Sure Signs of Spring
Here in Kansas the migrants have begun to arrive. Personally I have seen Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe), Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), and Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) up to this point. Not only are these wonderful birds finally arriving, but all of the birds have begun to sing once more. It’s amazing how much of a difference bird song can make to the feel of the day.
Along with the birds, insects have made their appearance known once more. With such nice weather lately their populations for the year will continue to grow until next winter when they leave us. The abundance of insects and warm temperatures has awakened another song-writer of spring.
The frogs have begun singing their breeding songs since being awakened from their long winter slumber. In Fancy Creek State Park, Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata) have claimed a small pool that has formed along the creek. These small frogs like to form large breeding groups in low-lying vegetated areas. After the breeding season they can be hard to find, only emerging after rains or humid nights.
Soon the mammals will become more and more obvious as well as they search for their mates and suitable places to raise their young.
Spring is the season of renewal around Kansas. Plants begin to green, animals give birth to young, and all sorts of new life emerges.
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