A Strange Season

White-crowned Sparrows                                   © Diane Reed

It's been a strange spring, with periods of cold and rain, intense sun, spectacular lightning storms, and a persistent icing of snow on the Blue Mountains. A few Wigeons stuck around the pond much longer than usual, and a bout of stormy weather brought a pair of Cinnamon Teal. Our Osprey has returned and makes multiple visits to the pond every day, no doubt feeding nestlings. He's been very successful, diving into the pond and snatching up one of the trout, often to the astonishment of the kids who enjoy fishing in the pond. At times he dives within ten feet of them, dropping into the water like an arrow.

Mallard and Cinnamon Teal                            © Diane Reed

The pond has been full to overflowing for the last week. It's fed by Garrison Creek and rises and falls with the various downpours. It also keeps the pond fresh and charged with nutrients. The muskrats seem to be reveling in the rise and fall, though it must be a challenge for them to access their burrow under the pond's island. We haven't seen the mink so far, but he'll probably turn up.

Goldfinch in summer feather  © Diane Reed

A sure sign of spring is the changing plumage of the birds, particularly the goldfinches, now bright yellow against an often threatening sky.

At least one sign of spring is the arrival of fresh asparagus. We'll overdose for a few weeks, fixing it every imaginable way. We've planted the tomatoes and peppers in the garden, and the Walla Walla Farmers Market opens on Saturday. Life is good in the Walla Walla Valley!