Is it Spring yet?

The dark clouds break and a strange new light appears upon the land...

The calendar is announcing the start of a new season. Today is the Spring Equinox, that balance point between the dark hours and the light ones, and a time to pause, reflect and re-balance ourselves. Most of us are not connected to the cycles of the earth except perhaps if we have a vegetable patch that we plant or a flower garden that we tend, in which case we now look forward to the preparation of the soil and the choosing of our plants. Taking stock of where we are in our personal life, and planning changes in our path is a healthy practice as life tends to often compel us in a direction and at a speed which does not leave room for reflection. 

This birch tree reminds me that just as the earth begins to shed its coat of snow and ice, so am I eager to shed the trappings of winter, the coats and boots, and those sneaky extra pounds resulting from winter's comfort foods. 

Spring generally approaches slowly; the temperatures will fluctuate, water levels will rise and fall, and we may yet see snow on the ground. If you walk a path in the morning, the prints in the mud from the previous day, will be frozen in place, yet by the afternoon, the sun will soften the mud and it will try and remove your boot from your foot. 

Most lawns are still wearing their winter coat of brown not even giving a nod to St. Patrick this past week. On the forest floor, the moss is brilliant by contrast and virtually all that is green as yet. 

Robins are the iconic harbinger of spring, but it is not true that all robins migrate. It is true that most migrate, with only a portion remaining in the north dependent on the availability of fruit to sustain them through the cold months. I think though, that it is safe to say that when robins start appearing on lawns and trees in your neighborhood, spring is close by. 

Other 'springy' things are going on right now. The deer are moving from their winter grounds to their summer ones, so can be seen in large groups around dusk.

Migration of other birds is beginning. Our area is a flight path for returning trumpeter swans. Some will stay in this area to nest, while others will continue on to nest in other places. 

That small flock landed in this cornfield possibly just to rest, and possibly to wait for others still in flight.

Male Red-winged blackbirds are just now arriving. They return in advance of the females in order to choose a nesting area and establish a territory. When the females arrive, the males will gather together their 'harem' of many females, and oversee all the nests established at their chosen 'address'. 

There are many birds for whom Southern Ontario is their nesting destination, but many others only stop for only a few days to recharge before continuing on. Today I was in Hamilton and saw this solitary male Ring-necked duck on a partially thawed pond. This golden-eyed diving duck has a distinctive ring on his bill, hence his name, ringed-neck?!? I don't expect he will stay on this pond for long, but he may return for a stop in the fall on his way south. 

As the ice recedes on other ponds, muskrats can be seen out in the sun looking for something fresh to eat and enjoying the freedom to swim in open water again.

The local population of Canada Geese is swelling with return of migrating flocks. You will find them in parks, on lawns...

and factory roofs. Before long they will be constructing nesting mounds near the river, hopefully after any chance of flooding is past.

I am so mindful of the privilege of living in a country which has four seasons. While there is beauty in each one, Spring brings a unique sense of hope, joy and renewal. The prospect of buds appearing on trees and bulbs sprouting energizes the soul and builds anticipation of hours spent in the enjoyment of this bounty. Perhaps then on this day of balance, it is good to reflect on whether my life is in a healthy state of balance, what steps might be needed to retain or regain that healthy place including how I want to spend myself and my time. 

"Music comes from an icicle as it melts, to live again as spring water"

Henry Williamson