Friday, February 26, 2016

I Told You So!!

I knew there had to be a reason I was so spring obsessed this year. 

Yes, I'm a gardener. Have been forever. 

Yes, I love spring. But I'm not usually this obsessed in February. 

I think in my heart and soul I just knew it was going to be an early spring. Perhaps because of the crazy winter. 

The Irish would say, "I felt it in my water." Don't ask. 

But now I have proof. Because they're back. 

"Who?" you ask.....

Why, the Red Winged Blackbirds, of course - who else?

Learn More About The Red Winged Blackbird - Click Here
They are the first heralds of spring in our little mountain top region. And then come the robins. 


I didn't want to get out of bed. I felt so sleepy and it was so warm and cozy in my comfy bed. 

The snow was falling gently outside my bedroom window and I could hear the horses in their paddock next door. 

I reluctantly dragged my tired butt out of bed and started my day. 

When I opened the kitchen door to let the pups out I heard a new birdsong. 

Now, granted, I've told you before that the birdsong was changing. I wasn't sure if the regular winter visitors were mating or if there were new birds arriving. I'm not that adept at bird calls. 

Yet. 


But today there was an entirely new bird call. And I kept looking up at the blue-jay in the tree outside the kitchen door and watching to see if I could figure out if he was making the sound.

But it just didn't jive. It wasn't a blue-jay kind of sound. Those of you who feed the birds know just what I'm talking about. 

And it was cold. Close the door already!

I sat down with my coffee and my iPad and checked in with the world. Yup, still there. 

Time to shower and get ready for work. 

Wait...what's that in the Sumac tree? 

About 20 Red Winged Blackbirds silhouetted against the morning sky. A glorious sight! 

Oh my word....grab the camera!! Quick!

Drat they're gone! Not quick enough!!


I grabbed my coffee and plopped myself at the dining room table with the camera, eyes glued to the feeders. 


As you would, you know. When you're crazy. 

Like me. 


It was a busy morning - the critters put on a good show. I love starting my day like this!


There was a gentle snowfall and some intermittent sun. It was truly a lovely morning. 

Made even more beautiful by the arrival of the first heralds of spring. 


Welcome home. Nice to have you back. 

I've missed you. 






32 comments:

  1. Beautiful view out your window and especially with the first sign that spring is just around the corner! Just so you know you're not alone, I do the same thing with my camera. I run to get it and my little friends have gone away and then I anxiously wait, with camera in hand, to see if they'll be back. Unfortunately, we have too much snow on the ground and now they're talking we might get dumped on again, next week.

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    1. I have no doubt there's more winter heading my way....but I'll take time to enjoy the snippets of spring along the way!

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  2. What fun , to drink coffee and bird watch, I love the red winged blackbirds song too. Robins are my favorite spring bird. My daughter said the red wings were at her house in Northern Indiana. Blessings for a great weekend, xoxo,Susie

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    1. I haven't seen any robins yet....but they will be here soon I'm sure.

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  3. Beautiful photos! No signs of spring around here either, though tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be teaser temps in the 50's, just like last weekend.

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    1. We had those spring temps Sunday, Melanie, but it's cold again today. Single digits this week at night....ick. I'm over it!

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  4. I love your photos...so beautiful! I've never seen a red-winged blackbird. Is that a bird that is only found in the north? We have been having some snippets of spring also, but I know it is not here to stay...we always have another frost right after Easter! Hugs!

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    1. They leave here and head south so I would imagine you'd see them at some point....but I'm not certain, Benita. And we have many frosts yet to come, we're not near done with winter just yet!

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  5. My blue jays are big and have a thing on their head. It's too late in the evening to know what the word is!
    Brenda

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  6. The robins never left here...I've seen them all winter but it was so mild early on I guess they decided to stay. I have heard the changed birdsong as well...particulary the cardinal ...he started singing "Pretty Pretty" at the top of his lungs about a week ago and I thought that might mean an early spring this year too! :) Love your bird shots here :)

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    1. Thanks, Deb! No robins yet here....I'm keeping an eye out for them. I thought I heard geese overhead yesterday...it was a wonderful sound!

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  7. When I worked, mornings were my most dreaded time of day. Once I retired, by Day 2 I realized they would always be my favorite time going forward. The birds are the main reason (along w/ morning coffee not being rushed). Our birds have begun singing, also. Last Sunday we had over 30 Robins arrive in our yard. That is definitely early for us. The Finch have all been much more active, also. My favorite time is when I hear the wrens arrive and begin singing. Last year it was in early May. Can't wait. The lilacs have the beginning of buds showing, and the chives are pushing upward. There is joy ahead!!

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    1. My chives are pushing up also....but no robins just yet. And the finches don't like me - I must ask my sweetie if his finches are getting more yellow yet.

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  8. I saw bunnies in my yard yesterday, happily grazing on my still hibernating lawn. I was so excited to see them out and about, they are ready for spring and so am I!!

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  9. Great photos of the wildlife visiting. Birds are so fascinating and fun to watch. Squirrels are birdfeeder raiders.

    Such a nice view out of your window.

    Have a nice weekend ~ FlowerLady

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    1. They are gluttons at the feeders for sure, Lorraine - but I do love to see all the little critters outside my window even the squirrels.

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  10. I hear the blue jays calling to each other as I am writing this.The red winged black birds never left us here in PA but the robins did. I saw my first robin yesterday morning. The raccoons are starting to steal the suet at night.

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    1. I am wondering when my bear is going to awaken....I'm not looking forward to his return!

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  11. Wow, lucky you. You are heading into spring, for sure. We are still digging out and there is more snow falling. Any spring bird arriving here now has a screw loose.

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    1. There will be more winter heading my way....these warm days are just a tease. But I'll enjoy them while I can!

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  12. We don't have red winged blackbirds here, that I've seen, but we have Ravens. They're HUGE LOL The Robins are back though. I missed them too.

    Spring has been here for almost 2 weeks with temps in the 70s, but I knew winter wasn't quite done... next week there's a possibility of snow and temps dip back down into the 50s during the day. It was a nice break from the cold though :)

    Loved the post about coming home. Dogs are the best greeters :)

    xoxo,
    rue

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    1. Holy smokes, spring really has sprung in your neck of the woods! Not here, we get a day of nice weather and then back in the 20's again during the day with single digits at night. Winter's not done with us yet!

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  13. Oh how exciting! I don't think we have the red-tipped blackbirds here, but what a joyful thing indeed to see them! I still haven't seen any robins here, which I know for sure are usually the best sign of spring here. I'm keeping my eyes peeled, any day now! Enjoyed your post... oh the joy we have in our hearts with the approach of spring!

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    1. So true, it's the most glorious joy in a gardener's heart for sure!

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  14. I'm loving watching Spring arrive from your vantage point on the glorious mountain.
    This is my first Spring in my home in central Oklahoma. Like you, I can hardly wait
    to begin planting. Such fun awaits us!

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    1. When did you move into your home? Did you get to see what's growing in your gardens last summer? Or are you starting from scratch?

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  15. I'm so ready for spring, it's not even funny!
    XO Ellen from Ask Away
    www.askawayblog.com

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    1. And we didn't even have a tough winter.....last year the winter was much harder!

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  16. Mama I saw 4 groups of birds flying north this morning!

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