We've been hoping for a break from this long, frigid winter and it arrived three days ago with highs in the 40s and 50s. The snow and ice have been melting but, unfortunately, the deep soil is frozen and the vegetation is not yet absorbing this wealth of moisture. So we end up with sloppy yards, muddy trails and flooded fields. Today, cold rain is adding to the mess.
Such is the landscape of late February and early March: plenty of moisture with no place to go. While these conditions may impede our activities, the temporary wetlands provide welcome rest stops and feeding grounds for migrant waterfowl. Snow geese should begin moving through Missouri any day now and, by March, the first wave of ducks will arrive. Time to break out the boots, ponchos and binoculars.
