April 2022: Rebuilding

 

Spring is a time of renewal and rebuilding. This Southern Ground Hornbill is gathering nesting materials. They are quite large birds, some approaching 4 feet tall.  It is traditionally quite an important bird in many African cultures, and the birds themselves are treated with great respect as a result.  Yet despite this esteem, they are now an endangered species due mainly to habitat loss. Renewal and rebuilding is a constant struggle and a critical function for these unique birds.

After having involuntarily taken most of the last half of the year off in 2021 due to injury, and with the pandemic seemingly waning, the sense of renewal and rebuilding that comes with spring is even more powerful for me this year.  It is going to be a busy summer here, the schedule is filling up quite quickly already, but hopefully it won't fly by too fast for me to enjoy it. Fortunately, I don't move quite as fast as I used to so that shouldn't be a problem! :D

March 2022: Red Pines

 

When the white pines were clear cut from this area back in the lumber era, red pines were planted in their stead. Some of those stands are still around, and this one is about as old as they get. Sadly, a disease which is specific to red pines is making its way through the state. They are such a predominant tree in this area that if they were to be wiped out it would change the ecology of the area tremendously. 

In other news, spring is showing signs of coming early this year, despite what the groundhog said on Feb. 2.  I have never seen blackbirds return so early, and the cranes are already being heard! All of those things are two weeks earlier than usual.

Spring is very close now!!!