A Glimpse of Spring!

We interrupt our regular programming (namely day 2 of a winter snowstorm which I had planned to post) to bring you signs of spring!

This week we've had the most glorious foretaste of the approaching change of season, with bright sunshine, blue skies and temperatures reaching into the 50's (approx. 12ºC). The chill wind persists, but how refreshing it feels to stroll outside with fewer layers of clothing and breathe the warmer air. I can't wait to be able to open the doors and windows to let the fresh air into the house!

Look what I found in the garden yesterday - the first snowdrops opening their tiny blooms! What a wonderful surprise!

If you look very carefully you'll see them close to the wall behind Tink...hardly noticeable unless you're really looking for them. I wasn't expecting to see them yet. They're about a week earlier than last year. A few more are hidden behind the the circular wire rose covers. We'll be taking those off soon to let the roses see the light of day.

This is what I went out to photograph...daffodil shoots!

Another sure sign of spring is the cats coming out of the barn to warm up in the sunshine. Tink was enjoying a good sunbake in the garden.  

And Jodi (Bloomingwriter), guess what I saw at the feeders yesterday morning and again this morning? Yes, they're here...the red-winged blackbirds! We know spring is near when these beauties arrive, don't we?

A bluejay startles the redwing and gives hubby and I a chuckle.

Lately Mr. Cardinal comes more often for his share of the seed,

and Mrs. C has been around more too.
We never cease to be thrilled by their brilliant colors.

We're seeing the wild turkeys feeding early in the mornings in the fields across the road, cleaning up the left over corn and scratching in the hedgerow.

The males are strutting and displaying, fanning their tail feathers for the ladies' affections. 

There are over 30 turkeys in this group, which is one of several.

A starling sits in the budding Silver Maple in the early morning sunshine.

Hannah is trying to avoid walking on the snow. As you can see, there's still plenty of snow left on the ground, but we've had considerable melting these past few days.  

Sheba goes exploring over the bank...

We've hardly seen Peige out of the barn all winter.

Phoebe hasn't ventured out much either, but today most of the barn cats were down near the house, enjoying some exercise.

It won't be long until the goldfinches change to their bright summer finery.

They've made quite a mess on top of the feeder. Looks like I have some spring cleaning to do!

 

I definitely see the yellow looking a little brighter on this pretty boy.

Busy little nuthatch visits the seed and suet feeders regularly. There are a pair but I rarely see them together.

Chickadees like the suet too.

Sandy of Four Winds Photo Journal, I've been trying to capture the iridescent colors of the starlings again ever since you mentioned it, and do you think I can? No! Here they are in the afternoon sunshine which is the best time to capture the colors...but I couldn't do it! I'll keep trying :)

Doesn't a sunny bouquet of daffodils gladden the heart?


It's not quite here yet, but it sure feels like spring here in upstate NY this week! I hope all you snowbound northerners are feeling sunshine on your shoulders too!