The homesick tune of white-throated sparrows is ringing through the neighborhood these days. Pining for their Canadian homeland, they will head north by mid April, escaping the uncomfortable heat and humidity of a Midwestern spring.
In concert, large flocks of dark-eyed juncos are forming, preparing to move northward as well. Their winter vacation at this "southern latitude" is also coming to an end and they will depart for Canada in the coming weeks.
In the wake of this seasonal departure, spring migrants and summer residents will arrive from the south, taking over the insect and weed control duties of our Canadian winter visitors. I thank them for their service and wish all of them safe travels.
