March was Cold

Ducks are moving through, and I’m ready for Migration

I am going to sound like a grumpy old person (which I guess I am) and say: March was cold. Colder than usual. But I’m probably wrong because March, in fact, did what March does: was cold, then got warm mid-month with the peepers calling their high pitched love song on the 11th and with the first crocuses coming up on the 17th and a first daffodil opening on the 21st. And, I went on my first (cautious) paddle, out into the Great Vly to greet the migrating ducks--rafts of Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked ducks, Wigeon, Hooded Mergansers, and Bufflehead. But some bird walks were almost eerily quiet. I’m eager for migration, and for the sounds of life that come with that.

First crocus in bloom

First paddle of the season, Great Vly

Ring-necked Duck (photo not from the Great Vly)