Those of you who are hoping for an early spring, contrary to what that meteorologist in Punxsutawney, PA said, may be in luck. Temperatures have been seasonable to above average for the region, with a couple of nice warm spells. There have been a few snow flurries, but no real accumulation in most areas in the region. 

There has been some precipitation in the form of rain, which is helping a little bit with suppressing the wildfire danger; we still have to be careful, as it will take a few weeks for most vegetation to green up. There are mandatory bans on outdoor burning in many areas.

If you walk out your front door in the morning, you will likely hear the increased bird activity. During the last week, I saw or heard anywhere from six to 12 different species of birds over a half-mile route I regularly walk; as spring progresses, that number will go up. At the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, there were hundreds of waterfowl present during the third week of March, including mallards, common mergansers, buffleheads and green-winged teal.

If you walk near a wetland, you may hear what sounds like quacking ducks, but getting closer will reveal a population of breeding wood frogs. They prefer vernal ponds and are some of the first spring frogs heard. Here’s a short video of 50 or more wood frogs and a single spring peeper calling.

I usually see buds of skunk cabbage in wetlands early on, but there are already a few plants that are trying to bud or bloom in March. In April, emerging plants will be a lot more evident. All these signs herald the arrival of new life and the end of winter; enjoy it.