March 17th, 2012

I suspect we are being lulled into thinking this week that spring is here for good, when, in fact, we are likely to see the return of colder weather, and perhaps even some – well, you know – the white stuff.

But the warmer weather has certainly brought prominence to several species we associate with spring.  Robins have returned in large numbers along with several other spring migrants like the killdeer, turkey vultures and red-winged blackbird.  Monarch butterflies are making their exodus from Mexico, some reported as far as 1,ooo miles north of their mountainous wintering grounds. Follow the migration at http://www.learner.org/jnorth

An “inspection tour” of the fields, forests and wetlands at the  Blair Outdoor Education Centre on Friday revealed these  spring species…

The wooly bear caterpillar, larva of the Isabella moth, overwintered in the leaf litter in this form and will now pupate in preparation for winged adulthood.

Skunk Cabbage, too, has been ready for reproduction since late last fall.  The purplish “spathe” contains the spadix, or flowering  parts of the plant.  It emerges through the snow in our wetlands as a result of the heat generated through respiration – up to 20 degrees celcius higher than the surrounding air temperature.  The fetid smell it produces attracts ground beetles as pollinators.

This eastern chipmunk, recently awakened from  hibernation, was foraging for berries and insects on the forest floor and cautiously took shelter in a hollow log as I meandered by.

The 20+ degree days we are enjoying has, in all likelihood, put an end to our maple syrup production for this year, but students attending the program will be witness to many more spring events.  Wild leek is likely to be poking through the leaves by now – blue cohosh and spring beauty won’t be far behind.  We’ve already spotted the first butterfly – a Compton tortoiseshell, soon to be joined by the mourning cloak and eastern comma, all species that overwinter in their adult form.  The first phoebe song and the return of wood ducks to the sugar bush are two annual highlights for us as well, so expect the “battle of the birds” to heat up between Sean and Al.

Hope you are enjoying all that this warm weather has to offer, but don’t be surprised if – well, you know…