Everyone knows that “April showers bring May flowers.” I do sincerely wonder, however, if the person who coined that phrase would have included snow showers. Spring officially arrived several weeks ago, we have celebrated Easter, and the bulbs are daring to poke their heads through the frozen ground—and the snow is still falling after a winter where most people were praying for just a sprinkling of the ‘white stuff.’
In spite of the rather peculiar weather conditions, however, the birds are fighting back. During the past few days, the birds have finally started to reappear in big numbers. I have spotted huge flocks of goldfinches, still shedding their dull winter feathers for a more desirable buttery counterpart, juncos, blue jays, and hoards of migrating sparrows.
Indeed, the birds are carrying on their usual routine without the slightest consideration of the weather. One particular bird seems to me to be going a little bit far. A pair of house sparrows has decided to nest on the wreath inside the alcove next to my front door. Boy, did I get a surprise when I opened the door to go out and shovel some snow. The furious sparrow gave me a dirty, defiant look and proceeded to stand guard in the bush by the front door in case I should do anything reckless. The next morning, in the midst of another flurry, I noticed three bluish green eggs in the lovely nest.
Now, I fully appreciate the sparrows’ desire to build a nest in the spring, especially on such a prime piece of real estate, but the weather does not seem to be conducive to raising a new generation. The nights are still quite cold and the snow is still falling. I wish them luck. Until then, I will make sure to be very careful as I leave the house.
As always, if you happen to have any questions about the column, any sightings you have had, or anything in general, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at chickadee@att.net I am always happy to answer your questions if at all possible. Until next time, Happy Birding! Stay warm.
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