Looking for Signs of Spring

April is an unpredictable month. The sun definitely shines a bit brighter and the longer days indicate that winter is past, but sometimes the season just doesn't want to let go. That was the case this past weekend. We drove North to Vermont Friday afternoon and encountered snow most of the way. Saturday morning the sun was out briefly, but snow returned throughout the day as the temperature remained below freezing. 

The wind blows snow across Lake Memphremagog

Nevertheless, Saturday afternoon I put on my hat and mittens and walked along the lake looking for some signs of Spring. The nice thing about early Spring is that trees and brush take on a different appearance before their leaves come out and I realize that although the landscape may initially appear dull and uninteresting their is actually lots of color to be seen.

The branches of Red-Osier Dogwood stand out among other wetland plants in Spring

One of the most recognizable wetland species and a welcome sign of spring are the fuzzy white catkins of pussy willows.

Pussy willows and clouds are a nice contrast to a bright blue sky

It's amazing that the berries of this viburnum were able to survive the cold and wind of a very long winter.

Post-Winter berries of viburnum

Although most of the lake was still covered with ice, fishermen were out drilling holes through the ice Saturday morning, there were some open areas of water. This was fortunate for those migratory birds that decided to return before ice-out.

Canada Geese and a Mallard brave the cold water in April

If you have been near water this month, you have probably heard some red-winged blackbirds. Another common bird that you may here this time of year are Common Grackles.  These two were making quite a racket as they perched at the top of a tree.

Common Grackles 

Even though I won't be putting away my winter clothing yet, I know that the upcoming days will continue to reveal the sights and sounds of a new season of life.