Yesterday's sunny, mild weather sent me down to South Platte Park for a hike along the river. Since the valley ponds and lakes are beginning to open, many of our wintering waterfowl have dispersed from the river but most species were still represented. However, the large, mixed flocks have given way to scattered pairs, a sign that spring fever has taken hold; pairs of common goldeneyes, buffleheads and green-winged teal were encountered, joining pairs of our common, permanent residents. The large flocks of wintering Canada geese have begun their journey to the north, leaving pairs and small, family groups scattered throughout the valley; nesting should commence within a week or two.
The distinctive calls of white-breasted nuthatches and the hysterical cries of northern flickers echoed through the cottonwood groves, where downy woodpeckers, chickadees, house finches, magpies and blue jays were all especially vocal. In the riverside marshes, male red-winged blackbirds delivered their loud, monotonous tune while belted kingfishers perched above the river or chattered along the stream.
The sounds and feel of spring were certainly evident along the South Platte but, as Front Range residents know, the snowiest stretch of the year has just begun and our annual spring roller-coaster will persist through April (if not mid May). Indeed, the next Pacific storm is spinning in the Desert Southwest and upslope snow is expected along the Front Range urban corridor by late tonight; the snowy landscape won't last long, however, as highs in the fifties and sixties (F) are forecast for early next week.
