After a very sluggish start, it appears that spring has finally displaced winter in central Missouri. The hardy magnolias have lost their blossoms and redbuds and lilacs now adorn the landscape. Most of the summer songbirds have returned and spring migrants are passing through. And, perhaps most inviting, we are looking forward to a warm week, with highs in the 60s and 70s F and lows well above the risk for snow or ice.
Of course, here in the Midwest, showers and thunderstorms can be expected but warm precipitation is certainly preferable to the cold rain and wintry mix of March and early April. Toads are trilling, snakes, lizards and turtles have emerged from their winter retreats and young cottontails are dining on wildflowers that now grace the lawn.
During this difficult spring, when most of us are confined to our homes, the warm weather and increasing natural diversity are especially welcome. One could spend a lifetime learning about the many creatures and plants in their own backyard and this is a perfect year to expand that knowledge.
Of course, here in the Midwest, showers and thunderstorms can be expected but warm precipitation is certainly preferable to the cold rain and wintry mix of March and early April. Toads are trilling, snakes, lizards and turtles have emerged from their winter retreats and young cottontails are dining on wildflowers that now grace the lawn.
During this difficult spring, when most of us are confined to our homes, the warm weather and increasing natural diversity are especially welcome. One could spend a lifetime learning about the many creatures and plants in their own backyard and this is a perfect year to expand that knowledge.
