Is it Spring yet?

[Andrew]

I originally posted this earlier and did not see the replies so here it is again....

The birds are getting lively in my garden today, the Blackbirds are getting aggressive and there were a shocking four males in the vegetable plot squabbling. The Siskins were chasing eachother for a while and this was a male after a female. The same was happening with two Coal Tits, but I couldn't tell whether it was opposite sexes or two males being aggressive. The Dunnocks are frantically flapping their wings at each other. Has anyone else noticed any love in the air in their patches too?

[Chicaddd]

It is not spring yet but it is sure getting close around here Andrew. I have been watching the [migrating north] blackbirds stopping by here for a bite, or more, to eat. Flock after flock of them. What noise they are making! The other day a mockingbird seemed to be getting 'territorial' with a robin and today I was watching some House finches at my window feeder fighting over the seeds.

[Andrew]

I have also noticed groups of LBJs flying high above our house, mainly in a NNE direction. I am not experienced enough to identify them in flight or what this means.

[Yve_M]

There is no way that Spring is here yet but there are a few slim little hints that it could be close. How's that for a difinitive answer? As a little old kokum (Cree for grandmother) always used to say "the ravens are getting frisky". The local Great Horned Owls are courting as well and their little ones will be fledged by the time the migrators have all arrived. Today we have received six inches of snow and it is still coming down. It should be mid-March before melt-down starts.

[Andrew]

On this side it is generally considered Spring when the first Wheatear returns and that should be some time later this month. However, my bulbs are coming up already. I have got a pot full of purple dwarf irises. I will post a pic tomorrow.

[paula]

Andrew,
I notice sign of birds acourting on my patch, the blue tits are inspecting the nest boxes in pairs, the pheasants is constantly showing off to his ladies, who ignore his antics completely and the hazel catkins are starting to show.
Spring is in the air indeed.

[Andrew]

Paula,
I have also seen some activity around my nestboxes in the laurels. Not sure what birds they were cos my view was blurred by some fir trees.

[seb_seb]

-long-tailed tits arent arriving in flocks but in pairs
-seen two robins together,one feeding the other
-blue tit display flight

[Andrew]

As promised here are the Irises. They came out too early as there should be a riot of Irises with Crocuses around them.

[mkdon]

On Saturday, I noticed that a male cardinal chasing another male cardinal. I think the territory squabbles are beginning. I have not seen any lovey-dovey stuff, however, the males are starting to pose and posture.

[Ashley beolens]

Theres a report of a Garganey in the UK!! this is a late spring migrant so does that mean we have almost missed spring?

[Andrew]

Yup, you missed it by a day!

[new 2 this]

Birds nestbuilding, lots of happy songs from the robins, sparrows and starlings and I'm sure I heard a flock of Canadian Geese overhead yesterday.

Today felt like the warmest so far this year. Buds on the Lilac tree too, spring is here.....

[Andrew]

All the flowers are coming out and Grebes, Dunnocks, Chaffinches, Blackbirds, Thrushes and Sparrows have all shown signs of either collecting nesting material , courting or fighting for their ladies. Oh and Goldeneye too!

[Paul Rule]

Ashley, was that report of a Garganey in Bedford per chance, cos I have it on reliable authority that the ID was wrong and in fact it was a Teal.

[KCFoggin]

Andrew, I have seen subtle signs of spring and the temps have been near 70 the last couple of days. The chicadees and titmousee are taking the dog hair I have attached to the clothesline and the crocus are starting to stick their heads above the ground but the forecast for the rest of the week is only in the low 50s and I don't know about you but our March can be very unpredictable weather wise.

[Andrew]

Yes over here we often have everything growing and birds starting to sing then nature plays a cruel joke by bring snowstorms to the whole country, even in May once.

[Tammie]

In May? We've had that happen in July! I'm beginning to wonder about this year. Almost the end of February and we're still hitting -35C every morning. Even for here, those kinds of temps should be over with by now.