This morning, it is cloudy, cold and trying to snow along the Colorado Front Range. Nevertheless, we have entered the First Month of Spring, when crocuses and hyacinths often make their appearance across central latitudes of North America.
Sap begins to rise in the trees, skunk cabbage pushes through icy wetlands and, by the end of the month, tree frogs call from the chilly waters of transient ponds and sloughs. Snow geese and American white pelicans migrate northward in February while some owls, including great horned owls, are already caring for their fluffy young. Red tailed hawks breed as the days lengthen, magpies repair their bulky nests and the homesick tune of white-throated sparrows intensifies across the Heartland.
Many of these February events are observed along the Front Range but we know that the snows are far from over. In fact, March and April tend to be the snowiest months of the year and snow is not unusual in May. This year, having experienced a snow drought to date, spring snowstorms will be more than welcome.
Sap begins to rise in the trees, skunk cabbage pushes through icy wetlands and, by the end of the month, tree frogs call from the chilly waters of transient ponds and sloughs. Snow geese and American white pelicans migrate northward in February while some owls, including great horned owls, are already caring for their fluffy young. Red tailed hawks breed as the days lengthen, magpies repair their bulky nests and the homesick tune of white-throated sparrows intensifies across the Heartland.
Many of these February events are observed along the Front Range but we know that the snows are far from over. In fact, March and April tend to be the snowiest months of the year and snow is not unusual in May. This year, having experienced a snow drought to date, spring snowstorms will be more than welcome.
