of the most conspicuous and early signs of spring, especially where I live down by the north fork of the Shenandoah River. I was particularly interested to learn that spring peepers don’t spend much time in trees and that they are nocturnal carnivores, primarily devouring insects and arachnoids. Who knew? The “crucifer” in its Latin name comes from the distinctive dark X pattern on its back. Don’t miss the link at the bottom of April Moore’s blog post to a 30-second video of a close-up view of a spring peeper peeping…amazing!
Connecting with the natural world around you will enhance your pleasure, enjoyment, and gratitude for the wonders of Nature, and it all starts with just paying attention.
What are YOUR favorite signs of spring? Please share in the comments below.
Photo credits:
1) “Tulip about to Pop” by “Louchiere” Vickie Mathews (www.flickr.com/photos/louchiere79)
2) Spring peeper showing vocal sac by Joyce Gross (http://www.joycegross.com)
3) Spring peeper showing vocal sac by Paul Tessier (http://www.tessierphotography.com), North Dighton, MA, procured through iStockPhoto.com.
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Esther Miller says
atI start looking in March for evidence of shoots in my patch of Virginia bluebells. The very earliest stalks are almost purple, lightening to pale green as they grow and the leaves unfold. They’re blooming now, beautiful blue to start, fading to pink. I’m going to go look again today for signs of bloodroot. The leaves are distinctive and the gorgeous white flowers last such a short time they are considered ephemerals. I discovered a nice patch of may apples last night at dusk, as the rain let up. Where did they come from? I’ll have to point them out to the mower of the sinkhole so they have a chance to bloom. The gnarled redbud that shaded our pool is gone now but two of its offspring are large enough to bloom and life goes on. Now if our old spring is running, I will know we have plentiful groundwater and this season will be a good one.
Elizabeth Cottrell says
atOh these are wonderful descriptions, Esther! Thank you so much for helping us connect with your little spot of Eden. Now I need to run down to the river and see what MY Virginia bluebells are doing! I’ve heard of bloodroot but don’t know it to see it. I’ve got a wonderful little book of Blue Ridge wildflowers, so I’ll go look it up. I remember may apples from the woods growing up in Fauquier County.
Beth Boland says
atOur earliest spring harbingers arrive in late February when the first crocuses emerge. I know in my heart that it’s not really spring yet, but I always eagerly start looking for them in mid February–mostly because *I’m* ready for spring even if Mother Earth isn’t quite yet. But being a native Washingtonian (DC), my favorite, favorite sign of spring is the blooming of the cherry blossoms, especially around the Tidal Basin, but also throughout our suburban neighborhood, too. And since I love birds, I also note with pleasure the first arrival of each species that has been absent over the winter. After this year’s winter (even though really only a harsh one in comparison with recent years, not with a long view), all these signs are even more welcome than in the last few years.
Elizabeth Cottrell says
atDon’t you just love those first signs of new life, new growth? You’ve captured it beautifully, and I wish all my readers would begin to be more observant about these seasonal changes. They bring such pleasure and such meaningful connection with the natural world around us. Thank you so much for sharing this, Beth.