Traditionally, the end of winter has been something to celebrate. But since winter never really happened this year, I’ll just barge into an early discussion about spring. It could get weird.
Perhaps you’ve noticed, spring has begun. Here are some early signs.
Common grackles and red-winged blackbirds are moving in. I’d estimate they are about a week early.
Turkey vultures started wintering in Maine a few years back. They are now established year-round residents in southern Maine. Some of our eastern Maine vultures are starting to return. They are also early.
Wild turkey toms are fanning their tails and strutting their stuff for the ladies.
The first pine warblers, common yellowthroats, swamp sparrows and chipping sparrows crossed the New Hampshire border a week ago — way early.
Many folks see American goldfinches at their feeders. Look again. Some are beginning to molt into their bright summer colors.
Mourning doves are getting romantic. Watch the male follow behind the female. They’re probably already mated. Doves pair up long-term, but they don’t get all “lovey-dovey” until it’s nearly time to nest. Often, a third bird will follow the pair. He’s an unmated male, hoping to take advantage if the opportunity arises.
Watch for crows chasing hawks and eagles. Wherever they are planning to nest, crows want predators to stay far away, even if they must harass them. They pester ravens, too.
Eastern bluebirds are checking out nest boxes.
Northern cardinals are competing for attention. They’re getting pretty noisy, as they turn to thoughts of love.
Bald eagles are among the earliest nesters. ‘Tis the season for a little nest repair, so watch for eagles carrying sticks. Ospreys will do likewise when they arrive in about four weeks.
Owls nest early. Great horned owls and barred owls are year-round residents, and they’re already hooting out their territories.
Most northern saw-whet owls are migratory, but they return early. Some have arrived, and they’ve been heard tooting. In recent years, northern screech-owls have started moving into southern Maine. They’re calling now, too.
As some birds quietly return, others depart likewise. Buffleheads are small ducks that nest in subarctic ponds across Canada. Great numbers winter along the Maine coast. As soon as the inland lakes and rivers open up, buffleheads move into fresh water and head north.
Those water bodies became ice-free early this year, so I expect the buffleheads will sneak out sooner than usual too.
There’s no telling how early ice-out will affect waterfowl migration. Snowmelt often creates temporary ponds in big fields. Dabbling ducks congregate in them, taking advantage of the shallow, food-rich water.
But snowmelt is lacking this year since snow is lacking. We’ll see.
Much of my youth was spent on a lake in New Hampshire. I learned to drive on ice when my uncle let me take his 1946 Ford truck onto the lake. (For younger readers, there was once this thing called a stick shift.) I could walk out to visit the ice fishermen. That lake doesn’t freeze anymore.
American woodcocks will appreciate the lack of snow and ice. They typically return to Maine in late March, when much of their food supply is still covered. It won’t be this year.
About eight years ago, spring came so early I heard woodcocks calling on St. Patrick’s Day. We may break that record this year.
This should be an interesting year for Carolina wrens. This southern species continues to expand its range northward. They are being seen at local feeders in winter more often these days.
A frigid climate knocks them back, but this has been one of the warmest winters on record. If they’re in your yard this spring, you’ll know it. They’re wicked noisy. The song is teakettle-teakettle-teakettle.
I’ve hosted a resident male red-bellied woodpecker all winter. There was a pair of this once-southern species in my yard last summer, but the female ditched him and headed south in autumn. He’s now begun calling regularly, advertising for a mate as spring arrives.
Naturally, there are non-avian signs of spring. Chipmunks often come out of their dens on warm winter days, but now they’re all outside, romping around with abandon. Red squirrels are chasing each other.
Mice are back in my garage, after months of staying cozy in their dens.
I have to wonder how all this warm weather will affect my annual gamble. Every year, I try to guess when bears will come out of hibernation. I hope to bring my feeders indoors before they demolish them.
The last two years, the bears have won.