HARBINGERS OF SPRING

By Spike Knuth

According to the calendar, spring begins around March 21 each year, the time of the vernal equinox. Usually we equate spring to warming weather.However, in the world of birds, the movements and actions of a number of species tips us off to the fact that spring is coming no matter what the weather looks like. Regardless of any snow or cold that may come along, annual bird migrations have subtly begun. Lengthening daylight hours seems to be the "firing pin" that "ignites" many species of birds into singing their spring songs or "triggers" their movement toward traditional breeding grounds.

It is sometimes hard to detect the first northward movements of birds, since Virginia is located on the northern edge of the wintering range of many species. The initial thrusts of their migrations are not always easily discernible. Robins begin definite northerly movements as early as late-January. If they've been wintering in Virginia all winter, it's hard to detect those first waves. Flocks begin sweeping through the woodlands, devouring any remaining cedar and holly berries. In February, scattered flocks become more common on lawns in the evenings, searching for worms, squabbling and chasing, just before going to roost amid constant chattering back and forth through the trees.

Some of the signs of spring are not sights but sounds. A number of species could qualify as the official message-bearers in heralding the arrival of spring. Song sparrows are among the first to be heard in spring. The cardinal is another bird that will suddenly irrupt into spring song come February and March. Mourning doves begin "cooing" as early as February and, in fact, will begin nesting that early

Spring always comes, and the "harbingers of spring" are there each year to announce it in their respective ways. Though each individual spring has predictable similarities, each has unpredictable variety. Like fingerprints, there are no two alike. Each is different. Enjoy this coming spring. There'll never be another one like it!