Spring is here, no matter what your calendar says!

Well, spring is here! I don't care what any calendar says... Saturday March 14th, 2009 is MY first day of spring.

Why? As those who know me and have had this discussion with me... today I saw my first Red Winged Black Birds of 2009. These are males in the photos.

For the last week or so, Angie and I have talked about when they might show up. I did some searches on-line and discovered that others in Ontario had begun seeing them as early as March 5th. I was all set to go out and find my sign of Spring today; but before I was able to go out the door and do so... one lonely male Red Wing showed up in the backyard.

I didn't have to find Spring. Spring found me.

A number of hours later, I was out to a local hot spot for migratory returners, with camera and food in hand and got these shots. A number of Common Grackles were in the mix as well. I don't care what anybody says about Grackles, I like them! I know how much of a pain they can be in large flocks, dominating an area (I have similar problems with European Starlings)... but Grackles aren't here all year long. I also love the look of them, jet black bodies and a blue/green head. They have a fierce look about them with piercing yellow eyes.

Welcome home guys!!!!!